“Fan-Fang” in chinese means ‘good food’. And it rightly so at the Fan Fang Chinese food joint at Manorama Junction, Panampilly Nagar. Started in 2001, a venture by parent company Sreyas multi food court, it has since then become a prominet part of Panampilly nagar. Thronged by crowds of all age groups, with take out as an option for the lazy, it is a popular spot to eat at.

Fan Fang is nicely located so that it can be easily located from the intersection after the South Overbridge. With a subtle chinese look from outside and less so inside, don’t let the decor or ambiance fool you. Just because it does not fit exactly into a ‘chinese’ ambiance doesn’t make the restaurant’s food taste bad. Well lit and airy, the simplistic spartan style may be liked by those who prefer good food to cosmetic appearances.
Food itself is hot and piping, the kitchen is open to your gaze so that you have your heart at ease and your stomach growling waiting eagerly wishing that each order that comes next is yours! Soups take a deviation from your regular ‘chinese’ menus.

The menu has nearly 200 different dishes to choose from, Both chinese and the new thai dishes they have added. Soups like the Fish Tom-Yum, mixed seafood soup and the chicken talumein soup are some of the favourites. Starters was more of a confusion with french fries to drums of heavens to make your mouth water. You can also go for some of their momo’s served in wooden baskets to add that ‘authentic’ touch.Taking on the main course you can go for something from the variety of combo meals or order rice and noodles with side dishes of your choice, ranging from vegetarian delights, seafood, poultry, beef and lamb. Be sure to try their tofu as they are one the restaurants that makes some of the best tofu dishes. A reminder for the health conscious. Crackling spinach with tofu is one of their signature tofu dishes, which is also available with paneer.

With a bewitching list of rice and noodles to choose from, the whole process is daunting yet enjoyable. Who doesn’t enjoy food? If you are too lazy to choose a rice and a side dish then go for one of their Hot sizzler platters, which is served with rice and vegetables. With a choice of seafood, meat and paneer, have a try of sizzlers done in Chinese style. What’s not best to have a sweet ending to your experience by indulging one of their desserts.

Fan Fang has a special offer on weekdays. There is a discount of 15% which is a pretty good deal. So if you have a craving for chinese food any day of the week in between monday and friday, check Fan Fang out. They also cater to parties and have a party hall with a seating capacity of 100.

To have a meal in house or take out either ways, the quality of the food is good. For a meal of two with soups, a starter and a rice and a side dish, it would cost you Rs 200 per person. If it leaves you satisfied and full then it’s worth the money. Don’t let this article be the judge, eat there and find out yourself the delights of Fen Fang.

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The Hunt For The Best Biryani In Cochin

Hello guys. Lately, I have been having biryani craving. Yes, thats right, one can crave and keep craving biryanis as well not just ice-creams, chocolates and cigarettes. I have gone around our wonderful Kochi in search of that ultimate biryani bliss. Believe me when I tell you that the stuff thats out there on offer is less than impressive; especially if you are biryani buff like me. I felt bad actually. One of our local favourites is now a taken for granted thing. They call it biryani, they call it dum biryani. Call it anything but I felt the authenticity has been lost in many of our local biryani places. Most of the time, I was served some ghee rice with a few pieces of hard to bite, hard to chew chicken.

At Ela, the chicken biryani was utterly disappointing. For 75 bucks I was served some rice and poorly cooked chicken. It wasn’t even masalafied enough. South Star (Bimbis) would probably get the honour of serving the worst biryani in town and I am not even going to elaborate on it. Malabar Plaza on the way to Kakkanad served up an alright biryani but it wasn’t dum and plus the two pieces of chicken looked, felt and tasted different from each other. I didn’t get and only ended up eating little chicken and too much rice. Along the same road you can find Biryani Hut. Now, keeping Pizza Hut in mind, you would tend to think Biryani Hut might be the ultimate. Again, I was completely let down. I had gone with a friend of mine and we both got two different looking, different tasting biryanis. Thankfully mine was the more edible one (plus I was hungry). They either need to improve the biryani or change their name.

Khader’s Biryani in Pioneer Towers is a tiny little place with seating for not more than 12 people but the biryani is commendable. The quantity and the quality is good. The downside is that because its so cramped, you hardly have any elbow room to actually enjoy your biryani in peace. Then there is Mubaraq opposite Kaloor bus stand. Again, the place is too cramped, hot and if you go there during peak lunch hours then its way too crowded and you might find yourselves waiting out in sunny heat for a couple of minutes. The biryani was ok but certainly not worth that much pain. Then there is Jaybees and Ceebees in Palarivattom. The biryanis where average but served with very little hospitality or authenticity. Hotel Sani near Town Hall just off the North bridge serves up average biryani but I don’t think you want to leave your car on the bridge, inside the HP pump or just in front of the town hall gate. In most of these places I am not even served eenthapazham (dates) achaar along with the biryani. Usually the chicken pieces are either too rough or undercooked with very little of the traditional masalas or aromas.

Then we have Kayees near TDM hall opposite the Durbar Hall. I had to take a token and wait and thats not cool when you are really craving for a biryani. Now the biryani, what should I say? Hmm…you know the kind of stuff you would probably serve your pet doggy, the yellow colour, sloppy rice the entire works. Yuck. I shall stop there. Kayees is way too over rated.

At Ceylon Bakehouse, I would give them a 6 out of 10 because I liked their rice and thats pretty much it. Now I am sure there many more outlets serving up biryanis but certainly not one where you could comfortably sit down with a friend or your family members; well apart from going to star rated hotels. There is Thali Family Restaurant and Arabian Fiesta both in Kadavanthra but again disappointing.

Where is my biryani? Where can I comfortably eat one, be confident about the hygiene and most importantly the taste and authenticity? Okay, by now you guys might have heard of a new cafe restaurant called Somewhere Else on Cheruparampath Road. They have now turned slightly more Kochi since Republic Day and Kochivibe loves anything and everything Kochi. Somewhere Else now serves up Dum Biryani and I thought I’d give it a shot. Alright parking can be a problem during day time but the biryani is simply fantastic. I hereby solemnly declare the truth and nothing but the truth (with my hand firmly placed over the Kochivibe logo) that Somewhere Else serves up the best biryani in town. It was by far the best chicken biryani I have ever had. The aroma itself floored me. The rice perfectly cooked. The chicken deliciously soft yet firm enough. The traditional mix of masalas and dry fruits is simply to die for. The biryani is served along with simple raita with diced onions and green chillies and, yes finally, dates achaar. And you know the place. Its cool, comfy, roomy, and airy. I think its the perfect offering. All this for 75 bucks is great news for all you biryani lovers out there. Check this biryani out. I really really recommend it and in fact I am writing this after a double biryani meal. I am satisfied. I am satisfied.

The Dream hotel,Kochi plays host to the Dreams Unlimited New Year Bash. Party with DJ Sam and a cinematic troupe at the convention center, entry for all. Have a quiet dinner at the Roof Top Grill and enjoy some excellent Grills with a vantage view of the city. For the couples, the Ava Lounge is having a smashing party. Resident DJ’s Shekar and Nash will keep those bodies Grooving. At Rs 6000/- per couple entry you get 10 free drinks, unlimited snacks and a Buffet dinner.

Passes for the lounge party are limited so HURRY!

For more details
Contact: 0484-4129999

LAVAZZA, the European market leader of Coffee with an exclusive taste, brings to you, for the first time in South India, Coffee blended with old-world experience stretching over a 100 years, brewed Italian style!

Cafe@Cochin is the first LAVAZZA franchisee in South India. It is the first among a series of Coffee Lounge catering LAVAZZA Coffee in true Italian style and is being promoted by Aditya Global.

Cafe@Cochin Menu

ÈSPRESSO – The coffee you can eat : Lavazza and Ferran Adrià have joined forces to create èspesso, the coffee you can eat. This is a new taste dimension, a pure and full-bodied espresso that has taken all the flavour and aroma of traditional coffee, but with an innovative difference: a solid texture.

TANDEM – Pleasure redoubled! : Tandem, Lavazza’s newest innovation to satisfy even the sweetest tooth. Two creative recipes brought out in full by the brand-new double cup, specially created by Lavazza. The aroma of a true Italian espresso and the creaminess of cappuccino blend perfectly with the soft, mouth-watering Spumina Lavazza. The brand-new Lavazza Spumina is available in two flavours: Chocolate for those with a sweet-tooth, and Hazelnut for more refined palates.

ESPRESSO : The unique and unmistakable taste of traditional italian coffee

CAPPUCCINO : The perfect balance of espresso and frothed milk.

ESPRESSO MACCHIATO : The full-bodied flavour of espresso combined with a drop of creamy hot milk.

ESPRESSO DOPPIO : A double dose of espresso for an extra kick

LATTE MACCHIATO : Lots of hot milk added to an espresso to nourish and recharge

ESPRESSO CON PANNA : A perfect blend of the “qualities” of espresso and the sweet temptation of whipped cream.

CAFFÉ SHAKERATO : All the flavours and aromas of espresso with an iced and thirst-quenching twist.

ESPRESSO CREMA SHAKERATO : A layer of cold milk cream over iced coffee frothed in a shaker.

CAPPUGIRO : Milk and coffee cream for a fabulous “inverted” cappuccino.

ICE CAPPUCCINO : Soft cappuccino cream that’s delightfully cool and fresho.

ESPRESSO SORRISO : The intense aroma of espresso combined with foamy hot milk cream.

CAPPUCCINO CREMA : A classic in its summertime version, made with delicious cold milk cream

CAPPUCCINO AROMA :A classic coffe recipe with the addition of mouth-watering flavours.

ICE BIANCO ESPRESSO : A luscious and refreshing combination of iced coffee and heavy cream.

MOKACCINO : Flavourings, espresso and fluffy whipped cream, to make three utterly luscious layers.

MAROCCHINO : All the pleasure of coffee and whipped milk, with an added touch of flavour.

ESPRESSO CREMA : The classic espresso is combined with smooth cold milk cream.

So , you know what to do when you need that extra dose of caffeine .!

This is where you should head to :

Cafe@Cochin, 39/5178, Plot No. G360, Panampilly Nagar,

Near South Indian Bank , Kochi – 682 036

Contact Nos : 484 3114816, 84 2310048 , 9388319222

Email : info@adityaglobal.com

Kochi has always been an epicurean delight for any food lover with its varied culture and its suitable location along the coast fondling the Arabian Sea, rightly being called the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Being a port city our Kochi has been host to cultures from far west to the east, Portuguese, Arabian, so on. This has leaded on to cultivate a kitchen pot of impressive tastes that has delighted people from here and far across for ages. Being rich in all these countless cultures that pinprick our city, it has certain advantages. We have been able to integrate many foreign dishes into our own style and add it to our already impressive list of delights. Though times have changed and Kochi has turned to present a fare more fit for the global stomach due to market pressure, the delicacies that previously marked the tables of many hotels are but forgotten memories. They still live on though, through households and small restaurants that still stay true to their roots. But as the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. We are no longer a city in Kerala or India but a City in this Global village, hence as times change so does our lifestyle.
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Christmas delights from Barista, Rich black Forest and Chocolate Excess cakes to pleasure your taste buds. Gift your loved ones with these sumptous cakes for this festive season. What’s Christmas without the essential sweet delights that people of all ages love. Head to the Barista at Baypride Mall, Marine Drive and place your orders immediately, don’t wait any longer!

For more details
Contact: 0484-6453333, 09846198661

Hanukkah also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE.  Hanukkah is observed for eight nights, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur as early as late November to as late as late December in the Gregorian calendar.

The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a special candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah or Hanukiah, one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. An extra light called a shamash (Hebrew: “guard” or “servant”) is also lit each night for the purpose of lighting the others, and is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest. The “shamash” symbolically supplies light that may be used for some secular purpose.

As we all know, Fort Cochin and Mattanchery are places with a resonably large population of Jews. And hence, the The fourth annual celebration of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, begins tonight at Koder House, Fort Kochi.

In co-ordination with the Jewish community, the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah will be held, followed by singing and a festive meal. A menu featuring the Jewish specialities of Kochi, both veg and non-veg, will be available throughout the eight days of the celebration.

Drop in by 7 in the evening. The Hanukkah celebration ends on December 18.

Great news Kochi-ites.! Fast food chain and fried chicken experts, KFC is starting operations at Cochin tomorrow onwards ie, 1st December 2009. Being the first KFC in the state, its arrival has been long due and is finally up and running at Gold Souk, Vytilla. So what are you waiting for.? Grab your chicken bucket!

Well.. as we all know.. World Food day is celebrated all over the world on October 16th to mark the date of founding of the FAO , the Food and Agricultural organisation , UN.!

This year , Kochi is planning to celebrate the special day in a very grand way. Most hotels in Kochi have decided to offer special prize menus .

1) Ramada Resort

• • Sunday Brunch –  Sundays will never be the same again. ! Thanks to Fennel , the multi cuisine restaurant that is specially focussed on coastal cuisines starting from Malabar to Malwani .
    • Time  : from 11:00 am every sunday till late afternoon ( lets say 3:00 pm )
    • Complementary beverages  at the ” Make your own Mocktail” counter
    • Complementary usage of the 90 m long meandering pool
    • Free use of activity center for kids
    • Special buffet for kids
    • Price : Rs.699 for adults , Rs.325 for kids of 6 to 12 years of age .,  exclusive of taxes

2) Gokulam Park

• • Periyar multi cuisine restaurant
    • Enjoy a variety of International and Indian cuisines at Periyar whch serves a lavish buffet and offers a-la-carte choices
    • Timings  :
      • Buffet Breakfast : 7:30 am to 10:30 am
      • Buffet Lunch : 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm
      • Buffet Dinner : 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm

• • Yovan – The sea food speciality Restaurant
    • • Serves cocktails and healthy organic diets
      • Menu designed for food lovers and those who prefer munchies
      • Tranquility maintained by calm music and gentle lighting
      • Timing : 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm

3) The Gateway Hotel  - Diwali Nites

The Bubble cafe , Gateway Hotel celebrates Diwali with us .. ! and yes , as is obvious , in a grand style. Revel in an electric atmosphere of glowing lights, sparklers , diwali sweets and gourmet food.!

• • Cost for  Diwali Buffet Dinner  :  Rs 500 + taxes
  • For reservations plse call 2371471

4) Travancore Court

Enjoy the vast array of multi cuisine delicacies . Lunch / Dinner Buffet at East India Company .

• • Price : Rs 300 + taxes

5) The Senate – The Senator’s Choice

Enjoy a sumptuous cuisine and chic atmosphere pf “Zaika” , the multi cuisine restaurant at The Senate .

Theme Dinners ?? Hmm..!! Interesting..!!
Keshia , the all day dining restaurant at the Dream Hotel , Cochin , presents four delightful dining experiences , inspired by the journey of explorers and travelers . Indulge in the magic of this bygone era , recreated by the chefs of Keshia .. And all this, for no extra cost.

Pick your theme and explore..!!

GRAND TRUNK ROAD FRIDAYS

Mediterranean Wednesdays : Mediterranean Food is associated with countries like Greece, Southern Italy, Turkey,and other countries around Mediterranean Sea. Mediterranean diet is very nutritious and the high life expectancy of Mediterranean population is attributed to Mediterranean food. Olive Oil is one of the major ingredients of the Mediterranean cuisine.

South Indian Thursdays : South Indian Food..!! Our Food..!!  Dosas , Idlis , Rice , vada… mmm..!!

Grand Trunk Road Fridays : Basically , Bengali food..! Rice and Fish..!

Pan Asian Saturdays : Exotic flavors of rice or crunchy noodles, peanuts, Asian sesame flat bread, Asian dressing, and vegetables such as napa cabbage and snow peas with tender chicken breast. Yum.. Yum..!!