The Ultimate Foodie’s Guide To Street Food Delights In Kochi City

Kochi, situated on the southwestern coast of India in Kerala, is a vibrant port city known for its diverse cultures, traditions, and culinary offerings. The city is renowned for its beautiful backwaters, rich historical background, and multicultural environment. A notable highlight is its street food scene, which presents a unique culinary experience. The cuisine features a combination of spicy Keralan dishes along with influences from Dutch, Portuguese, and Arab foods. This guide aims to help you navigate the bustling streets of Kochi and savor the local delicacies available in the area.

Kochi, located on the southwestern coast of India in the state of Kerala, is a lively port town that boasts a mix of different cultures, traditions, and food. Kochi is famous for its stunning backwaters, rich history, and multicultural diversity. But one thing that stands out is the city's street food, which is an adventure on its own. The food is a blend of the spicy Keralan delicacies and other staples offered by the Dutch, Portuguese, and Arab cuisines. With that said, let me show you how to maneuver through the crowded streets of Kochi, and enjoy some of the foods this region has to offer.

1. Puttu and Kadala Curry:

A trip to Kochi town is never complete without indulging in the famous breakfast combination of kadala curry and puttu. Puttu, which is steamed coconut rice, served in a cylindrical shape is wonderfully light, yet fills the tummy. What's best with this light dish is kadala curry, which is made out of tamarind and black chickpeas spices, along with a splash of coconut milk. This particular dish is not only an all-time favorite of the locals, but is also for those tourists who seek an authentic dare of Kerala. If you take a stroll in the town, you will be able to spot food stalls and eateries that serve this portion of the meal.

2. Appam with Stew:

Another dish that surely deserves to be mentioned is appam, a soft lacey pancake which is made of fermented rice batter and coconut milk. Appam is served with stew which is a mildly spiced creamy coconut based gravy which has either vegetables or meat. It is very appealing. While originally served for breakfast, there are lots of street vendors who sell it nowadays. The sweet note of appam together with the taste richness of the stew makes the dish very appealing.

3. Parotta and Beef Fry:

For those who enjoy food with rich spices, parotta which is a flaky layered flat-bread served with beef fry is a must have for street food lovers in Kochi. The beef fry is prepared with aromatic spices, cardamom, cloves, and pepper. Then it is slow cooked to perfection. The buttery parotta has made this dish a favorite late night snack for locals. If you're in search of some of the best versions of this treat, head to Fort Kochi or Marine Drive.

4. Banana Chips and Jackfruit Chips:

Banana chips are so popular and famous in Kerala and so is the case in Kochi. These banana chips are made from crossed green bananas that are finely cut into slices and fried in coconut oil. As a sweetener substitute, there are jackfruit chips that are equally appetizing. Such street foods are common and easy to find everywhere and are ideal souvenirs to take back home. Banana chips are ideal to munch on while having a stroll or relaxing beside the beach.

5. Kappa and Meen Curry:

Seafood fanatics will enjoy kappa (tapioca) on the side with meen curry (fish curry). This region's specialty includes both boiled and softened tapioca pearls blended with a tangy fish curry prepared from freshly caught fish from the Arabian Sea. The curry includes coconut milk with the local souring agent called Kokum, and mustard seeds. There are many such roadside shacks alongside the coast famous for this fulfilling dish which captures the essence of coastal Kerala.

6. Tender Coconut Water:

While walking around the buzzing roads of Kochi, be sure to grab a drink of tender coconut water. It is known locally as, "elaneer," and offers an instant relief from thirst. Because of its availability in numerous promenade stalls and street markets, tender coconut water can be found fresh almost everywhere. Certain vendors serve it with a slight pinch of salt or lime juice for a refreshing twist while others pour it directly from the fruit for max freshness.

Conclusion

To put it succinctly, the city has stunning street food, and in a nutshell, this beautifully crafted culinary diverse food detail can be witnessed in Kochi. From beautiful Keralan food and seafood to fusion cuisine imbibed from years of trade and colonization, the city has a treat for every food lover. Following this guide will ensure that you are not missing any special dishes, from secret flavors of this pretty city. So, pull your sleeves up and explore the twinkling streets because Kochi is ready to serve you.