What you see ' Near Vytilla Junction, at NH 47, just opposite the Gold Souk Mall there is a dining place called Lokah in Cochin. With a tagline of "The world in your plate", it looks inviting. The interiors are simple yet elegant. Casuarina logs act as partitions inside and furniture seems imported from Europe. Small pots on tables, with charcoal pieces and twigs and grass add a unique touch to the decor.
What you get ' Lokah is a multi-cuisine restaurant catering to the tastes of people from all walks of life. At Lokah, you can choose where you want to be - at The Coffee Shop, a specialty place where street foods of many of countries are served, or the restaurant space where you can sit and relax in the calmness.
The Coffee Shop is where you can get classic hot dogs, club sandwiches, French pancakes with a choice of fillings, French Croque Monsieur (ham and cheese sandwich with a twist), Sri Lankan Kothu Roti (Chopped Roti and Curry Stir Fry) Mexican Burritos (wraps with fried beans or meat with a combination of ingredients like lettuce, salsa, cheese, sour cream) Italian Bruschettas ( grilled garlic bread topped with vegetables, spices and cheese) Mexican deep fried churros (crunchy outside and doughy inside with hot chocolate) and even Vietnamese Spring Rolls (Herbs and crunchy veggies folded into rice wrappers).
The Indian goodies like Bombay Toast, Pav bhaji, Punjabi Sheek kebabs, Masala Dosas and Porottas are also available. Sample the sweets like Rasgullas, jalebis and ladoos apart from pastries. These can be savored along with fresh juice blends, a good choice of teas or tender coconut water.
The restaurant is more of a fine dining place. We tried the Cream of chicken and Broccoli soup, the Indonesian Nasi Goreng which is a rice dish with a mix of spices and Chicken Satay (marinated, skewered and grilled meats, served with a sauce). We were also told that the latter was served to US President Obama when he visited Indonesia. So it perked up our interest level.
While our order came in, we eyed the menu with curiosity as it had everything from Thali meals to Chicken Majboos rice to Italian Lasagne and Pasta. These are apart from our familiar Indian gravies, Kerala delicacies, Chettinad style food and Dum Biryanis.
Our verdict ' The menu at Lokah is refreshing. Plus, it has kept up with the times by adding Wifi. So you can sit there are get your work done while munching on your food. For smokers, it has an open area, covered with bamboo on the first floor. Conference rooms are also available which can seat up to 16 people. Ample parking space is available.
What you pay for a meal for two ' Rs. 120-250
Anytime between ' 11 AM ' 11 PM
About the Author:
Nisary Mahesh is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Mysore City information. Please visit the website to get all possible information about Cochin Shopping & more.