Restaurants & food

The local food scene is famous for authentic Central Travancore and Syrian Christian cuisine. Signature dishes include **Kottayam beef fry** (beef ullarthiyathu), **duck roast**, **appam**, and the iconic **karimeen pollichathu** (pearl spot fish marinated in spices and grilled in a banana leaf) from the backwaters. Tapioca (kappa) paired with fiery red fish curry is a local staple. The town is also renowned for its historic bakery culture, with institutions like **Best Bakery** and **Annas** offering traditional cakes, puffs, and sweet treats.