Kochi On a Platter: A Foodie’s Day From Sunrise to Sunset
If you plan to spend the entire day fulfilling your gastronomic desires in Kochi, we will help you chart the route to dining from steaming hot dosas for breakfast, seafood-heavy lunches, to heritage dinners. Popular and famous eateries such as Pai Brothers and Kayees Rahmatullah Café, along with several hidden gems promise to give your palate the best culinary experience that the Queen of the Arabian Sea has to offer.
By:
TN Lifestyle Desk
Updated Jun 27, 2025 | 10:42 IST
Dishes to eat in Kochi
Kochi incorporates many aspects of colonialism blended with modern spirit and has a vibrant food culture based on tradition, spices, and freshness. A day's worth of food excursion is a gem to cherish, especially if you are on a stopover or a curious local. From breakfast joints serving crispy dosas to restaurants serving the catch of the day, here's a neat guide on what and where to eat in Kochi from sunrise to sunset.
For Breakfast
1. Pai Brothers Fast Food
Egg Dosa Image-Canva
Located near MG Road, Pai Brothers is legendary for its variety of dosas - over 50 types, to be exact. This no-frills, fast-moving joint is beloved by locals and tourists alike. Whether you go for the traditional ghee roast or experiment with a paneer-masala dosa, each one is served crisp, hot, and generously portioned. Don’t miss their chutneys and sambhar, which are just as good.
Address: MG Road, Near Shanoy Theatre, Ernakulam, Kochi
Timings: 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Must Try - Quail Egg Dosa, Thattil Kutti Dosa
2. Aavi
Appam Image-Canva
Tucked away in Panampilly Nagar, Aavi is a modern take on a traditional Kerala breakfast house. The minimalist interiors are perfect for a relaxed start, but the food remains the highlight. Expect soft appams, kadala curry, puttu, and idiappam paired with coconut milk-based gravies. Their filter coffee also deserves a special mention.
Address: Door No. 40/9514, Near Krishna Temple, Panampilly Nagar, Kochi
Timings: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Must Try - Puttu, Appams, Soft String Hoppers
3. Dhe Puttu
Puttu Image-Canva
Co-owned by actor Dileep, Dhe Puttu is a stylish yet rooted restaurant that elevates Kerala’s puttu which is basically a steamed rice cake to gourmet levels. With options like beef puttu, seafood puttu, and even chocolate puttu, it's both a visual and flavourful delight. This is a must-visit for breakfast lovers looking to try something inventive yet traditionally grounded.
Address: NH Bypass, Edappally, Kochi
Timings: 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Must Try - Beef Puttu, Chocolate Puttu
For Lunch
1. Karthiyayini
Oonu Image-Canva
If you’re craving home-style meals with an authentic Kerala touch, head to Karthiyayini in Fort Kochi. This modest eatery is known for its hearty fish curry meals, red rice, vegetable thoran, and freshly fried fish. It’s not fancy, but it’s soulful, comforting, and exactly what a traditional Kerala lunch should taste like.
Address: Near Veli Ground, Kalvathy Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi
Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Must Try - Oonu, Kanthari Squid
2. Machali
Pothichoru Image-Canva
Located near Panampilly Nagar, Machali is known for its coastal cuisine that brings together flavours from across South India. Their seafood thali is a crowd favourite, packed with crab curry, prawns roast, squid fry, and tangy fish curry. The ambiance is elegant, making it a great spot for a slightly upscale lunch.
Address: Mahatma Gandhi Road, Opposite Axis Bank, Panampilly Nagar, Kochi
Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Must Try - Pothichoru
3. Hotel Seagull
Mango Prawn Curry Image-Canva
A well-known name in Kochi’s dining scene, Hotel Seagull offers both a great view of the backwaters and a rich menu of seafood dishes. Their karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish grilled in banana leaf) and prawn curry are hot picks. The laid-back vibe and waterfront seating make it a leisurely lunch destination.
Address: Calvathy Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi
Timings: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Must Try - Karimeen Pollichathu, Mango Prawn Curry
For Dinner
1. Kayees Rahmatullah Café
Beef Biryani Image-Canva
This heritage restaurant in Mattancherry is a local legend. Known primarily for its mutton biryani, Kayees serves a recipe that has stood the test of time. Cooked with small-grain rice and delicate spices, their biryani has a unique taste that’s both subtle and rich. Get there early, as the biryani often sells out by nightfall.
Named after the traditional Kerala houseboats, Kettuvallam restaurant near Marine Drive serves authentic Kerala cuisine in a traditional setting. Their fish molly, avial, and tapioca with beef fry are popular options. The ambiance is perfect for visitors wanting to experience cultural dining with generous servings and good service.
Address: Mullassery Canal Road, Near TDM Hall, Marine Drive, Kochi
Timings: 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Must Try - Karimeen Pollichathu, Beef Fry
3. Cheenavala
Kanthari Grilled Fish Image-Canva
End your day at Cheenavala, a seafood-centric restaurant that lives up to its name, referring to Chinese fishing nets found in Fort Kochi. Their seafood platter, filled with grilled prawns, calamari, and lobster, is ideal for sharing. The contemporary interiors contrast with the traditional food, making it a favourite among younger crowds.
Address: RKV Building, Vennala-Edappally Road, Near EMC, Kochi
Timings: 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Must Try - Squid Fry, Kanthari Grilled Fish
kochi
machali
hotel seagull
aavi
kayees
kettuvallam
dhe puttu
places to eat in kochi
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