Kochi is a food lover’s paradise, offering a range of experiences that showcase Kerala’s rich flavors, diverse culture, and stunning scenery. Unlike many cities, Kochi combines authentic culinary adventures with beautiful backdrops, whether it’s cruising along tranquil waters or wandering through lively neighborhoods. We especially love tours like the Sunrise Cruise with Village Life and Local Food for its peaceful early-morning views and intimate experience, or the Enjoy the best Food tour in Kochi with a local for its personalized, street-side tasting.
For travelers who want a blend of scenic beauty and authentic flavors, Kochi’s food tours offer something for all. Whether you’re interested in hands-on cooking classes, lively street food walks, or relaxing backwater cruises, there’s an experience that fits your style—and your appetite.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a variety of food tours in Kochi, including scenic cruises with local cuisine (Sunrise Cruise, Sunset Cruise), guided street food walks (Kochi Food Walk, Flavors of Kochi), small-group tasting experiences (Food Walk Alleppey), and hands-on cooking classes (Keralite Cooking Class). Plus, full-day backwater houseboat cruises (6hrs Alleppey Houseboat) provide an immersive scenic and culinary journey.
1. Sunrise Cruise with Village Life and Local Food
Starting your day with this Sunrise Cruise offers a rare chance to see Kerala’s backwaters in the soft morning light. This private canoe tour begins early, around dawn, to avoid the heat and enjoy the peaceful waters. As you glide through wetlands, you’ll see wetland birds, blooming flowers, and villagers beginning their day, making for perfect photos and authentic moments. This tour emphasizes personalized attention, allowing you to ask questions and learn about local life directly from your hosts.
What makes this experience stand out is the combination of scenic natural beauty and culinary simplicity. After your cruise, you’ll enjoy a local Kerala breakfast featuring rice-flour breads and curries, providing a taste of everyday life in Kerala. The tour’s 4-hour duration fits nicely into a morning schedule, leaving your afternoon free for exploring Kochi.
Guests praise the personal touch and stunning views: “A great start to the day with beautiful views and insight into local life,” reports one reviewer. This tour is perfect for photographers, early risers, or anyone craving a calm, authentic introduction to Kerala’s backwaters.
Bottom line: A peaceful, scenic way to start your day, especially if you love nature and want a quiet, intimate experience with genuine local food.
2. Enjoy the best Food tour in Kochi with a local
For a delicious, personalized exploration of Kochi’s culinary scene, this Food tour in Kochi with a local is hard to beat. Led by a host who’s a lifelong resident, you’ll travel by tuk tuk through the streets of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, visiting hidden eateries and local favorites. You’ll sample a variety of mouthwatering dishes, from vegetarian options like Masala Dosa and Battura to non-vegetarian delights such as spicy chicken biriyani and mutton.
What makes this tour special is the customization—your guide will tailor the experience based on your preferences. You’ll taste 16 different dishes, gaining insights into Kerala’s diverse flavors and food culture. The small-group format ensures a personal, engaging experience, and the guide shares stories behind each dish and neighborhood, enriching your understanding.
Guests rave about the authenticity and local insights: “Biju took us to all the hidden gems—places we’d never find on our own,” says one reviewer. At just $19 per person, this tour offers exceptional value for those eager to dive into Kerala’s street food scene.
Bottom line: Perfect for foodies who want a tasty, tailored, and behind-the-scenes look at Kochi’s culinary traditions, with local guides who truly know their neighborhood.
3. Sunset Cruise with Village Life and Local Food
The Sunset Cruise offers a tranquil 5-hour journey along Kerala’s backwaters, ending with that magical sunset from the water. Departing near Kumarakom, you’ll glide in a private canoe, watching local fishermen, herons, and owls in their evening routines. It’s a peaceful way to observe daily village life, with the added bonus of local treats and coffee to warm you up as the day winds down.
This tour emphasizes wildlife spotting and cultural insights, making it ideal for travelers wanting a quieter, reflective experience. As evening falls, the scenery becomes even more captivating, and the sunset views are genuinely stunning. You’ll learn about local traditions, and the boat’s calm pace makes it suitable for anyone comfortable with gentle watercraft.
Guests highlight the serenity and wildlife sightings: “The peacefulness at sunset was breathtaking, and we enjoyed learning about local life from the boat.” The tour’s price of $68.94 per person is a fair deal considering the exclusivity and scenic beauty.
Bottom line: A serene, scenic option for sunset lovers and those interested in Kerala’s rural lifestyle, perfect if you prefer an afternoon or early evening adventure.
4. Food Walk Alleppey (2 Hours Guided Local Food Tasting Experience)
This Food Walk in Alleppey takes you through the relaxed town’s streets, uncovering local food joints and specialties. In about 2 hours, your guide will show you hidden gems where you can sample an array of Kerala snacks, sweets, and drinks. You’ll visit the oldest food shop, watch sweets being prepared, and enjoy filter coffee with scenic views of the backwaters.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local cuisine and storytelling, with an intimate group setting. The guide shares cultural insights and answers questions about Kerala’s culinary traditions. Food samples are included, and the pace allows you to savor each dish without rushing.
Reviewers describe it as “a fun way to explore the city at night” and “delicious food, great guides.” The tour costs $24.80 per person, making it a cost-effective way to sample authentic Kerala flavors.
Bottom line: Ideal for foodies wanting to taste a variety of local dishes while learning about Alleppey’s culinary history in a relaxed setting.
5. Full Day Canoe Cruise with Village Life and Local Food
For those craving a comprehensive backwater experience, this Full Day Canoe Cruise offers a full 9 hours of exploration. It combines narrow canal cruising in a canoe, scenic lunch, and local village visits. You’ll start with a breakfast in typical Kerala style, then glide through quiet waterways with chances to see local life, traditional boats, and birdlife.
What sets this tour apart is the full-day format that includes lunch, a chance to relax in a more immersive environment, and the opportunity to sample home-cooked Kerala dishes. The experience is perfect for slow travelers or families seeking an extended, intimate look at Kerala’s waterways.
The reviews note the delight of seeing local life up close and the value of the full-day itinerary. At $119.97, it’s a more expensive but comprehensive experience suitable for anyone wanting an in-depth look at the region.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers looking for a long, immersive backwater ride combined with authentic food and cultural insights.
6. Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class – Learn, Cook, Eat & Enjoy!
If you’re itching to bring Kerala’s flavors home, this Cooking Class offers a fun, hands-on experience. Held in a local home, the class lets you learn to cook traditional dishes and then enjoy a three-course meal you made yourself. It’s ideal for travelers who want more than just tasting—they want to learn and recreate.
Throughout the 3-hour session, you’ll learn about Kerala’s culinary traditions, with all ingredients and refreshments provided. The instructor shares stories about local life, making it both educational and delicious. Post-class, you’ll have a recipe booklet to replicate the dishes at home.
Reviewers find it relaxed and engaging, with one noting the encouraging, effective teaching style. Priced at $35 per person, it offers excellent value for a memorable, cultural cooking experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for cooking enthusiasts or families seeking a fun, interactive way to learn Kerala cuisine firsthand.
7. 6hrs Alleppey Houseboat Tour-Serene Canals, Local Life & Food
This 6-hour houseboat tour provides a taste of Kerala’s famous backwaters without the overnight commitment. You’ll cruise on a traditional houseboat through quiet canals, marshlands, and villages, enjoying lunch, snacks, and coffee along the way. The itinerary includes a side trip into Kuttamangalam Canal on a smaller boat, giving you a closer look at local life.
What makes this experience standout is the combination of scenic floating observation and authentic local food. The lunch is included, and the boat’s gentle pace ensures a relaxing day. Its private tour format offers flexibility and added comfort.
Guests appreciate the peaceful scenery and the fact that it’s a more manageable day trip compared to overnight cruises. Priced at $86.63, it’s an excellent choice for time-limited travelers wanting a scenic, flavorful experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a scenic, culinary experience in the backwaters without the overnight stay, suitable for families or couples.
8. Kochi: Local Street Food Guided Walking Tour with Tastings
This Kochi Street Food Tour invites you to explore Kochi’s lively streets on foot, sampling some of the city’s most iconic snacks and sweets. This guided walk delves into street-side stalls and local eateries, where you’ll enjoy authentic snacks and sip chai in a clay pot while soaking up the atmosphere.
The tour emphasizes culture and local flavor, giving you a taste of Kochi’s diverse culinary landscape. It’s a great way to see different neighborhoods and learn about the history behind each dish—all while satisfying your curiosity and appetite for authentic street food.
Although reviews are mixed, many praise the informative guide and delicious tastings for just $23 per person. It’s a good option for walkers who want a short, flavor-packed experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a casual, immersive walk through Kochi’s street food scene, especially if you enjoy walking and tasting in tandem.
9. Flavors of Kochi: Guided Street Food Tasting Tour
This Flavors of Kochi adventure offers a guided exploration of Kerala’s most beloved dishes, with options for vegetarian or non-vegetarian tastes. You’ll sample dishes like Puttu Kadala and Masala Dosa, paired with refreshing local drinks like Kulukki Sarbath.
While specific reviews are not available, the tour’s focus on traditional flavors and local drinks makes it appealing for travelers interested in authentic regional cuisine. The tour is suited for those who want to understand Kerala’s culinary nuances beyond just tasting, with the guide explaining dish origins and cultural significance.
At $28 per person, it offers a well-rounded introduction to the flavor profile of Kochi and is ideal for food curious travelers eager for a comprehensive tasting experience.
Bottom line: Great for food explorers seeking a guided, in-depth look at Kerala’s famous flavors with a focus on authenticity.
$28 per person
10. Kochi: Food Walk in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry
This Food Walk takes you through two lively neighborhoods, sampling everything from street-side snacks to traditional sweets. You’ll visit Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town, and Princess Street, tasting local delicacies at each stop. The menu includes fried fish, prawns, squid, and spicy snacks, along with homemade ginger soda and lemonade.
This tour exposes you to Kochi’s diverse culinary influences and multicultural heritage. The itinerary is designed for walkers comfortable exploring neighborhoods on foot, with plenty of opportunities to ask about local customs and food origins.
While the reviews are not listed, the detailed itinerary and varied tastings make this a comprehensive introduction to Kochi’s food scene. The price of $50 is reasonable for a 2.5-hour guided experience.
Bottom line: Excellent for travelers who enjoy walking, want to see multiple neighborhoods, and taste a diverse range of local dishes.
$50 per person
How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Kochi
Picking the right food tour depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you want a peaceful start with scenic water views, the Sunrise Cruise is perfect. For those eager to taste a wide variety of local dishes in a short time, the Local Street Food Walk or Flavors of Kochi offer immersive experiences. If you’re interested in learning to cook Kerala’s signature dishes, the Cooking Class provides a hands-on approach.
For travelers seeking a scenic day on water combined with food, the Full Day Canoe Cruise or Houseboat Tour are ideal. When choosing, consider your time availability, whether you want a short tasting walk or an extended scenic cruise, and your interest in cooking or cultural insights.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours like the Sunrise Cruise or Houseboat experiences, to secure your preferred date. Think about combining a water-based experience with a food walk for a balanced Kochi culinary adventure.
Kochi offers a diverse range of food experiences—from scenic cruises to street food walks and hands-on classes. Whether you’re a culinary adventurer, a tranquil water lover, or a history enthusiast, there’s a tour that will satisfy your curiosity and your appetite. Be sure to read reviews and book early to enjoy these authentic tastes of Kerala at their best.