Malayalis love their naadan fare, but they also enjoy an occasional twist in tradition. And this Easter, restaurants across town are recreating appetising dishes served around the planet on this religious occasion. While properties like Crowne Plaza are digging deep into the past to find rare recipes like pork and koorka (Chinese potato), Radisson Blu ensures the fizz factor with their extensive range of unlimited Indian liquors. And, for those who take their meat seriously, Holiday Inn’s executive chef Michael Saju is crafting an Oriental barbeque spread featuring recipes like pot roast lamb leg with Chinese greens, at their new Sunday brunch (`1,195 onwards). Discover your favourite delicacies, with the help of our Easter special weekend food guide.
Kochi Marriott
The brunch at Marriott is hoping to attract adventurous gourmands as they are bringing home Lent traditions from orthodox Eastern European countries like Russia. While candied fruits and paksha—a curd cheese based dish infused with vanilla and spices—are some of the highlights from their spread, watch out for all-time favourites like roasted duck with honeycomb and savoury pies made of phyllo pastry.`1,400 onwards. Details: 7177777
Lokah Restaurant & Café
Easter dinner menu here is short but it may trigger nostalgia. Their dessert counter serves old-school festive specials like wattalapam—a steamed serving of jaggery and thick coconut milk. The main course also features ‘Grandma’s special recipes’ including idiyirachi and kallappam (hoppers made on a stone) served with mutton stew. Wattalapam at `80. Details: 4033220
Radisson Blu
There’s more on offer for dinner at Radisson than an unlimited serving of Indian liquors. Besides serving Syrian Catholic specials, the culinary staff at the luxury property’s premier restaurant Keshia will also be serving freshly baked hot cross buns and meat loaf at their buffet. `1,640 plus tax. Details: 4129999
Casino Hotel
Walk into Tharavadu restaurant to the warm sight of handcrafted Easter eggs. The centre of attraction at executive chef Shaikh Asif Ali’s fusion Easter brunch is a garlic-roasted lamb served with a vodka cocktail of your choice (think screwdriver/appletini). But, if your family prefers something naadan, we recommend trying their Cherthala neimeen vattichathu or tharavu piralan. `1,100 plus tax. Details: 9567700338
Crowne Plaza
Celebrations at Crowne are all encompassing, citing specials from regional and Continental cuisines across their different restaurants. While Trilogi’s brunch menu (`1,799 per head) sports traditional Syrian Christian specials from various locales around the state—like Trichoor pork koorkka and Kanjoor beef perattu—Mosaic brings in a Western ardour with dishes like roast stuffed turkey and piquant beef wellington (`1,395 plus tax). Details: 2865064
Ramada Cochin
We suggest you cool off by taking a dip in Ramada’s infinity pool and maximise your appetite before
tackling their Easter brunch spread. Why? Award-winning corporate chef Ramu Butler promises to serve the best Continental Easter classics like suckling pig and shepherd’s pie with corn and kidney beans. For dessert, go naadan and opt for specials like ela ada and chaka payasam.`1,000 plus tax. Details: 3011100
The Renai Cochin
When it comes keeping the tradition alive, Renai believes in going the ethnic route. “We’re looking at a regional brunch spread featuring seafood and meat alike. Our specials include Easter staples like spicy karimeen roast,” says Jacob Ghosh, assistant general manager, Renai Hotels. Not a fan of spicy fare? Opt for a few of their hoppers and sample their signature tharavu mappas, featuring tender duck cooked in a thick coconut milk gravy. `850. Details: 2344463