Food tours in Kochi serve up the best of Kerala’s diverse cuisine through well-organized excursions. The most rewarding options pack a lot of memorable eating into just a few hours. The early morning backwater cruise stands out for combining peaceful scenery with authentic local breakfast dishes. I especially love the guided street food walks – they cut straight to the most delicious local spots while avoiding tourist traps. The sunset dinner cruise offers a perfect mix of scenery and traditional Kerala cooking, while the Cherai Beach seafood tour takes you right to the source of the region’s famous fish dishes. Smart travelers with dietary restrictions will find tour operators happy to accommodate their needs. Consider these top food tours to experience Kerala’s culinary traditions:
Key Points
- The Kochi Street Food Crawl is a 2-hour guided tour showcasing the city’s vibrant culinary landscape, allowing participants to taste over six authentic local delicacies.
- The Food Walk Alleppey is a 2-hour guided tour focused on Kerala’s culinary heritage, offering a 90% traveler recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence.
- The Private Half Day Sunset Cruise in Kochi’s backwaters includes a Kerala-style dinner and the opportunity to witness daily village life.
- The Kerala Sea Food Trail excursion to Cherai Beach near Kochi provides seafood enthusiasts with a private air-conditioned vehicle and ferry ride.
- The Sunrise Cruise Experience in Kerala’s backwaters offers a private canoe tour, local breakfast, and a 100% traveler recommendation rate.
Sunrise Cruise With Village Life and Local Food
Although the tour begins at the early hour of 6:00 AM, guests are rewarded with a serene and intimate experience exploring Kerala’s picturesque backwaters.
Ideal for culture enthusiasts and photographers, the private canoe tour showcases wetland birds, blooming flowers, and local villagers’ morning routines.
Guests can observe the cooking process as they enjoy a local breakfast featuring Kerala specialties like Appam and Puttu served with curry.
With a 100% traveler recommendation rate and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers great value at $72.64 per person.
The pickup service within a 5 km radius is an added convenience.
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Kochi Street Food Crawl (2 Hours Guided Local Food Tasting)
The Kochi Street Food Crawl offers a captivating journey through the city’s vibrant culinary landscape.
This 2-hour guided tour invites participants to savor over six authentic local delicacies, from celebrated sweets to a traditional chai tea experience.
With a knowledgeable live guide, guests can explore the influences and cultural heritage behind Kochi’s cuisine.
The tour provides quality assurance for the selected food establishments, ensuring a top-notch tasting experience.
Travelers highlight the engaging conversations, local insights, and the opportunity to stroll through the oldest food shop.
Though hotel pickup and water aren’t included, the tour’s overall rating of 4.2/5 based on 11 reviews attests to its exceptional value.
Read our full review: Kochi Street Food Crawl (2 Hours Guided Local Food Tasting) Review
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Food Walk Alleppey (2 Hours Guided Local Food Tasting Experience)
Tucked away in the charming coastal town of Alleppey, the Food Walk Alleppey offers a delightful 2-hour guided tour that invites travelers to enjoy the rich culinary heritage of Kerala.
With a 90% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this experience provides an intimate small-group setting for exploring hidden food joints and learning about Keralite culture through its cuisine.
For $24.93 per person, participants can enjoy a variety of food samples and beverages, while engaging in fascinating conversations and gaining local insights from the knowledgeable guide.
While some travelers have reported minor issues with timing and language barriers, the overall experience is highly rated, making it an ideal activity before or after a backwater cruise.
Read our full review: Food Walk Alleppey (2 Hours Guided Local Food Tasting Experience) Review
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Private Half Day Sunset Cruise With Village Life and Local Food
Stepping away from the vibrant food walks of Alleppey, the Private Half Day Sunset Cruise With Village Life and Local Food in Kochi offers travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy the serene backwaters and traditional way of life.
This 3.5-hour cruise beginning at 3:30 PM takes guests through the tranquil waterways, allowing them to witness the daily routines of villagers and savor Kerala-style vegetarian or non-vegetarian dinner.
Along with tea and snacks, the tour also includes safety gear, travel insurance, and village life experiences. Priced at $72.64 per person, this private tour is highly recommended, with a perfect 5.0 rating from 10 reviews.
Read our full review: Private Half Day Sunset Cruise With Village Life and Local Food Review
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Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class – Learn, Cook, Eat & Enjoy!
Travelers seeking an immersive culinary experience in Kerala can embark on a hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class in the charming town of Alappuzha.
The class offers a sample menu featuring iconic Keralite dishes like porotta, idiappam, Kerala beef roast, puttu, and appam. Participants will learn to prepare these specialties using authentic cooking equipment and ingredients.
The class includes a 3-course meal, transportation, and a printed guide for recreating the dishes at home.
With an overall 5-star rating and positive feedback, this cooking class promises an enjoyable and educational journey into the vibrant flavors of Kerala.
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Enjoy the Best Food Tour in Kochi With a Local !
Foodies seeking an immersive culinary journey in Kochi can embark on a private food tour led by a knowledgeable local guide.
With 12 glowing reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, this 3-hour experience provides a comprehensive taste of the city’s authentic flavors.
For €18.30 per person, guests enjoy a dinner featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, as well as coffee, tea, and snacks.
The tour includes private guide services and entrance fees, though personal expenses, alcohol, and gratuities aren’t covered.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers.
Highlights include personalized food recommendations, visits to local eateries, and a genuine taste of Keralan cuisine that supports small businesses.
Read our full review: Enjoy the Best Food Tour in Kochi With a Local ! Review
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Kerala Sea Food Trail: An Excursion To Cherai Beach
Visitors embark on a delightful seafood excursion to Cherai Beach, a picturesque coastal destination near Kochi.
The Kerala Sea Food Trail offers a 4.0-rated experience, transporting guests by private air-conditioned vehicle to the scenic location. The tour includes a ferry ride, local guide, and bottled water.
Vegetarian options are available, and specific dietary requirements can be accommodated. However, the tour isn’t recommended for those with limited mobility or medical conditions.
Priced from $139 per person, the private tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Gratuities and additional food/drinks aren’t included, but a convenient “reserve now, pay later” option is available.
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Private Half Day City Walk and Food Crawl in Cherthala
A guided private half-day excursion through the bustling streets of Cherthala offers an immersive exploration of the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
Available from January 15, 2024, to October 21, 2025, this food crawl promises a delightful experience, with all meals, including tea/coffee, snacks, and lunch, included.
Pickup and drop-off services within a 5 km radius are provided, and the meeting point is at Cheepunkal, Kavanattinkara, Kumarakom, Kerala.
Participants can enjoy the convenience of a private tour, though the experience isn’t recommended for those with mobility issues or medical conditions.
With a lowest price guarantee and flexible cancellation/rescheduling policies, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to savor the flavors of Cherthala.
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Recap
Kochi offers a variety of food tours that allow visitors to enjoy the local cuisine and culture. From street food crawls and cooking classes to boat tours and beach excursions, there’s something to suit every foodie’s preferences. With knowledgeable guides and authentic experiences, these tours provide an excellent opportunity to discover the flavors and traditions of Kerala’s vibrant culinary landscape.