Kochi, a city on the Western coast of India, is a foodie’s paradise. And why not? It offers a host of flavours, from Anglo-Indian, Jewish and Gujarati dishes to Konkani and traditional Keralite cuisine. New cafés and places offering gourmet dining options pop up frequently, making you wish everyday was a cheat day. Here are the best places to eat in Kochi during your winter Kerala trip.

　　Kashi Art Café

　　This beautiful café is a must-visit while in Fort Kochi, even if it is for a cup of coffee. The café-cum-art gallery has for over two decades supported several local artists and displayed their works in its space. Known for its delectable breakfast options, the chocolate cake is a must-try here. “It’s that kind of place: laid-back and always bringing people together over good food and creativity,” says Chef Avin Thaliath. The ambience is simply lovely—perfect to just sit and read or have long conversations.

　　Address: Burger Street, near Police Station, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi 682001

　　Chillies

　　Chillies hands-down serves one of the best meals from Andhra Pradesh state in the city. The meals, or thali, are served with rice, parippu curry and other sides like ivy gourd stir fry, beetroot stir fry, the traditional spicy dal powder and more. The extra sides, especially the pepper mutton and chicken chukka, are not to be missed.

　　Address: Layam Road, near the Woodland Hotel, Ernakulam, K T Koshi Avenue, Kochi 682011

　　Kayees Biriyani

　　For a taste of one of the best biriyanis in town, head to Kayees. There’s one outlet at Mattancherry and one opposite Durbar Hall. The Kozhikode style biriyani, made with ghee, is simply lip-smacking. Meat and rice, cooked with whole spices and topped with cashews, raisins and fried onions, make this the place to go to satiate your biriyani craving. Thaliath says a must-try is their “date pickle that accompanies it.”

　　Addresses: Kayees Biryani, Gujarati Road, near Gujarati Temple, Mattancherry, Kochi 682002 | Kayees Biryani, Durbar Hall Road, Ernakulam South, Ernakulam 682016

　　Seagull

　　Seagull is another place you shouldn’t miss. Its ambience makes it a great place to sit with friends, have a couple of beers, look out to sea and enjoy some delectable seafood. The fish roast, squid Kerala fry and the nadan chicken curry are some of the dishes to try while there. Located at Calvathy Road in Fort Kochi, this is one of the oldest eateries in the city.

　　Address: 2-18, Calvathy Road, Fort, Fort Kochi, Kochi 682001

　　Annapurna Sweets

　　Want a fix of Gujarati food? Head straight to Annapurna Sweets at Kaloor-Kadavanthara Road. The small joint serves delicious theplas, dhabelis, khandvi, dhokla and other traditional Gujarati snacks, chaat and sweets. I definitely recommend their theplas and kachoris, in particular.

　　Address: Kaloor-Kadavanthara Road, Kumaranasan Nagar, Elamkulam, Ernakulam 682020

　　Nettoor Toddy Shop

　　The Nettoor Toddy Shop is another place to visit for its ambience and food. (And freshly tapped toddy, if that’s your jam.) The spacious kallu shop (toddy shop) overlooks the backwaters and is run by a couple, Smitha and Dileep, whose father established it. The place serves delectable tapioca and meen vevichathu (fish in a tamarind gravy) and is known for its duck roast and palappams (fluffy breads made from fermented rice batter).

　　Address: Near Nettor Palli, Nettor Palli, Nettoor, Maradu, Ernakulam 682040

　　Swamy’s Sweets And Snacks

　　Head to Swamy’s for “one [of] the best uzhunnuvada (lentil fritters) available in the city along with other snacks like pazhampori (banana fritters), parippuvada (lentil fritters) and more,” says Chef Regi Mathew. Located in Thrippunithura, the place also sells other dry snacks like murukku (a twisted fried snack made from rice and lentil dough) and various varieties of chips.

　　Address: Palathingal Shopping Complex, Junction, Petta, Poonithura, Thrippunithura, Kochi, Ernakulam 682038

　　Hoy Punjab

　　If Punjabi food is what you’re craving, head straight to Hoy Punjab. The menu here offers an interesting variety of dishes like crispy palak (spinach) chaat, chicken lychee chaat, subz miloni (mixed vegetables cooked in a creamy gravy), the "Hoy Punjab Special" tandoori chicken, and more. Their rasmalai and gulab jamun are finger-licking good, too.

　　Address: Hotel Garden Inn, TA Beerankunju Road, North Kaloor, Kacheripady, Kochi, Ernakulam 682018