5 Most Celebrated Local Dishes of Kochi

The food culture of Kochi is a mix of local ingredients and colonial influence. The port city is home to multiple communities like Anglo-Indians, Muslims, Jews and Christians who have shaped the textures and flavours in unique ways. The signatures dishes now have their own cultural identity and have become one of the most appealing cuisines of India. If you are taking a Delhi to Kochi flight anytime soon, do consider a quick food haul.

Extremely rich, diverse, and lip-smacking foods are definitely worth your time and penny. These are usually a fusion of vegetables, breads, meats, fish, appams with chutney and rice. The locals use distinctive foreign cooking styles while also maintaining their culinary traditions. Have a look at the top dishes without which your trip could be incomplete.

1. Puttu Kadala

This is a Malayali’s staple food prepared with ground rice and layered with banana or coconut shavings. This mix is further steamed in cylindrical vessels for the unique shape. The Kadala comprises of roasted black chickpea, which is extremely spicy and tasty. This is once again cooked in thick coconut gravy. Minced chicken keema can be added for enhanced taste. You can also savour with banana and sugar if you want to skip Kadala.

2. Thattu Dosa

This is a quintessential dish for vegetarians. It is usually thicker than the ones you might have had in Delhi and thus the name ‘thattu’. The dosa is made from ghee and stuffed with spice fillings. This eliminates the ‘crispy’ nature and makes the texture soft and mushy. It is one of the healthiest breakfast or lunch options of Kochi and satiates all your hunger pangs. Pair with the delicious chammanthi or chutney for a unique dining experience.

3. Pazham Pori

If you are looking for a light snack before boarding your Kochi to Delhi flight, Pazham Pori is ideal for you. This is similar to Mumbai’s bhajji but is prepared from Nendran bananas. These are coated with wheat flour blend and spices and deep fried to perfection. This fritter is best enjoyed with a steaming cup of tea. However, for an unusual combination, savour them with beef curry which is quite popular among the locals.

4. Kappa Boti

This dish can sweep non-vegetarians off their feet. It is a fun combination of goat’s gizzards (stomach), mashed tapioca and authentic coconut products which leads to a creamy dish. It is quite a meaty food and is heavily savoured my tourists and locals alike. Check out the authentic stalls which sell this item before boarding your Kochi to Mumbai flight. 

5. Erachi Pidi

While ‘pidi’ is a savoury version of dumplings originating from the Malabar region, ‘erachi’ in Malayali means meat which comprises of mutton or beef. Altogether, the balls are prepared in roasted coconut gravy which is packed with meat and spice. This dish has a special Kochi variety called Muthiya. It is highly demanded during Muslim festivals like Eid and Ramadan. 

Before boarding your Kochi to Delhi flight, explore the other famous dishes like fish molly, palada payasam, ellum kappayum, Kerala style fish curry and Sadya.