Where to Eat in Kochi
Where you eat in Kochi depends a lot on which side of the water you are on. Fort Kochi has cafés and seafood restaurants close to the fishing nets and churches, Mattancherry has older, simpler eateries near Jew Town, and Panampilly Nagar on the Ernakulam side has busy local restaurants away from the tourist trail.
Plan meals around your sightseeing. A breakfast of appam or puttu, a seafood lunch in Fort Kochi and dinner in Ernakulam is an easy way to try a bit of everything.
2 places
Fort Kochi
1 place
Mattancherry
1 place
Panampilly Nagar
Not sure what to order? The Kochi food guide starts from the dishes — what each one is, when to eat it, and which of these kitchens is known for it.
Tips for Eating in Kochi
- Fort Kochi is the easiest area to eat while sightseeing, with cafés and seafood restaurants within walking distance of the main sights.
- Mattancherry is good for simpler, local meals near the palace and Jew Town.
- Panampilly Nagar and Ernakulam have more local restaurants and fewer tourists.
- Go early for breakfast dishes like appam and puttu, which often run out by mid-morning.
- Check the price of fish by weight before you order at seafood places.
- Expect busier restaurants in Fort Kochi around Christmas, New Year and during the Biennale.
- Allow extra time if you cross between Fort Kochi and Ernakulam for a meal, as road traffic can be slow.
Questions
Kochi — FAQ
Where should I eat in Kochi?
4 places are listed here, across 3 areas. Each entry says what that kitchen is known for rather than reprinting its menu, so pick by the dish you want and the area you'll be in.
Are there good vegetarian restaurants in Kochi?
Yes — 1 of the places listed is pure vegetarian, and the food-type badge on every card tells you before you set out.
What should I order in Kochi?
Start from the dishes rather than the restaurants — the Kochi food guide covers what each dish is and when to eat it, then links to the places that do it well.
Where can I eat near the Chinese fishing nets?
Fort Kochi has several restaurants and cafés within a short walk of the nets, including Fusion Bay and Kashi Art Café. Near the nets you will also see fish vendors, and some stalls nearby will cook fish you buy there.
Is Fort Kochi or Ernakulam better for food?
Fort Kochi is more convenient while sightseeing and has plenty of cafés and seafood places. Ernakulam and Panampilly Nagar have more local restaurants and are often better value.
Where can I try puttu in Kochi?
Dhe Puttu in Panampilly Nagar is built around puttu and serves it in many versions. Puttu with kadala curry is also a standard breakfast at local eateries across Kochi.