Where to have drool-worthy Karimeen in Kochi without burning a hole in your pocket?

A plate of Karimeen Pollithachu simmered in coconut gravy costs Rs 80. A portion of crisp anchovy fries costs you a mere 40 bucks. At Hotel Vinayaka located on the outskirts of Kochi city you can expect anyone to easily go for two plates of fish delicacies. That’s the unwritten rule there. Pocket-friendly, yes, and also super delicious!

The best way to get there is to take a metro train to the Peta station near Thrippunithura, then walk a few miles from there and you can’t miss the name board. Since that reassuring ‘homely meals’ board isn’t there, chances are that you might not noice this tiny hotel at first glance. But rest assured, their food is worth every single rupee paid there. The magic at Vinayaka's kitchen is weaved by two people- Jayaprakash and his wife Prema Latha.

According to the hotel’s faithful customers, the taste is even better than homecooked food. And if you expect the pungent smell of fish wafting in the air, it won’t reach you even when you enter the kitchen. The secret lies in taking care of the hotel like home! Not to forget their ability to make you feel instantly at home.

You will be served steaming rice, two curries, freshly fried fish or order for prawn fry or Karimeen Pollithachu and your day is made. The fish comes straight from Chembakkara lake. It’s this quality that kept them going strong for the last 18 years. People come from afar to taste their food.

The taste behind Vinayaka is Prema Latha’s secret recipes. She is there to oversee the cooking, from chopping veggies to adding the masalas with a helper by the side.

Their most sought after dishes include 'Eri fish', sardines and shellfish fry as well as beef or calamari roast. And yes, everything is delicious. We ordered 4 or 5 plates of fish to validate it. Most people who come in groups prefer to order various plates of fish and share.

So what are you waiting for? Start making lunch plans right now. Hotel Vinayaka is waiting!