"Cochin's most atmospheric seafood dinner — a houseboat-shaped room over the harbour serving karimeen pollichathu the way Kerala grandmothers intended."
About Rice Boat
Rice Boat folds two icons of Kerala into one: the cuisine and the kettuvallam houseboat. The dining room at the Taj Malabar Resort & Spa on Willingdon Island is built in the shape of a traditional rice boat and moored at the very mouth of Cochin harbour, so dinner comes with passing ships and the open water on three sides. It is the heritage-luxury choice in a city full of good seafood.
For the bistro alternative inside the same harbour-side scene, compare Malabar Junction or the long-running Fort House across the water in Fort Kochi.
The Kitchen
The kitchen works hand-pounded spice pastes and recipes the menu credits to the mothers and grandmothers of the Malabar coast. The signature is karimeen pollichathu — pearl-spot fish marinated, wrapped in banana leaf and pan-grilled until the leaf chars and perfumes the fish. Around it sit lobster curry, tiger prawns masala, prawns cooked in coconut oil, and crab. Set seafood menus run roughly ₹1,450–1,550, with à-la-carte mains in a similar band.
The Room
Step aboard and the room curves like a boat hull, all warm wood and lantern light, with water visible through the windows on three sides. Tables are spaced for conversation; service is the polished, unhurried Taj standard. At sunset, with the harbour traffic sliding past, it is one of the most romantic dinner rooms in South India.
Best for Anniversary
The water on three sides, the lantern light and the slow Taj service make Rice Boat a natural anniversary table. It also carries a first date with ease, and the setting impresses out-of-town guests when you need to impress clients over dinner.
Not for
Not for budget travellers, anyone wanting a quick casual bite, or vegetarians seeking variety — it is a special-occasion seafood room with hotel-resort pricing.
Frequently Asked
What is Rice Boat at Taj Malabar known for?
Rice Boat is the Taj Malabar's signature Kerala seafood restaurant in Cochin, built in the shape of a traditional rice boat and moored over the harbour. It is best known for karimeen pollichathu and fresh Malabar seafood.
What is the signature dish?
Karimeen pollichathu — pearl-spot fish marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaf and pan-grilled — is the must-order. Lobster curry, tiger prawns masala and crab are the other highlights.
How much does dinner cost?
Set seafood menus run roughly ₹1,450–1,550 per person, with vegetarian sets from about ₹1,000–1,350 and à-la-carte mains in a similar range. It sits at resort-luxury pricing.
Where is Rice Boat located?
Inside the Taj Malabar Resort & Spa on Willingdon Island, Cochin, at the mouth of the harbour — a short ride or ferry from Fort Kochi and Ernakulam.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes, particularly for a window or waterside table at sunset. The room is intimate and popular, so booking ahead through the resort is recommended.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Rice Boat
Book ahead for a waterside table, especially at sunset.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
AddressTaj Malabar Resort, Willingdon Island
NeighbourhoodWillingdon Island
CuisineKerala Seafood
PriceSeafood sets ~₹1,450–1,550 pp
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingHouseboat-shaped room, ~50
ReservationRecommended
