Exploring Kochi: Local Dishes, Restaurants, and Recipes

Exploring Kochi: Local Dishes, Restaurants, and Recipes

Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a vibrant city in the southern state of Kerala, India. Aside from its stunning natural beauty, Kochi is also famous for its diverse and delicious cuisine. The city's culinary scene is a mix of traditional South Indian flavors, along with influences from Portuguese, Dutch, and Arabic cuisines, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts. In this guide, we will explore the local dishes, recommend some restaurants to try, and even provide a few recipes for you to recreate the flavors of Kochi at home.

Local Dishes

Kochi offers a wide range of local dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Here are some must-try delicacies:

1. Appam with Stew: Appam is a delicious pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk. It is commonly served with a flavorful stew made from vegetables and meat or seafood. The combination of the soft and fluffy appam with the aromatic stew is a perfect match.
2. Malabar Fish Curry: As Kochi is a coastal city, seafood plays a prominent role in the local cuisine. The Malabar Fish Curry is a delicacy made with fresh fish, coconut milk, and a blend of spices. The tangy and spicy flavors of this curry will leave you craving for more.
3. Puttu and Kadala Curry: Puttu is a steamed cylindrical rice cake, usually made with grated coconut. It is often accompanied by Kadala Curry, a black chickpea curry cooked with aromatic spices. This combination is a popular breakfast dish among the locals.
4. Kerala Prawn Curry: If you're a fan of prawns, you must try the Kerala Prawn Curry. This dish features succulent prawns cooked in a spicy coconut milk gravy, infused with flavors of curry leaves and tamarind. It is best enjoyed with steamed rice.
5. Idiyappam: Idiyappam, also known as string hoppers, is a popular South Indian dish made from rice flour. These delicate noodles are typically served with a coconut-based curry or a side of spicy chutney. Idiyappam makes for a light and tasty meal.

Restaurants

When it comes to dining out in Kochi, you'll be spoiled for choice. Here are a few recommended restaurants that offer an authentic taste of Kochi:

• Kashi Art Cafe: This charming cafe is renowned for its art gallery and delectable food. It serves a range of dishes, including sandwiches, salads, and traditional Kerala cuisine. Don't miss their homemade cakes and freshly brewed coffee.
• Dhe Puttu: As the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in Puttu, one of Kochi's signature dishes. They offer a variety of Puttu preparations, including the classic version, as well as innovative twists incorporating ingredients like chocolate and banana.
• Burgeria: If you're in the mood for a burger, head to Burgeria. This restaurant offers a range of delicious gourmet burgers, featuring locally sourced ingredients and unique flavor combinations. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.
• Paragon Restaurant: Paragon is a legendary restaurant that has been serving mouthwatering Malabar cuisine for decades. Their biryanis, seafood dishes, and traditional thalis are highly recommended. It's advisable to make a reservation, as it tends to get crowded.
• Kalamassery Dhe Puttu: Another branch of Dhe Puttu, this restaurant is located in the Kalamassery area of Kochi. It offers a similar menu, with a focus on the delicious rice cakes. The cozy ambiance and friendly service make it a popular choice.

Recipes

If you want to recreate the flavors of Kochi at home, here are two classic recipes you can try:

Appam with Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fermented rice batter
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 1 cup mixed vegetables of your choice
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• A handful of curry leaves

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the chopped onions until golden brown.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste and fry for a minute.
3. Add the diced potatoes, carrots, green peas, and mixed vegetables. Stir well.
4. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix everything together.
5. Cover the pan and cook the vegetables until they are tender.
6. Meanwhile, mix the fermented rice batter and coconut milk in a bowl. Let it rest for 15 minutes.
7. Heat a non-stick appam pan and pour a ladleful of the batter into the center. Swirl the pan to spread the batter into a thin pancake shape.
8. Cover and cook until the edges turn golden brown and crispy.
9. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
10. In another pan, heat some oil and add curry leaves. Sauté for a minute.
11. Add the cooked vegetables to the pan and mix well.
12. Simmer for a few minutes and adjust the seasoning if needed.
13. Serve the appam with the stew and enjoy!

Kerala Prawn Curry

Ingredients:

• 500g prawns, cleaned and deveined
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 cup thick coconut milk
• A handful of curry leaves
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan and add fennel seeds. Sauté until aromatic.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and fry for a minute.
4. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Mix well.
5. Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
6. Add the cleaned prawns and mix with the masala.
7. Cover the pan and let the prawns cook in their own juices for 5 minutes.
8. Add coconut milk, curry leaves, and salt. Mix well.
9. Cover and simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the prawns are cooked through.
10. Garnish with fresh curry leaves and serve hot with steamed rice.