Cheenavala Backwater Cafe in Kochi

Summer vacation is deemed to be a festive time for children. They would be free from any tensions about school and the ultimatums of assignments for a span of a couple of months. Watching movies, spending time with their friends and visiting many places were some activities they look forward to, during this period. Kerala is blessed with backwater lakes that present us with some of the most beautiful scenic views to cherish. Cheenavala Backwater Cafe in Kochi is a special restaurant by the side of the lake giving us a fantastic view of the natural scenic marvel of the place. Cheenavala or Chinese fishing nets in the backdrop give us an enchanting view. Families with their children tend to visit this spot on these summer vacation days to have some delicious dishes basking in the glorious view of the lakeside.

Everyone would look to have dinner with their family or friends in a wonderful ambience where they can enjoy some quality time with loved ones. Cheenavala Backwater Cafe in Kochi would be one such interesting location. We can have our visit in the evening from 4 pm onwards to have some delicious dishes in the background of the soothing view from the backwater lake. In order for us to reach the location, we would have to take the container road in Kochi. Turning towards a place called Pizhala, the area which is quite famous for its greenery of coconut trees and Chinese fishing nets guarding the banks of backwater lakes. The presence of traditional fishing nets in abundance might have something to do with the name assigned to the restaurant.

Our vlog at Cheenavala Backwater Cafe in Kochi

We parked our vehicle at the far end of the Pizhala Bridge and took a bike to reach the food spot. The entrance as well as the restaurant buildings were made of bamboo and it portrays a traditional feel. A few coconut trees were standing in between the series of bamboo buildings with each having the dining facilities. There were benches arranged to the side of the lake where customers can enjoy the marvellous atmosphere. A couple of canoes were stranded in the water by the side of the restaurant and all these enhanced the beauty of the place. We have visited one Chinese fishing net in the past and had some tapioca with fish curry for dinner.

There was a list of food items mentioned on a whiteboard, giving us an idea about the recipes served through the food spot. Among the names, we have ordered for Swarna chatti dish. This unique recipe came in an earthen pot which is closed with a lid. Inside the pot, the food is wrapped in banana leaves and three parotta were stacked one over the other. Three different types of seafood recipes were spread between these parottas. Karimeen or Pearlspot, Koonthal or Squid and Prawns were the dishes used in this distinct food item.

Karimeen or Pearlspot forms the base and the Prawns recipe was applied on top. As I transferred the Swarna Chatti dish to the plate, I liked the parotta on the top as it had some crispiness. Sliced onion pieces used in the prawn’s recipe gave it a slightly sweet flavour. The restaurant also serves us other recipes like Karimeen Pollichatu, Crab recipe and many more. We have also seen a small building on one side serving fruit juices and Sulaimani tea. I ordered a glass of Sulaimani tea towards the end and it was really good to have after the Swarna Chatti recipe.

As we were having the food, the people working with the Chinese fishing net started to lift it to catch the fish from the lake. We can also buy fish from these fishing facilities and it would be an entirely unique experience, especially for those who haven’t seen Chinese fishing nets in the past.

While I had the Swana chatti dish which is made of seafood recipes, my friend Abhilash took the option of Paal chatti dish. This recipe makes use of different meat varieties like Beef roast and Chicken 65 in place of seafood items in between the layers of Parotta. If you are planning to have a night out with your family or friends, Cheenavala Backwater Cafe in Kochi would prove to be an amazing option to have.