The Keralan Backwaters at dusk.

Chennamkary

The first time I visited Alleppey in the Backwaters of Kerala, it was to enjoy a houseboat cruise and to take a walk with an elder in the tiny village of Chennamkary. I wanted to learn about the way of life there. It was 2012. Houseboating I spent 24 hours cruising the lakes and channels …

Anna Zacharria, Green Palms Homestay, Kerala

Anna Zacharria

On a small island called Chennamkary deep in the Alleppey District of Kerala, Anna Zacharria, standing about five feet tall, quietly chops at her kitchen counter. Rays of sun fall through the partially shaded window. They highlight white streaks through her long black hair which is pulled back in a loose plait. A few loose …

Kochi, Cochin, cow artwork, hotel beds, Culinary Tours, Faces Places and Plates Blog

Kochi – Places to Stay

When it comes to places to stay in Kochi, we like the following list because of their locations, services and amenities. CGH Brunton Boatyard  Brunton Boatyard is a short walk from Kochi’s Jew Town and the harbour’s fish markets. It wasn’t always here. The CGH (Clean, Green and Healthy) Earth Experience Group of Hotels took …

avial, vegetable stew, vegetarian cooking, Nimmy Paul, vegetables, matchstick, Nimmy&Paul, Cochin, Kochi, South India, India, Indian Cooking Schools, Indian Cooking, Faces Places and Plates Blog

Nimmy Paul’s Avial

Nimmy Paul says you can vary the vegetables you use in this Avial dish but it should always contain a starch like yam or potato. Plus, a soft vegetable like a raw green banana or plantain and a green vegetable. Enjoy this bright and colourful dish as a side or on its own with appams …

Nimmy Paul, Nimmy & Paul Cooking School, Kochi, Cochin, Kerala, South India, India, Faces Places and Plates blog

Nimmy Paul

Nimmy Paul – South India’s Julia Child “If you are going to cook, do it beautifully.” These are the words of Nimmy Paul. She’s called South India’s Julia Child because she pioneered culinary tourism long before the idea was popular. Almost everything she says is pure gold cooking wisdom. She learned these nuggets at a tender …