Kochi is steeped in history, culture, and art. It was in Kochi that the first European traders arrived in the 16th century. Today, the city is the commercial hub of Kerala with a thriving tourist economy, attracting thousands of people from different backgrounds, especially the arts. We’ve compiled a list of the best cafes in Kochi for art lovers. By Karan Kaushik
Exploring Fort Kochi on foot is an enriching experience that no traveller could afford to miss. Being a backpacker’s paradise, Kochi has no dearth of stylish cafes. The city is also known for its love for art. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is one of the biggest art events in India. No wonder, the city is home to a number of art galleries. Some of these galleries also double up as trendy cafes. A visit to these cafes in Kochi will leave every artist inspired and how.
8 Cafes in Kochi every art lover must visit
Kashi Art Cafe
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They say any trip to Kochi is incomplete without a visit to the Kashi Art Cafe. Perhaps the most famous art cafe of Fort Kochi, this cafe will impress you with its peaceful vibes and great food. The cafe is housed in a traditional Kerala style bungalow. It’s perfect for spending lazy afternoons reading a book or chitchatting with your friends over a cuppa coffee. The sculptures and art installations add to the zen vibes. There’s a dedicated art gallery where new works are exhibited every week. It’s a pet-friendly cafe. Coming to the food, well, you must try their salads, sandwiches, lasagnas, and fresh juices. If you are looking for something filling, the Kashi roast chicken comes highly recommended.
Where: Burger Street, near Police Station, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi
Mocha Art Cafe
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You can’t afford to miss chilling at Mocha Art Cafe if you are in Jew Town. Its proximity to the Paradesi Synagogue makes it a must-visit. Their front hall is embellished with exquisite oil paintings. They have a photography studio as well, where you can appreciate environmental portraits by eminent photographers. The ambience offers a cosy vibe, especially the window seats. The cafe serves authentic seafood, Italian, Continental, European, and Indian cuisines. Must-try dishes include peri chicken, chicken schnitzel, shakshuka, and chicken cheese omelette. Their mocha cold coffee is incredible. So is their chocolate cake.
Where: VI/179, Synagogue Lane, Jew Town, Kappalandimukku, Mattancherry, Kochi
Classic Art Cafe
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Classic Art Cafe is one of those places where you could read and work for hours. The relaxed and blissful environs of the cafe blend with lip-smacking food and gorgeous artworks to offer a wholesome experience. Located at the entrance of Jew Town, the cafe houses an antique and art shop. The interiors feature fine paintings and artefacts. There’s art in every corner of this cafe. The music also blends well with the ambience. They serve a nice range of omelettes, sandwiches, burgers, and pasta. You must try out their ginger tea and cold coffee with ice cream if visiting on a hot day.
Where: Near Dutch Palace, Jew Town, Kappalandimukku, Mattancherry, Kochi
David Hall Gallery Cafe
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This iconic place houses a contemporary art gallery, a cultural venue, and a cafe in a restored 17th-century Dutch colonial bungalow. It aims to provide a platform for young artists. They have a dedicated space for performing arts as well. The historic building makes for an inspiring meeting place for fresh talent and lovers of art. The cafe also hosts book readings, jazz nights, documentary screenings, art exhibitions, workshops, and more. On their menu, they have Kochi’s best thin crust, clay-oven baked fresh pizzas. Other must-try offerings include seafood spaghetti, banana bread French toast, grilled chicken, caesar salad, cheese tarts, crepes, burgers & wraps. Wash your meal down with a glass of iced tea or seasonal juices.
Where: 1, 264, Napier Street, Opposite Parade Ground, Fort Kochi, Kochi
Qissa Cafe
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You know a cafe is popular when the likes of Dulquer Salmaan are among its frequenters. Nestled in the heart of Fort Kochi, it is a sheer delight for backpackers. It’s one of the best places in Kochi to hang out with your friends. The bright and creative atmosphere sets the mood right. They offer free WiFi, too. The cafe’s furniture has been designed from reclaimed wood. And the food, well, it’s superlative. Their cakes come highly recommended, and so does their French toast. Popular dishes include banoffee pie, carrot cake, chocolate cake, sandwiches, and pasta.
Where: Ground Floor No. 18 Hotel, KB Jacob Rd, Opposite Police Station, Fort Kochi, Kochi
East India Street Cafe
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This plush cafe will leave you smitten with its inviting, bright, and airy ambience. Featuring white brick walls adorned with grey-scale landscape photographs and opulent turquoise and purple velvety sofas, the cafe promises a cherishable experience with your loved ones. The cafe was envisioned as a contemporary coffee bar in a typical London street-inspired setting. The building it is housed in used to serve as a warehouse of the East India Company. The food here is really satisfying. They use only organic produce. The cafe specialises in contemporary European cuisine. The menu features an array of soups, salads, toasts, pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, mocktails, and shakes. Barbequed grilled chicken, pulled beef cutlet, pizza pepperoni, and Mexican chicken soup are some of their best offerings.
Where: Panampilly Nagar, South Kochi, Kochi
Teapot Cafe
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Located next to the Santa Cruz Basilica, this quaint little cafe is an ode to teapots. The soothing ambience features high ceilings and ochre walls. Every corner of the cafe is dotted with teapots of every shape and size possible. Their antique teapot collection is something you should check out. The cafe sources its teas from the Nilgiris, Assam, and Darjeeling. They have some rare editions of American magazines too, which offer great company with your tea. It’s a laidback cafe and offers limited food options. Some of the few dishes on their menu that deserve a special mention are grilled chicken sandwiches and blueberry cheesecake. Their best offering is the masala chai.
Where: Peter Celli Street, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi
Pepper House Cafe
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Housed in a 400-year-old Dutch building, this cafe originally served as a godown. It was renovated, and a part of the building was made into a cafe and art gallery. It has also served as a venue for the popular Kochi-Muziris Biennale. The cafe also houses a well-stocked library with some amazing reads on art. They have a nice collection of DVDs, and they provide DVD players with headphones. Some of their best dishes include passion fruit lemonade, ravioli, carrot cake, brownies, pasta, and French toast.
Where: 11/10 A&B, Calvathy Rd, Near Hotel Seagull, Fort Kochi, Kochi
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