Kochi’s diversity comes together beautifully in its cuisine. The city’s culinary influences include traditional Malayali, Anglo-Indian, Dutch and Jewish ones. While global cuisine has begun to dominate the restaurant scene in Kochi, some old eateries have stood the test of time. These eateries are an important part of Kochi’s heritage and tell the story of the city through the ages. We list some of Kochi’s oldest restaurants:
Bharat Coffee House
As the Broadway area in Kochi underwent changes, Bharat Coffee House remained firmly rooted. Over 60 years old, the eatery sees regulars who visit for a slice of history and the tasty snacks. Founded by B Govind Rao in 1956, the restaurant has had the same menu for six decades. Choose from dosa, idli, vada, puttu kadala and banana roast.
Location: Shanmugham Road, Broadway, Ernakulam.
Timings: Monday-Saturday, 8.15am-9pm.
Cost for two: ₹150
Kayees Rahmatulla Cafe
Kayees Rahmatulla Cafe is known for serving the best mutton biryani in the region. Established by V.K. Kayee in 1948, the restaurant is a favourite with celebrities. Besides biryani, the menu also includes fish roast, egg roast, beef roast, pathiri and ghee rice. The cafe now has several branches in different areas.
Location: Gujarati Road, Near Gujarati Temple, Mattancherry, Kochi.
Timings: Daily, 11.30am-3.30pm.
Cost for two: ₹200
Hotel Colombo
Hotel Colombo was founded in 1952 and has even appeared in the 1989 film Varavelpu, in which one of the actors recommends the beef at the restaurant. The menu features Indian-Chinese soups, egg preparations like egg chilli fry, egg curry, egg masala and egg roast, and breakfast snacks like bread with butter and jam.
Location: Colombo Junction, Cannon Shed Road, Marine Drive, Ernakulam.
Timings: Daily, 7am-11pm.
Cost for two: ₹450
Grand Pavilion at The Grand Hotel
Grand Pavilion was established in 1963 and is known for everything from North Indian and Indian-Chinese dishes to Kerala-style fish. Try the karimeen, Syrian beef fry, egg roast, fish curry, prawn curry or Kerala-style chilli chicken. Finish your meal with some creme caramel or tender coconut souffle.
Location: Mahatma Gandhi Road, Ernakulam South, Kochi.
Timings: Daily, 8am-10pm.
Cost for two: ₹1,400
