Best Toddy Shops in Kerala
- Mullapanthal Toddy Shop – Udayamperoor, Ernakulam
- Nettoor Toddy Shop – Nettoor, Kochi
- Garudagari Toddy Shop – Kuttanad
- New York City Toddy Shop – Kuttanad
- Kairali Toddy Paddy Restaurant – Muttar, Kuttanad
- Manthoppil Toddy Shop – Kidangara, Kuttanad
- Mapranam Toddy Shop – Irinjalakuda, Thrissur
- Mamala Toddy Shappu – Thiruvaniyoor, Ernakulam
- Pullu Toddy Shop – Thrissur
- BIJU’S Toddy Shop – Palakkad
Introduction
Kerala’s toddy shops, locally known as kallu shappus, are much more than places to enjoy fresh toddy. They are part of the state’s food culture, where traditional drinks are paired with spicy seafood, meat preparations, tapioca and other hearty Kerala favourites. From the backwaters of Kuttanad to the villages around Kochi and Thrissur, each shappu has its own character.
- Mullapanthal Toddy Shop, Udayamperoor
Mullapanthal is among the most recognised names in Kerala’s toddy-shop food scene. Located in Udayamperoor near Kochi, it is known for its traditional atmosphere and a menu built around strongly flavoured Kerala dishes. Karimeen pollichathu, fish head curry, crab preparations and beef dishes are among the choices that attract food lovers. Its long history has also helped make it a familiar name among visitors looking for an authentic shappu experience.
- Nettoor Toddy Shop, Kochi
Nettoor is another popular stop for those exploring Kochi’s traditional toddy-shop cuisine. Its location near the backwaters adds to the experience, while the food focuses on familiar Kerala combinations such as tapioca, fish curry and seafood preparations. It is a good choice for travellers who want to experience the more local side of Kochi’s food culture.
- Garudagari Toddy Shop, Kuttanad
Kuttanad is one of Kerala’s best-known regions for traditional backwater food, and Garudagari brings that setting into the toddy-shop experience. Located in the Kuttanad region, the restaurant is popular with diners looking for Kerala-style seafood, meat dishes and toddy in a relaxed setting. It is particularly suited to a food-focused trip through the backwater belt.
- New York City Toddy Shop, Kuttanad
Despite its unusual name, New York City Toddy Shop has a distinctly Kerala setting in Kuttanad. The surrounding waterways and countryside make the journey part of the experience. The shop is known as a seafood-focused destination where visitors can combine traditional Kerala flavours with the characteristic toddy-shop atmosphere.
- Kairali Toddy Paddy Restaurant, Muttar
Kairali Toddy Paddy Restaurant offers a combination that fits naturally into the Kuttanad landscape: traditional food, toddy and views of Kerala’s rural surroundings. Located in Muttar, it has become a popular choice for people exploring the region. Its setting makes it particularly appealing for those who want their meal to feel connected to the countryside.
- Manthoppil Toddy Shop, Kidangara
Located in Kidangara in Kuttanad, Manthoppil Toddy Shop offers another opportunity to experience the region’s traditional food culture. The relaxed setting and Kerala-style dishes make it a popular option for groups looking for an informal meal. It is also a convenient stop for travellers exploring the waterways and villages of Kuttanad.
- Mapranam Toddy Shop, Irinjalakuda
Mapranam Toddy Shop is a well-known name in the Irinjalakuda area of Thrissur. Its traditional Kerala restaurant setting makes it a choice for diners searching for the familiar flavours associated with toddy-shop cuisine. The emphasis is on hearty local food rather than a formal restaurant experience.
- Mamala Toddy Shappu, Thiruvaniyoor
Mamala Toddy Shappu is another popular Ernakulam-area destination for traditional Kerala food. Situated in Thiruvaniyoor, it combines the casual character of a local shappu with a menu centred on Kerala favourites. It is an option worth considering for those exploring the food destinations around Kochi.
- Pullu Toddy Shop, Thrissur
Pullu Toddy Shop represents the traditional shappu culture of the Thrissur region. The straightforward setting and Kerala-style food make it suitable for diners who prefer a more local and uncomplicated experience. It is particularly appealing to those exploring the rural food scene outside the main tourist centres.
- BIJU’S Toddy Shop, Palakkad
For those travelling through Palakkad, BIJU’S Toddy Shop offers another taste of Kerala’s toddy-shop tradition. Located in the Perumatty area, it has developed a following among local diners and visitors. The setting provides a different experience from the backwater-oriented shappus of Ernakulam and Kuttanad.
Conclusion
A visit to a Kerala toddy shop is as much about the food and atmosphere as it is about the drink. The best shappus retain the informal character of Kerala’s traditional dining culture while serving generous portions of seafood, meat, tapioca and other regional favourites. Whether it is a backwater meal in Kuttanad, a seafood spread around Kochi or a local stop in Thrissur and Palakkad, these toddy shops offer a distinctly Kerala way to explore the state’s culinary traditions.
