Kayees Restaurant Ernakulam

Kayees Restaurant Ernakulam, officially known as Kayees Rahmathulla Hotel, is one of Kochi's most iconic and beloved dining institutions, with a rich legacy spanning over seven decades since its founding in 1948 by V.K. Kayee. Located conveniently on Durbar Hall Road, Ernakulam South, this legendary restaurant has earned a cult following among locals, food enthusiasts, and visiting dignitaries alike, making it an unmissable culinary landmark in the heart of Kerala's commercial capital.

The restaurant was born when V.K. Kayee, who had worked as a cook and waiter in the British Army in the 1940s, started a humble tea shop in Mattancherry in 1948 and later converted it into a full-fledged restaurant. The Ernakulam branch near Durbar Hall Ground is the second location that expanded the brand's legendary reach beyond its Mattancherry origins. The restaurant is currently run by Kayee's son Mustafa and grandson Shabeer, keeping the family tradition and culinary heritage alive.

The menu features a wide variety of dishes including Chicken Biryani, Mutton Biryani, Chicken Fry, and Fish Curry, all prepared with traditional spices and authentic cooking methods. The Kerala-style food, especially the biriyani, porotta, and chicken and mutton dishes, carry a distinct Malabari style that keeps the quality and quantity consistent across visits. The Ernakulam branch is particularly praised for its Chicken Biryani, which has reportedly attracted government dignitaries visiting Kochi.

The Durbar Hall Road branch offers its own dedicated parking area, making it convenient for diners driving in from across the city. Ranked among the top 75 restaurants in Ernakulam out of over 1,500 listings, Kayees is open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM and is priced affordably in the range of ₹200–₹400 per person. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular patron, Kayees Restaurant Ernakulam promises a genuine taste of Kerala's culinary soul.