From concept factories to painted tree trunks, there is plenty to whet the intellectual appetite at the third edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. But what does the Biennale host, Fort Kochi, has on offer when it comes to treating our taste buds? Onmanorama does a quick review.
David Hall
So you have reached the Biennale village pretty early and don’t know where to grab a bite from. We suggest that you head straight to the garden café at David Hall, which is open from 8 am. David Hall is also the venue for the works of Padmini Chettur, Avinash Veeraraghavan and Dana Awartani. The café here offers a calm and relaxing space with an added advantage of some good food. There is a nice range of all-day breakfast menu but their specialty is pizzas made in a wood-fired oven.
Price range: Rs 700 for 2
Rating: 3.5/5
Click here to know how to eat like a local in Fort Kochi
Kashi Art Café
Kashi (not to be confused with Kashi art gallery) needs no introduction in Kochi, as it is by far the most recommended place in the area.
At Kashi, art is embedded in everything – from the walls adorned by the sketches of Charles Avery to the food they serve. Try getting a seat away from the kitchen if you do not want to be disturbed by the cling clang sounds from the kitchen.
The menu here is kept simple and they promise to make it with organic and healthy ingredients and I must say, the service here is excellent.
Price range: Rs 600 for 2
Rating: 4/5
Kayees Rahmathulla Café
This biryani hut is a must visit if you are a first timer here. While the regulars lament that Kayees biryani has lost its old sheen, people still crowd up outside this small outlet and leave with a full belly and a happy heart. The mutton biryani is highly recommended.
Price range: Rs 300 for 2
Rating: 4/5
Pepper House
Anyone who has watched ‘Premam’ will not forget Café Agape, aka Pepper House. The food here is pretty expensive and the taste does not match up to the money you pay. But the drinks and light bites are decent. The best thing about Pepper House is the amazing ambiance it offers. The old building, which houses a number of Biennale installations, will transport you to an imaginary world with every sip of coffee.
Bob Marley Café
We could not taste the food here, but it sure has very promising looks. It is an open restaurant with seating under an umbrella. Although poorly maintained, the cafe had a hippy look that makes it pretty enticing. The restaurateurs told us that they cook only on prior orders.
