Over the past decade, I’ve spent more time exploring the food scenes in Kozhikode and Kochi than in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. Which is why every time I come back here, I’m pleasantly surprised by the wide range of culinary experiences in a city with a fairly underrated foodie scene. I’m no stranger to this city, having spent a few school summers here. The city holds so many special memories, my recent dining experiences in the city have only added to these moments.
Like many cities in South India, the city’s food scene has been shaped by Thiruvananthapuram’s IT workforce and documented by a growing band of digital content creators like Mohammed Muhusin, who accompanied me to some of the city’s trending street food establishments . Thiruvananthapuram’s F&B scene is now a heady mix – fine dining spots, hipster cafes near Kovalam beach and local culinary delights that mostly play out in grab-and-go outlets. We introduce you to some of the best in the city:
7 Best Thiruvananthapuram Hotels & Cafes:
1. Villa Maya:
If you are looking for a place for a romantic dinner or a leisurely lunch with your friends, then Villa Maya should be on your list. It offers a completely different experience with its mood lighting as the sun sets. This 18th-century Dutch manor once attracted the attention of the royal house of Travancore and has been painstakingly restored. While the old manor has several intimate spaces, it’s the al-fresco area that has our vote. The menu finds a balance between local flavors and global plates.
Airport Road, Anchakkal, West Fort
2. Oriental Kitchen, Hyatt Regency Trivandrum:
Pan-Asian restaurants have captured the fancy of foodies across India, Thiruvananthapuram is no exception. Oriental Kitchen, run by an expatriate Chinese chef, is not only one of the best Asian restaurants in the city but also one of the best food spots in Thiruvananthapuram. Asian grills and curries attract the city’s affluent. But it’s the restaurant’s Action Station that has our attention. The restaurant is home to the city’s first teppanyaki grill where chefs showcase their culinary and juggling skills.
CV Raman Pillai Road, Thycaud
3. Rahmania Hotel:
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Kethel’s Chicken is one of the most popular dishes of Thiruvananthapuram. Rahmania Hotel is a local institution and was established in the bustling Chalai Bazaar area in 1949 by Mohammad Abdul Khader. It was his son- A Maheen, who is credited with creating one of the most popular chicken dishes in the city. Get there early to beat the crowds and try Rahmania’s special Kettle’s Chicken, which is marinated in chillies and their trademark masala before being deep fried with chillies and garnished with chilli seeds. Wash it all down with their refreshing lemon juice
moved market
4. Paragon Hotel:
The Thiruvananthapuram outpost of the legendary Biryani brand from Kerala. The Paragon journey started in Kozhikode where they are still one of the most popular places for Kozhikodan Biryani. Prepared with jeerakasala – a short grain rice variety, Kozhikodan Biryani’s blend of spices is subtle; The color of the biryani comes almost exclusively from fried onions. The flaky Malabar Parotta and refreshing Sulaimani (black) tea are other house favorites here.
Kesavadasapuram
5. Ofori Night Club:
It is one of the first standalone nightclubs in the city. Ofori is much more than just a trendy nightspot with a vibrant vibe, it is also a popular destination for foodies in the city. Ofori’s Dim Sums are one of the stars of the show. His clever twist of vegetable dim sum with yellow Thai curry keeps appearing on Instagram feeds from the city. The desserts are photogenic too – check out their spin on tiramisu and Lotus Biscoff cheesecake.
Airport Road, Inchakkal
6. For a long time:
Cafes have become the new chill zones where we relax on the weekend or work over a latte. These cafes are also the new gourmet hubs where culinary trends take shape. Several cafes have sprung up in the F&B scene of Thiruvananthapuram. Long has been one of our favorites with its casual vibe and choice of indoor and outdoor seating areas. Longtime’s pasta and peri peri prawns are among its bestsellers. Velvet Dawn Cafe is another great option in the city.
Jawaharnagar Sasthamangalam
7. German Bakery:
Sunsets are really special in Kovalam. This popular beach district offers a range of cafes which are all hipster magnets. The German Bakery is one such venue with an eclectic menu that combines German signatures, scrumptious seafood platters and delicious desserts. There is also the Beatles Cafe and Grill House in the area.
Lighthouse Beach Road, Kovalam