Here’s a detailed guide to the must-visit restaurants in Alappuzha (Alleppey), ideal for tourists and new visitors to the city. This guide covers top restaurants, their specialties, atmosphere, and helpful tips for a perfect dining experience.
1. Thaff Restaurant
- Overview: A popular family-friendly restaurant known for its excellent seafood and traditional Kerala dishes. Located close to the Alappuzha Beach, it’s perfect for a relaxing meal after a day of sightseeing.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Fish Curry and Rice: Freshly caught fish cooked in a tangy, spicy coconut-based curry, served with steamed rice.
- Prawns Fry: Crispy and flavorful prawns fried with local spices.
- Chili Beef: Tender beef cooked with spicy and tangy seasonings.
- Cuisine Type: Seafood, Kerala Cuisine
- Ambiance: Casual, clean, and airy with a friendly atmosphere.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Location: Beach Road, Alappuzha
- Tip for Tourists: It’s one of the best spots for fresh seafood. Go for the catch of the day and enjoy a delicious meal with a view of the beach.
2. Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Restaurant
- Overview: Situated near the famous Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple, this restaurant is renowned for its traditional Kerala-style meals and local delicacies. It offers a warm and welcoming ambiance, perfect for experiencing authentic Kerala cuisine.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Kerala Sadya: A traditional multi-course vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf with rice, various curries, pickles, and desserts.
- Karimeen Pollichathu: A signature dish of Kerala, where pearl spot fish is marinated in spices and wrapped in banana leaves before being grilled.
- Appam and Stew: Soft, lacy pancakes paired with a flavorful vegetable or chicken stew.
- Cuisine Type: Kerala Traditional, Seafood
- Ambiance: Simple and homely, with traditional wooden furniture and a cozy feel.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Location: Mullakkal Temple Road, Alappuzha
- Tip for Tourists: This is an ideal spot for a quick and delicious meal after a temple visit. The Kerala Sadya here is highly recommended!
3. Bismillah Hotel
- Overview: Bismillah Hotel is a favorite among locals for its authentic Kerala biryanis and delicious fried snacks. The restaurant is renowned for its quality, quantity, and the budget-friendly prices it offers. A must-visit for anyone looking for a taste of Kerala’s rich culinary tradition.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Mutton Biryani: Fragrant basmati rice cooked with tender mutton, spices, and herbs.
- Chicken Shawarma: Soft, flavorful chicken served with pita bread and garlic sauce.
- Malabar Parotta and Beef Curry: A flaky parotta paired with a spicy and tender beef curry.
- Cuisine Type: Kerala Cuisine, Indian, Fast Food
- Ambiance: Casual, local-style with a simple and no-frills dining experience.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Location: Near Alappuzha Railway Station
- Tip for Tourists: This is a budget-friendly option if you’re craving delicious Kerala biryani or want a quick, filling meal after sightseeing.
4. Sisir Restaurant
- Overview: Sisir Restaurant offers a combination of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian Kerala dishes. It’s a popular spot for tourists looking for a comfortable, mid-range restaurant with a variety of options to choose from. Located in the heart of the town, it’s easy to access after exploring the local attractions.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Vegetable Biriyani: Aromatic rice cooked with mixed vegetables and a perfect blend of spices.
- Chicken Curry: A traditional Kerala-style chicken curry served with steamed rice or parottas.
- Fish Fry: Fresh, crispy fried fish served with a spicy dip.
- Cuisine Type: Kerala Cuisine, Indian
- Ambiance: Casual and cozy, with spacious seating arrangements suitable for family dining.
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Location: Kuttamangalam Road, Alappuzha
- Tip for Tourists: It’s a great spot for those traveling with family. The food is delicious, and the service is known to be friendly and quick.
5. Karimpumkala Restaurant
- Overview: Located near the famous Alappuzha Beach, Karimpumkala offers a delightful range of Kerala’s coastal cuisine. This restaurant specializes in fresh seafood dishes and traditional Kerala snacks.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Karimeen Pollichathu: The restaurant is known for its grilled pearl spot fish.
- Fish Moilee: A creamy coconut milk-based fish curry, a Kerala favorite.
- Kerala Parotta with Beef Curry: A flaky parotta paired with tender beef cooked in aromatic spices.
- Cuisine Type: Coastal Kerala Cuisine, Seafood
- Ambiance: Casual and comfortable with a welcoming atmosphere. Ideal for both family and group dining.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Location: Near Alappuzha Beach
- Tip for Tourists: Make sure to try their signature seafood dishes. It’s one of the best places in town for a taste of coastal Kerala.
Summary Table of Top Restaurants in Alappuzha
| Restaurant | Cuisine Type | Must-Try Dishes | Opening Hours | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Restaurant | Kerala Traditional, Seafood | Kerala Sadya, Karimeen Pollichathu, Appam and Stew | 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Mullakkal Temple Road, Alappuzha |
| Thaff Restaurant | Seafood, Kerala Cuisine | Fish Curry and Rice, Prawns Fry, Chili Beef | 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Beach Road, Alappuzha |
| Karimpumkala Restaurant | Coastal Kerala, Seafood | Karimeen Pollichathu, Fish Moilee, Parotta with Beef Curry | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Near Alappuzha Beach |
| Sisir Restaurant | Kerala, Indian Cuisine | Vegetable Biriyani, Chicken Curry, Fish Fry | 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM | Kuttamangalam Road, Alappuzha |
| Bismillah Hotel | Kerala, Indian, Fast Food | Mutton Biryani, Chicken Shawarma, Parotta and Beef Curry | 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Near Alappuzha Railway Station |
Tips for Dining in Alappuzha:
- Fresh Seafood: Alappuzha is famous for its fresh seafood, so try to visit coastal restaurants like Thaff Restaurant and Karimpumkala Restaurant to enjoy authentic fish and prawn dishes.
- Traditional Kerala Meals: For a true Kerala experience, don’t miss out on traditional Kerala Sadya at Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Restaurant. It’s a must-try for anyone visiting the state.
- Casual Dining: If you prefer a casual and budget-friendly dining experience, Bismillah Hotel and Sisir Restaurant offer tasty meals at affordable prices.
- Best Time to Visit: Dinner time is typically between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, but many restaurants like Thaff and Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Restaurant are also popular for lunch, especially for locals.
With these suggestions, you’ll have no trouble enjoying the local flavors and finding the perfect meal while visiting Alappuzha!