Kayees Rahmathulla Cafe

Founded in 1948 by V.K. Kayee, Kayees Rahmathulla Hotel began as a small tea shop before growing into Mattancherry's most celebrated biryani address. Its signature Kayikkante Biriyani, developed in the 1950s and still made using the same recipe, remains the reason people travel across Kochi for a meal here. The mutton biryani is the standout order, though chicken versions and simple rice meals with fish curry are equally popular with regulars. Now run by Kayee's grandson, the hotel has expanded to a second branch near Durbar Hall Ground in Ernakulam, but the original Mattancherry outlet still carries the most character and history.