Best Seafood Restaurants in Kochi, Kerala
Kochi, the former Cochin, is a vibrant city located in the southern state of Kerala, renowned for its diverse and flavorful seafood cuisine. Whether you're a food enthusiast or just visiting for the first time, choosing the best seafood restaurant in Kochi can be a delightful culinary adventure. Here, we highlight some of the city's top seafood establishments and some of the must-try dishes.
Top Seafood Dishes to Try in Kochi, Kerala
1. Meen Curry Fish Curry
A traditional and iconic dish that involves fresh fish cooked in a rich and flavorful coconut milk sauce, seasoned with spices such as turmeric, red chili, and fenugreek. This dish is a lovingly made treat that captures the essence of seafood cooking in Kerala.
Prices: 200 – 500 per serving
Purchase Details: Local Restaurants Food Stalls Specialty Food Stores Online Food Delivery2. Karimeen Pollichathu – Pearl Spot in Banana Leaf
This Keralan delicacy elevates the taste of pearl spot fish by wrapping it in a banana leaf, enhancing its subtly delicate flavor. Perfectly cooked with a cook-out taste, this dish is both a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Prices: 250 - 800 per serving
Purchase Details: Local Restaurants Food Stalls Specialty Food Stores Online Food Delivery3. Chemmeen Moilee – Prawn Moilee
A creamy delicacy that is perfect for prawn lovers. Tender prawns are simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce, complemented by turmeric, mustard seeds, and curry leaves, offering a mix of textures and layers of flavor.
Prices: 350-500 per serving
Purchase Details: Local Restaurants Food Stalls Specialty Food Stores Online Food Delivery4. Kallummakaya Ularthiyathu – Mussels Stir-fry
While the humble mussel is sometimes overlooked, this dish brings them to the forefront. Juicy mussels are cooked with aromatic spices such as curry leaves, chilies, and coconut, providing a taste of the coastal flavors.
Prices: 300–500 per serving
Purchase Details: Local Restaurants Food Stalls Specialty Food Stores Online Food Delivery5. Eracheri Shrimp or Prawns in Coconut Shell
This dish is not only amazing in taste but also visually stunning. Amusingly, the shrimp or prawns are cooked inside a coconut shell, adding a delightful element of presentation that is sure to impress any diner.
Prices: 400–600 per serving
Purchase Details: Local Restaurants Food Stalls Specialty Food Stores Online Food DeliveryAdditional Delights in Kochi
There's plenty more to savor in the Kochi seafood scene. Some other must-try dishes include:
Prawn Fry
Kerala-style prawn fry is made by marinating fresh prawns with a mix of spices, then frying them until crispy. This snack is a delightful accompaniment to any meal.
Prices: 300 to 600 per serving
Kerala Style Crab Curry
This rich, flavorful curry is cooked in coconut milk, spices, and curry leaves. The taste is influenced by the local spices, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.
Prices: 400 to 800 per serving
Squid Roast
Squid roasted with spices and coconut is a popular delicacy in Kerala. The dish is both crispy and flavorful, making it a must-try.
Prices: 300 to 700 per serving
Tuna Cutlet
Tuna cutlets are a tasty snack made by mixing canned tuna with spices, shaping them into patties, coating them with breadcrumbs, and shallow-frying. They are a light yet flavorful bite.
Prices: 100 to 300 per serving
Conclusion
Whether you're a seafood aficionado or simply traveling through Kochi, the rich and diverse seafood cuisine offers a variety of dishes that can satisfy your taste buds. From humble mussels to exotic prawns in coconut shell, the city of Kochi truly embodies the essence of Kerala's culinary charm. Enjoy the flavorful journey through these top seafood restaurants, and taste the unique flavors of Kerala for yourself.