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Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
6 Min
28/01/2026
Treat Kerala’s toddy shops as the perpetual mood swings, for each eatery comes with its set of local specialities and its bottle of tipsy coconut goodness. Each of these toddy shops has its own charm, with some offering spectacular backdrops as you munch on the fresh catch of the day, beef, pork or duck with a sip of the famed toddy.
Kerala’s ‘kallu shaappus’ or toddy shops have long been a thing in Malayalam movies, and it is still a thing in Kerala, woven into its cultural fabric. These humble roadside shacks were once a pitstop for locals to enjoy their favourite spirit with a side of fish fry and roast beef. But now they are a must-visit place for any tourist, where authentic Kerala flavours are celebrated. You get the spicy and tangy meen curry alongside the mellow sweetness of fermented coconut sap (toddy). In Kochi, these toddy shops are experiences that bottle the backwaters, serve nostalgia, and pour it all over your plate.
Among Kochi’s most iconic toddy shops, Mullapanthal (meaning jasmine shed ) in Udayamperoor has earned a loyal following over decades for its authentic Kerala ‘shaappu’ experience. The menu is dominated by spicy seafood and meat dishes that pair perfectly with freshly tapped toddy. Take your pick from spicy fish curries like fish pollichathu, and karimeen (pearl spot) fry to kappa (tapioca) and pork roast. Locals often describe it as the ‘OG toddy shop’ of Kochi, a place where you can still taste traditional flavours of Kerala.
For a more scenic and laid-back toddy experience, the Kadamakudy Kallu Shop, located amidst the serene backwaters north of Kochi, is a great choice. This spot is loved for its rustic charm and fresh seafood dishes – especially the prawns masala and fish curry made with kudampuli (pot tamarind). Locals also rave about their roasted beef, pork and rabbit dishes. The shop’s atmosphere is less commercial and more homely, making it ideal for those who prefer an authentic, unpolished toddy stop over the busier tourist favourites.
Located near the backwaters of Maradu, at the outskirts of Kochi, the Nettoor Toddy Shop is another classic haunt for toddy lovers. It’s particularly famous for its ‘thala curry’ – a rich, spicy fish-head curry that regulars swear by, along with a wide variety of fried seafood and traditional Kerala sides, like karimeen fry, beef fry, and duck curry, enjoyed with the best sunsets. The place can get quite busy, especially during weekends, and parking is often cited as a hassle, but the bustling crowd adds to its authentic vibe. Some visitors praise it as one of the best toddy shops in the region.
Chanakyans Restaurant & Kidangu Toddy Shop is a toddy-shop-style eatery in Thrippunithura that mixes the typical toddy-shop feel with slightly more structured dining (they have family rooms). The menu includes pork roast, beef fry, duck, fish head curry and prawns ulath (dry stir-fry) among the standout dishes. The food quality is quite good, but when visiting, consider that the parking is limited and the ambience is quite basic, so go expecting local charm rather than a luxurious feel.
Located just outside Kochi in Udayamperoor, Padipura Toddy Shop is frequently cited when walking through the food-trails of ‘kallu shaappu’ culture. Its signature style leans more family-friendly than some rougher toddy joints – the food includes fish curry, pork fry, beef roast with tapioca or parotta, with their duck roast being the best in the region. Many patrons comment on the spicy, no-frills Kerala flavour, but the place is a little rough-edged, with the cleanliness being a concern, something that is associated with local gems that serve food more than the ambience.
Mattathaam Kadav Toddy Shop is a lesser talked-about but good option among toddy lovers in the Kochi region. It is located towards the Ernakulam area and is quite an unassuming place; and hygiene here can be a concern. Their meals are worth trying, as are their duck, pork and beef. It offers the same core appeal as other local toddies with Kerala-style fish and meat dishes, and if you happen to be in the area, stop by for toddy and one of their set meals.
Located in the village of Eramalloor just outside Kochi, this toddy shop is praised for its backwater village atmosphere and freshly caught seafood. On the menu, you’ll find a daily catch of fish (fried fish and curried fish are quite popular), crab or prawns prepared with tapioca (kappa), with duck and pork masala when seafood is less available. According to a ‘spirited trail’ feature, its setting by the waters and the freshness of ingredients make it a standout. Visitors mention its rustic charm and authentic Kerala flavours, but also basic amenities.
Kochi’s toddy shops are not just about getting high – they’re also about getting grounded. Between the sizzle of the fish frying, with aromatic spices amid the lull of the backwaters, these shacks pour out Kerala’s soul. Here, tradition is ladled, spiced, and shared. So, if you ever find yourself in Kochi chasing the sunset and a story, skip the bar and find a shaappu.
