My favourite city in India! - Kochi food & travel guide

I love South Indian food, and especially the Kerala cuisine. Probably nowhere else in India is it possible to find such a variety of different traditional local dishes, but also great many fusion options and organically made continental food. The Syrian Christian restaurants in Fort Kochi are my absolute favourites in the whole world and I've never come across the cuisine outside Kochi. But food isn't the only thing that makes Kochi my favourite city in india! The historical architecture, colourful street art, little antique shops and the cosmopolitan vibe create this unique city that I will always keep travelling back to! And here are my best tips for you 🙏
#india #finland #travelvlog #kerala #fortkochi
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Namaste friends 🙏 My name is Johanna and I'm an Indian wife, living and travelling in India for almost 4 years now. I'm originally from Finland, but currently we are settled in northern Kerala. I'm not a traveller, but vlogging and discovering India - 21/29 states.

[@Monsoondesert]

My heart aches to be there... Fort Kochi is like a second home for me, I finish every trip to India there for at least a week and have visited 8 times. I should be there right now... Thank you for the walk around, it made my heart so happy

[@JohannaNorth]

Wow, 8 times! That's true love 😊 but I get that when it comes to Kochi ❤️

[@anoopkl4u]

I feel you because “Kochi is not a city it’s a feel”

[@j.jthompson7639]

You are not alone. its my city too, i grew up in fort kochi, so wonderful

[@salimdan]

Born and bred in fort kochi I realise how fortunate I have been to have had such a wonderful childhood. Every time I go back I feel born again .

[@saadadam5415]

@@j.jthompson7639 p

[@eldhosevarghese5054]

We are so glad that we got you as our sister in law....

[@shyamaztec]

Lol..her husband is not a malayali,he is north Indian

[@SamFreeThinker]

@@shyamaztec So what? He is Indian.

[@retheeshcku6424]

@@shyamaztec She is the daughter in law of India.

[@arjunprakash6742]

Kochi ! ❤️ One of India's fastest growing cities, still not losing that old charm. A perfect blend of serenity and modernity

[@shereefpk1190]

Kerala is most beautiful state in India 👏👏🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@Junaid_Paramberi]

When I was studying in Thrissur I used to visit kochi almost every month. Calicut and Kochi is my favorite city in Kerala, Proud to be a kerality

[@JohannaNorth]

Oh I really wish I could visit as often as you did! 😍

[@sonytharakan7157]

Calicut and Kochi are my favorite cities in Kerala*

[@j.jthompson7639]

Best place in India for Christmas.

[@sreerajtp4039]

Gods own country.. My kerala.. magic world of green beauty.

[@jayaramv452]

Being an Indian, and then a Keralite and then a "Kochi"ite!! this video really touched my heart!! It's so amazing and beautifully captured, so beautiful that even I've not seen Kochi like this ever before!! Do visit here often!!

[@vaibhav3946]

People like you make me happy. BTW, the city is really beautiful.

[@akhilnathg6]

I'm from kochi and it's amazing and same time it's embarrassing for me to say that. You know Kochi very well than me. I'm In Paris now and I traveled all over the Europe. It's very beautiful. But I didn't get the vibe that we get in kochi here. I miss my Kochi.

[@ashishkrupakar5365]

Hi Johanna! I've always enjoyed your vlogs but this one really stands out cuz it makes me wanna visit Kochi! Well done! Loved the pleasant background music as well.

[@JohannaNorth]

I'm so glad! I hope you get to visit as soon as travelling is safe again 😊🙏

[@ashishkrupakar5365]

@@JohannaNorth thank you Johanna!

[@sarathsasidharan11]

I am not exaggerating but your videos have a therapeutic effect. Its calm, soothing and I think your videos (back ground music especially) are reflection of the person you are. As a person who has been staying in Kochi, I can feel your love for the city. I have spend a good amount of time in Bangalore and I love Bangalore, that said, I must say there is something about Kochi which makes me feel home ! I could resonate a lot with your emotions because, well, I do share the same emotions about Kochi !! Thanks for this video !

[@JohannaNorth]

Thank you so much for your kind words! :)

[@christiantessari]

Great video !!! Wow 😯 i love India and the Indian culture and food 🇮🇳 I Love it and i love this wonderful places you filmed❤️👍🏻 I am a Swiss World Traveler and It will be nice to connect with other travelers !!! Cheers from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[@JohannaNorth]

Thank you so much 🙏😊 hope you get to visit Kerala and India soon!

[@veenaalzam5980]

Welcome to Kochi

[@sairamji115]

I been to Kerela when I was UG student , it was our educational tour , we really enjoyed there , people are so nice welcoming , not all 😝

[@ComEDyFiFaGamING]

Why do i get excited watching this? I basically live there😅

[@leeaesthete6479]

Proud to be born in Kochi.

[@sunilvirmani]

really cool restaurant. luved the aesthetics, decor & vibe. the plant shades inside r so soothing n.peaceful....

[@thomasoommen5573]

You have shot this video nicely and given excellent reviews, keep posting

[@naveen.v1090]

I like this vlog....and after watching I feel hungry....

[@JohannaNorth]

Haha I get that! I'm always hungry for kochi 😋

[@pappanalab]

I'm from a village about an hour away from Kochi airport called Piravom and this hit's close to home (pun intended). Also, both our names are Johanna!

[@AmlinDavid]

Glad you enjoyed the trip to Fort Kochi.

[@Abhishek-ez3ue]

Your vlogs are so peaceful with that music in the background and your soft lovely voiceover. Best to watch at night after a day full of work.

[@JohannaNorth]

Thank you so much! Choosing the background music is probably my most favourite part of editing work 😅🙏

[@Swedishmallu]

Happy to see the vlog from Kochi. i’m from kochi now in scandinavia 🇸🇪

[@seldom44]

Tons of love from Kerala.....😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@SK-jf3mm]

wow i love southindia side travelling its too good i like ur vlog too

[@vipingeorge7049]

your presentation is very good, background music and calm voice explanations matching perfectly..wow.. superb...

[@prakashShalu]

We hope, that days will comeback soon.thanks for your experience

[@88MrRAA]

Nice vlog. Thanks for sharing. You remind me of some of my friends who enjoy food very much and knows about the speciality of each restaurants

[@JohannaNorth]

Thank you! Food is my favourite thing about indian culture! ❤️❤️😋

[@johneappen583]

Awesome Video keep coming back to kerala

[@shabinshanmughan7477]

Thank you for giving a visual treat about kochi.. a keralite who stucked in lockdown.

[@darlinicaallya1394]

I visited Kochi in January 😍😍 this vlog takes me back ☺☺ we had lunch at Oceanos and we loved it 🍤🍽🥗

[@viveka362]

You are the ambassadors of India.You Angel's are doing selfless job.

[@solorover85]

Kochi is my favorite place too.. and cherrai beach too.. I will surely visit the kashi art cafe next time i m in this town.

[@WELOVEOURINDIA]

This time i loved every moment in your video...

[@gamingchannel-ov4bw]

Very good vlog, keep exploring😇😇😍

[@nirvanabliss73]

Kochi.........sigh .......you made me nostalgic !!!!!!!!!!

[@riplex215]

ഇങ്ങു പോര്..

[@hummingleaves3120]

You are a sweet soul. It is amazing how you connect and adapt to Indian culture , perhaps a past life connection! I am a Keralite and have lived many parts of India but it is dawned on me that Kerala 8s unique in many ways and the endearing fact is that Keralites have a better justice system and treat fellow humans as equals( with exceptions of course. ) But what I really miss is Kerala food and greenery. Thanks for your Kerala diaries.

[@himanv]

Your content is very addictive! :) And I still love your speaking accent, I think it's adorable how you pronounce "I" and make those finger gestures/waves... :) haha

[@JohannaNorth]

Thank you 😊🙏

[@ddas75]

Fort Kochi is away from the hussles of kochi and I need it to be a calm place. City is growing outside fort Kochi will be as it is 😀🥀🌹🌹🥀

[@salimdan]

Fort Kochi is my first love and after that nothing compares...

[@arijitdatta4618]

Kochi is my next Job location and thanks to you two I am more excited now.

[@traveldiarieswithadventure4353]

Awesome place, feeling nostalgic. God’s own country 💚

[@shaileshparan]

Visited this area ages ago. This was a good walk back in time.. Of course, things change all the time - although, one thing hasn't changed..your calm and composed narration. Not sure if you ever got this feedback, but unlike the loud and sometimes chaotic travel vlogs- yours are peaceful and soothing to listen to. And as for the shopping temptations - try this, leave your cards and money with your husband and walk in to browse LOL.. I used this strategy during the lazy mid-aft office breaks to the vending machine. Go with loose change that will not allow you to buy even one piece of chocolate bar ..:-). Although my weak spot will be coffee shops, spices, and restaurants..and ice-cream.. see, it requires no effort - it just melts as you eat.. LOLOLOL

[@JohannaNorth]

Thank you so much! I don't like hurry, loudness or the need for being too fast, but very much prefer slower living and travelling! I often feel like I'm not normal because of that, as it seems so many people do prefer speed, noise and chaos these days. So it's just lovely to hear that you appreciate this thing about my vlogs ❤️ Haha, I'm not sure how I feel about leaving the wallet with my hubby! Instant feeling of anxiety 😂 what if he doesn't let me buy the pretty things I so "desperately" need 🙄😁

[@vicky-wf6or]

hi JO, that was a wonderful vlog. u just showing the place as in walking street of Pattaya. every food u tasted looks so good ... dress codes are so pretty..

[@abhilashvs1902]

i like that you dont try too hard to impress people and its nice

[@Whatisthisitisacat]

Nice! Glad you like my home state! 😀

[@shripaddate1528]

beautiful and interesting video as always. I am sorry you are going to miss Christmas in your home town.

[@JohannaNorth]

I don't mind being in India for Christmas as long as we get to spend it at home where I can cook myself and follow Finnish traditions! :)

[@mithsindia5150]

Restaurant was beautiful and my god how huge🙏

[@avranabraham889]

Bra jobbat Love from Kerala ❤

[@j.jthompson7639]

You and those who all who love kochi, are not at all wrong, its one of the best

[@WaliHossain]

Kashi art cafe is really nice. Nice video.

[@kyakaruvlogs2784]

Fort Kochi is so charming and beautiful

[@vijayamohan33]

such an awesome vlog sweet heart

[@theCentsical]

Johanna i must say this video is really really amazing i love it , the music is very warming an sweet , alot like xmas the place is very beautiful , both of u make a lovely couple ... i hope one day i can visit India an Kerala will be on my list , it is extremely beautiful ..❤️❤️

[@awesomeaj2635]

Hello thought it's 2021 i recently founndn your videos and i ifell inn love with them they are amazing and show that India is not just north India love these videos and subsrcibed

[@ABU-lz2sh]

Kerala like no other place on earth It's food like no other, like the Keralites, full of josh

[@nileshjariwala9690]

Johanna seeing ur video makes my day and Vinod sir u r Lucky to have Johanna in ur Life . God bless you both 😊

[@JohannaNorth]

😊🙏

[@sumayyasumi9124]

That z kochi 😍.fort kochi 💪🏻

[@rahifp]

Beautifull episode keep going....

[@peaceworld9458]

Excellent video 👌

[@prashantmore3361]

Great ! Keep it up!

[@masterpastry2544]

JOHANNA REALLY I ENJOYING YOUR VIDEOS

[@naveen.v1090]

Advance Happy Birthday North🎉🎉

[@MrScientific007]

You should visit Varkala, Kovalam and Poovar, all in Trivandrum.Also nice to visit Ponmudi hill station.

[@JohannaNorth]

I've been to Varkala a couple of times, that's the next edit in this roadtrip series 😊 hope to explore that area more in the future!

[@lostsoul6842]

♥️ lots of love

[@anoopkl4u]

Well Fort Kochi is my favourite layback location where whenever I come home for vacation i spend 2 days solo just have my me-time. Such a relaxing place I love Mattancheri too but it’s too rush and commercialised for tourists nowadays but Fort Kochi- Rose street- burger street are my favourites. And next time you try “Hotel Seagull” it’s a water front restaurant for seafood and chilled beer 🍻. And Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is one fine monument too, and you’re right those trees are brought by Portuguese from Brazil it’s called Rain Tree 🌳 PS:- Appam also known as Vella appam or palappam is a Syriac Christian - Jewish delicacy Appam and mutton stew is the Christmas 🎄 delicacy

[@JohannaNorth]

That sounds so lovely! I might have to start doing something like that too 😊 before covid I had planned to start making monthly weekend trips all over kerala just on my own, let's see if that ever happens 😁 and I agree, mattancherry is quite the hustle and bustle! My favourite shops are a bit further away from the main Jew Town stretch of the street. In those antique and perfume shops, just 500m away, I'm usually the only customer! 😍

[@anoopkl4u]

@@JohannaNorth Well that makes two of us. I should be sipping my tea in my home and enjoying the monsoon now but the 2020 had another plans.I like history thus mattanchery is my favorite place but i hate people LOL thus i found Fort Kochi as my comfort zone. Fort Kochi does have that X-Factor init, like time stands still, something special as they say "Kochi is not a city it's a feeling" The only thing it lacks is a good beach, well the one which we have is well how do i put it??!!, not exactly something qualifies as a beach, It's always full of derbies and stuffs. Even though it's not the tourists or the locals dumping the trash at the beach it's the high time brings all the junks that we thrown in the sea by us (the ships and cruzes and other parties) and leaves it on the beach at the low tide. Well i guess it's the nature's way of giving us a middle finger. Mainland Kochi is being developed into a smart city thus modernizing with walk ways and parks and new high tower buildings i fear it's gonna be like just another Metro City, i hope she's not gonna lose her charm. PS:- Kochi Water metro is expected to be operational by this year end also a cable car service between the island and the mainland city over the Kochi Lake is also on the way sounds good.

[@sreeramravindren7575]

Luv from Kerala

[@architmeta]

Great camera work

[@simisiji1179]

Very noce to c u in kerala... Usually guys marries foreign lady and stay outside india... U r great so accept our land with its good and bad....

[@nitinkharawate2079]

I don’t know why all the answers here except a few focus only on the natural beauty of Kerala. The question is how is it like to live in Kerala rather than how beautiful it is. Well, here are some regular things you go through if you are brought up in Kerala. Rains Monsoon season is no joke in Kerala. Unlike Bengaluru where it rains mostly in the evening, in Kerala it may pour down any time. Especially in the morning when we walk to school, even an umbrella seldom helps. We all get accustomed to sitting in classrooms with wet uniforms. Image link Daily commute Kerala has an exceptionally great private bus service which runs with seconds accuracy. Neither late nor early. Some of them may be crowded during the peak hours. But we reach our school/office right on time. Evenings used to be challenging for us in our school days as the whole school would be competing to get inside the buses. Sometimes we had to travel on foot-board like this. Image link Fast & Furious If you plan to live in Kerala, be ready to travel in such buses. If you opt to drive your own car or bike, ensure to give way for these F1 racers. Video link Evening sports Football and cricket are the two most popular outdoor games for Malayalees. During my childhood in the 90’s, young people play in open fields in the evenings. Nowadays I don’t see it as much as it was back then. Probably kids are more into smartphones. Image link Grocery shopping We visit the grocery store almost everyday unlike in cities where they generally shop in bulk during the weekends. We also do not have Bigbasket or Amazon pantry for home deliveries. Instead we have to visit stores like these. Image link Our food Rice is our staple food. The basic ingredient of any breakfast dish is rice. Red boiled rice is eaten for lunch and dinner. Fish is kind of our second staple food. Tea is more popular than coffee and we typically have it with breakfast and evening snacks. Image link Wedding and Sadhya Almost every weekend, we get to attend a wedding function of some relative or neighbor or friend. It will be followed by the legendary Sadhya (vegetarian meal) in a large hall like this. It’s fun to push your way into the hall when its doors open. Image link Our temples We visit our temples, just like others Indians. However our temples are architecturally very simple. I personally never felt like visiting any temple outside Kerala as I don’t find them as serene and calm like the ones shown below. Image link Pooram: Annual temple festival Once the monsoon recedes, the Pooram season starts. Pooram typically celebrates the birthday of a temple diety. Each temple has its own day for Pooram. We celebrate it will all the zeal and fervor, not just the Pooram of our temple, but the ones in neighboring villages as well. Every week from November-March, we get at least one Pooram as there are innumerable number of small temples in Kerala. Image link Good health care I won’t say it’s upto the international standards, but our health care is arguably the best in India. If you are living in any part of Kerala (read villages), at least a basic health care center will be present in the near vicinity. We have plenty of hospitals and quality doctors. Unlike in other states you don’t have to travel 30 kms to get first aid (happened with me in rural Karnataka). Image source Hartals Some days we wake up to the good news of a Hartal. It’s another word for Bandh. It need not be state wide and is usually district or taluk level. When we were in school in 90’s, Hartals used to be a big relief as we get a day off. I remember we were getting around 20-30 Hartals each year. However, nowadays schools open on subsequent Saturday to compensate for a holiday due to Hartal. Whatever criticisms people raise, I have seen how Malayalees secretly enjoy Hartals in the state. Image Unemployment Almost everyone in Kerala goes through this phase except for some college graduates who gets campus placements. Initially, we keep applying for various public sector jobs. Then we decide to go for bank test. Some crack it, others move on. Some gets a low paying job in the same field they graduated from and others take up teaching as a temporary job. Finally, one of our relatives or friends working in Middle East comes to our rescue by referring us to their employer. It’s this relentless struggle by our young men in 70’s and 80’s that has made Kerala a model state at present. Image link

[@omegamullaringad579]

Hi...Nice video.our kochi....I. am from kerala....

[@atomgamingyt6055]

Lmao I live in calicut , I never knew kochi was this good! I'm grateful for your vlogs , keep up the good work! PS : you earned a new sub and a like.

[@JohannaNorth]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@atomgamingyt6055]

@@JohannaNorth Most welcome

[@JiThIn__Pj]

Love from Cochin 😍😍👌

[@ambilyrajeev6083]

❤ from kerala

[@ansuajo]

Making me homesick

[@ntayachan1531]

In 30 seconds the building is a school.. The delta study.. I did my schooling there

[@lynda.grace.14]

I love Vinod's giggles.

[@JohannaNorth]

❤️❤️❤️ not so surprisingly, me too!

[@vaseempachakkara7242]

Super video

[@farooquecm]

The next 30 days it will be heavy rain kerala . In Malayalam calendar its month for heavy rain. Sky get dark mostly. Enjoy the rain.

[@emilmohan1000]

Kochi welcomes foodies.. Kochi ❤ you

[@chandansvlog7231]

കൊച്ചിക്കാരൻ.. kochi humambeing here ❤️ born here.. live here..

[@letsexplore183]

Nice 👍👍👍

[@monishthomasp]

Not even an Indian could review Fort Kochi and it’s vibe so well… !!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@bettercallsaul9230]

Kerala 💚🗽

[@ajmalnavas8954]

🙋‍♂️ just subscribed.....

[@mystic_saint9354]

Hi johanna your Chanel is so good ... Eagerly waiting for my girl from Russia. Art Cafe was one of our favorite place❤️

[@JohannaNorth]

Hope she gets here soon! 🙏

[@jayj3782]

Nice.

[@universalpower6050]

Welcome to kerala

[@amanaditya3720]

I know ur Christmas 🎄 was not enjoyable without ur family. But hopefully you enjoyed Kochi delicious cuisines, roaming around the Kochi that helped to decrease some grief of being away from family specially on Christmas. The history of Kochi is multicolored that makes it the city of many countries. Portuguese, Dutch, French and British culture blend with Indian traditions and cultures very well , make it one of the most beautiful city of INDIA. Many ancient Churches, Art galleries, Cuisine shops and places make it "God's own country. " Hope you will make another visit to Kochi & best places next time in favourable weather. Thank ma'am @Johanna to take us on tour of such a beautiful place . God bless you with great Joy , health and ur sweet smile.😊👩🙏💐

[@JohannaNorth]

Oh yes I definitely did enjoy my favourite city, especially the food!!!!, in the end 😋 after getting over of my Christmas blues of course. Homesickness is a constant thing, living so far from my parental family, it comes and goes and sometimes I'm able to deal with it better than some other times 😊 now I'm in the middle of one of bigger homesickness periods again ❤️😕

[@amanaditya3720]

@@JohannaNorth Homesickness again, what is the reason? But now Christmas Time is far away!

[@JohannaNorth]

Because I haven't seen my family in 6 months? We were meant to travel to Finland in June and my husband to meet my family for the first time? It's Finnish summer, the best time of the year? It's almost my birthday? I think it's quite natural to be homesick for you native country and family even all the time, if you're staying far away and in a completely different culture.. that's how also most indian people abroad feel

[@amanaditya3720]

@@JohannaNorth ,yesterday I couldn't understand the reason for ur sadness of homesick but I got the reason today. The reason is ur B-Day on 20th of July. 💐💐💚Many-Many-Many more Returns of the Day Respected Mam-cum-my beautiful Finnish Sister. 👩💛🎂 🎈 🎊 God bless you with lots of-lots of happiness, joy, good health and specially bless with soon meeting with ur family. Keep enjoying, Keep Smiling. 😊😊🇮🇳🇫🇮 Hope you don't feel bad on my calling u Sister.😊🙏🙏

[@sijinrajsijinraj5062]

❤️❤️

[@shafims5549]

Kochi😃❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@learnguitarwithrobin]

👏🏻

[@arugha555youtuber4]

Kochi😍

[@nitinkharawate2079]

I can suggest a few MUST VISIT temples in Kerala, based on my experience. In Kerala, every city/town/village has a main temple in the centre of it. Infact 90% of Kerala cities/towns/village originated around a temple in the middle of that place and the presiding deity of that temple regarded as guardian lord of that place. So any place you visit, you are likely to see a key temple of that place which people do rever so much. Some have become iconic over a period of time, some not so. So ideally check with locals about the main temple of the place and if a possible visit there. At pan Kerala level, I suggest these temples which also happens to be my favourites. It's primarily due to the tranquillity and spiritual gratification they offer;

[@akhiljoseaj]

പൊളിക്ക് മോളൂസെ....

[@james-ov5gj]

niceee

[@ajay2471]

😍

[@sijups8775]

I hope you are well......

[@basheerkung-fu8787]

BASHEER kungfu from Kochi 💪👏👍🔥💥❤️

[@Jesusrockstar123]

😘😘😘

[@futureworld6280]

U should come at carnival at December 31 it's awesome