Fort Kochi was one of the first addresses that settled on the western coast of India. Being on an international naval trade route, this port city on the Malabari coast was a hub of a cultural churn. Europeans and Middle Eastern traders mingled freely creating a cornucopia of colours and customs. Today, the Fort Kochi is lined by quaint little streets and buildings of an era gone by. Walking through the streets of Kochi is like going back in time. The multi-colored houses which line the streets give you an insight into a life so typical of the coast.
The Decor
The Cochin Club was the epitome of British cultural heritage during their heydays. Right by the Arabian Sea, the sea breeze fluttering in your hair, the Cochin Club is one of the most relaxing places to be. After having our fill of the Chinese fishing nets and the quaint little buildings, we stopped over for lunch at The Drawing Room. An al fresco styled restaurant that lets some of the best seafood mingle with the view of the Arabian Sea, The Drawing Room is the place for you to be if in Kochi.
The path to the restaurant opens up in a typical colonial style with wrought iron gates and wooden windows. I sit down with Sharath Pulimood, one of the owners of this majestic beachside venture. His father Mohan Pulimood, is one of the main forces behind the restoration of the Cochin Club. The menu is typically inspired by the European cuisines (read Spanish and Italian) but draws in specialties from the Syrian Christians living in Kerala.
My perennial love for Octopus
We start off with the TDR Salad. A mix of candied walnuts, prunes, and lettuce dressed with a salty vinaigrette. The pop of sweet, sour and salt provides for a mouthful. Do try out the octopus which has been made into a starter. Dashed with loads of paprika and lime, it is an unbridled taste of pure octopus flesh which you can’t really find in Delhi.
The specialties at The Drawing Room
The mains includes a dish that I haven’t tried before with a starch I am coming to love in Kerala, Tapioca. The Tapioca is done with a lightly seasoned coconut gravy and combined with a red snapper curry. The combination of the slightly sweet yet creamy Tapioca with the spice of the fish curry is something that I’d definitely like to repeat in the near future. No seafood menu can be complete without Crab and the cheesy giant crab is just the way to go.
The crab meat has been separated and made up in a cheesy concoction that lets you taste the sweetest part of the meat without having to struggle too much. One of the specialties of The Drawing Room is the Salt Baked Fish. A dish that I saw on Gordon Ramsey’s show, it incorporates cooks a herb seasoned fish under the cover of a salt crust. The salt just acts as a cooking medium without making the fish unpalatable and is one of the must things to try out if you’re heading to Kochi.
The Drawing Room at the Cochin Club is located at a convenient position from the shore and serves up some finger licking food that typifies the essence of Kochi.
Meal for 2: INR 1500
Image Credits: Snigdha Salt And Sandals
