Cochin is such a food place. the seafront is lined with restaurants of all quality- tandoori prawns beckoned in the open lanes and we tried everything- from high end restaurants to street lined open air meals. Most were really good. But what we returned to always was 'Teapot'- a sun filled high ceiling cottage like ambiance filled with hundreds of teacups and pots and books on tea making. they served a nice range of herbal and regular teas with cakes and sandwiches and one of the best fish moilees i have eaten. part of the charm is their easy service and languid air- there is no hurry to leave the table- infact there would never be anyone waiting so our average stay there was a few hours.
i wonder if there are better pleasures than to read a nice book over some freshly brewed tea. the other highlight is fashion- you can get some real trendy clothes in cochin. just a few outlets but great stuff.
i have this lichen planus thing happening on my tongue so fish moilee was my saviour- the only dish made without chillies. of course when you ask waiters they believe less chilli is as good as no chilli. after many aborted dishes across the state i discovered fish moilee- made with curry leaves paste and coconut milk primarily it has a unique flavour. will make it one of these days.
