There is a unique restaurant near my house in Perinjanam, Thrissur, Kerala called “Kallummakkaya.” It’s famous for sea food and for its specific dishes, both for locals and visitors. The restaurant has served with the flavors so well and especially about a dish named “Alfaham 47.” The name may sound weird, but it had a history behind it too. Alfaham 47 was named after the local vehicle registration number, 47, for Kodungallur. So it feels like a local and personal dish due to the name.
Kallummakkaya is quite eye-catching on arrival. The building itself is styled as a traditional Kerala houseboat-the kettuvallam. This is both aesthetically beautiful and welcoming, providing a taste of Kerala for the visitors who come to dine. The design of the houseboat special because it links the restaurant and a part of its history through the traditional backwaters of Kerala where such houseboats can frequently be seen. This is what forms Kallummakkaya with an exciting twist to dining here.
Another beautiful attribute of Kallummakkaya is the open dining space. Unlike most restaurants, Kallummakkaya is not closed; you may dine al fresco. Not only the tables are dispersed out in an open area, but also flanked by greenery so that you feel completely immersed in a natural world. Soft, warm lights above each table contribute to that cozy ambiance. Such lights created an intimate sense of relaxation rather than that of a place of dining: more home than restaurant. It is a good place to spend time with families, still meeting friends or just enjoying a quiet meal alone by its warm lights and open space.

I opened the menu once I settled in. Choices are plenty. Seafood seems to be the main course of this place as well, considering everything from fish and prawns to mussels and crab. Still, if somebody likes chicken, beef or becomes a vegetarian, there is no scarcity for such choices. Most dishes have house masalas which is a different recipe for all the spicy things blended to give their specific taste to dishes. House masalas make a difference.

I was equally surprised by so many different options on the menu, yet I opted for a signature dish, Alfaham 47, grilled chicken so popular in the entire region that almost everyone I know has advised it. The name of this dish itself, Alfaham 47, evokes this uniqueness of local flavor and special feeling both to the restaurant and people.

When Alfaham 47 came to my table, I can already smell the spices. The chicken was well-grilled with a good color on the outside, golden-brown, and juicy inside, tender to bite into. As this dish calls Kallummakkaya, it has a special masala as its secret to flavor. It is a blend of spices that no one knows, but you can taste it in the simplicity of flavors of cumin and coriander with maybe a hint of chili. Its flavor was full and a bit smoky, and every piece revealed another depth in tasting. A lot of care goes into this dish, which also comes out different from any other grilled chicken I have ever had.

Alfaham 47 comes out perfectly accompanied by bread or naan freshly baked, marginally smoky from the tandoor. The lightly spiced sizzling chicken with the naan is just out of this world. Alongside is a tangy, mildly spiced dip which gives that extra kick to the meal. It’s just a perfect combination of bread and chicken and dip, and thus Alfaham 47 should not be missed for anyone visiting Kallummakkaya.

While Alfaham 47 is the menu item’s star, there are many more excellent dishes, especially seafood: Kallummakkaya Fry is recommended. The name “kallummakkaya” in Malayalam refers to mussels. Coated with spicy batter, those fried until the outside becomes crispy, but inside, they stay soft and juicy. A squeeze of fresh lime over the mussels makes the flavors even better, giving them that tangy freshness. This dish captures the essence of Kerala’s coastal flavors by bringing the taste of the sea right onto your plate. And kallummakkaya is the only restaurant which has mussels nearby.

Another excellent dish is the prawn masala. The prawns are cooked in a creamy spicy coconut gravy, which happens to be one of the flavor bases belonging to the region of Kerala. And the gravy’s spice is just right for thick gravy-thick, at that. It doesn’t overwhelm the natural sweetness but elevates it. Pair this with steamed rice and, hopefully, another favorite in Kerala: soft rice pancake called appam. So eaten together, prawn masala would be some comfort meal that would taste homemade and satisfyingly so.

If you like crab, you gotta try the crab roast. This dish of coconut and curry leaves gives it that rich and aromatic flavor. The crab meat is tender and soaks the spicy masala perfectly. You have to a little bit shake hands with crab as you need to open its shell to eat, but for that taste inside, it’s all worth it. Crab roast is some treat for seafood lovers in you and the best way to experience flavors of Kerala.

To balance the spices in these dishes, Kallummakkaya also has a choice of cool, refreshing drinks. I tried their “nannari sarbath” which is one of Kerala’s traditional drinks made from the root of sarsaparilla. This is pretty refreshing and sweet, with an earthy flavor, it’d be great on days when you need cooling down, especially when you have spicier dishes on the menu, so that cleans your palate between bites.

There was tremendous service during my visit. The staff at Kallummakkaya are pleasant and aurally sensitive to one’s needs. They ensured that I was well-looked after, without hesitation in explaining the dishes or presenting options according to preference. There is a sense of warmth in their service that feels very real, and they clearly pride themselves in the food that they present. This personal touch made my dining experience more enjoyable and made me feel more like a guest than a client.

On my visit to Kallummakkaya, I realized it is really more than just a place to eat. It’s a place to unwind, have fun, and enjoy every bite. The restaurant combines delightful food and an inviting atmosphere with friendly service, creating an unforgettable eating experience. The charm of this houseboat-style structure, the open dining area, and the warm light in Kallummakkaya brings back all memories for which I chose it. This isn’t about food here but the culture, flavors of Kerala, and hospitality. I left noticing how more people arrived, and each and every one was greeted with the same friendliness that I saw. The place has now become a landmark in the region, that place where one stops to enjoy good food and good company. Any visitor to Thrissur, I advise you take some time off and visit Kallummakkaya. Any seafood lover, those who just are curious to taste Kerala flavors, there is something for everybody in Kallummakkaya- whether it is the Alfaham 47 or the fresh seafood dishes, an authentic taste of Kerala’s rich culinary traditions.

Fast food is in every corner of the city, but amidst the thirsty streets, Kallummakkaya would remind you to take time and enjoy every bite. A place to slow down and savor every bite, appreciating, in between, the excitement that Kerala flavors bring within a very warm, welcoming setting. I am already looking forward to my next visit to them, trying more of their menu and bringing friends and family here to share the experience.