Iftar tables are a sight to behold. Platters of heaped fruits, crispy-fried chicken with wisps of smoke wafting from it, smooth haleem, mounds of mutton biryani where the rice is sprinkled with Iranian saffron, and bread variants ranging from foccacia to pita. Various eateries are even offering take-away boxes. Here’s our pick of unique iftar feasts found across the city, post-sunset.
Kochi Marriott
Gosht nihari is literally a dish fit for royalty. Chef Jalaludeen Mohamed Ali is the culinary expert preparing this Mughal-era delicacy at Kochi Kitchen. This braised mutton stew is prepared by slow-cooking milk, Hyderabadi potli masala, and the essence of mutton bone marrow; best-consumed with kulcha, naan or rice.
Calicut Notebook
This UAE-based chain is whipping up a traditional Bahraini dish. Machboos rubyan, a unique delicacy where tangy-marinated prawns are slow-cooked for almost five hours in its own stock with basmati rice and Arabic spices. They are also serving Persian salads like balela and fattoush alongside kuboos.
Le Meridien
Dawat-e-iftar at at this luxe establishment turns its focus to quintessential Malabari fare. One special they urge every patron to try is the meen pathiri. Traditionally made with seared kingfish or mackerel stuffed between two flatbreads, this steamed treat is a healthy and appetising alternative amidst buttery excesses.
Four Points by Sheraton
Kochi’s Infopark area has found its iftar haven within this brand-new property. Chef Saurabh Singh’s team of culinary experts are focussing on traditional snacks. At their extravagant value-for-money spread, featuring over 80 items, you’ll find kalathappams, kaypola, and thengamuri jostling for space alongside tabbouleh and seekh kebab.