Varkala isn’t just a beach town — it’s a global kitchen perched on a cliff.
From sizzling seafood to shakshuka, from banana leaf meals to brick-oven pizza — every bite here comes with a breeze and a view.
In this first part of my Varkala travel series, I’m diving fork-first into the food culture that made my trip extra delicious. 
A World of Flavors on One Cliff
Varkala’s iconic cliff is more than a scenic walkway — it’s a culinary runway, lined with cafés, shacks, and restaurants offering cuisine from every corner of the world.
Whether you’re craving a Kerala-style fish fry, a smoothie bowl, or a plate of pad thai, you’ll find it — served with sea breeze and smiles. 
My Go-To Spot: Clafouti Beach Resort
Clafouti Review
Let me confess: I ate almost every meal here. Breakfast, lunch, dinner — all under one roof. Why? Because it checked all the boxes:
Cliff-edge view
Friendly service
Massive menu
Fresh seafood (like, fisherman-caught-this-morning fresh)
Must-Try Dishes:
- Grilled Red Snapper with Kerala spices
- Butter garlic prawns
- Calamari Pizza
- Masala chai + sunset = unbeatable combo
Clafouti truly reflects Varkala’s food scene — a blend of local tradition and global comfort.
Global Palate, Local Soul
You can take your taste buds around the world without leaving the cliff. Here’s a sample from my food stroll:
- Middle Eastern: Hummus, falafel, shakshuka
- European: Pasta, crepes, fresh croissants
- Asian: Thai curries, fried rice, sushi (yes, really!)
- Vegan-Friendly Cafés: Smoothie bowls, kombucha, and tofu stir-fry
Pro Tip: Most places have multi-cuisine menus — but the seafood and Kerala-style dishes are where they shine the most.
Pick Your Catch — Literally!
One of my favorite parts of dining in Varkala? The fresh seafood displays every evening.
Walk along the cliff post 6:30 PM, and you’ll see restaurants showcasing the day’s catch — red snapper, lobster, crab, squid, tiger prawns — all glistening on ice.
You simply pick your favorite, choose your cooking style (grilled, tandoori, curry, etc.), and they’ll whip it up fresh for you.
This interactive dining turns dinner into an event — flavorful and fun.
Refreshments Worth the Hype
The heat can sneak up on you, but Varkala’s refreshing drink game is strong:
- Fresh tender coconut water
- Lemon soda with salt (your hydration hero)
- Watermelon & mint juice
- Chilled mango lassi
Sip slowly. The view deserves it.
Dining with a View = Everything
Every café here knows the assignment — great food with great views. Whether it’s early breakfast with rising mist or dinner under starry skies, meals in Varkala are always an experience.
Best time to eat out?
- Breakfast: 8–10 AM (cool weather, fewer crowds)
- Dinner: Post 6:30 PM (perfect for watching the sun go down with a curry in hand)
Final Bites
Varkala’s food culture is a melting pot — relaxed, flavorful, and proudly global with a strong South Indian heartbeat. Whether you’re a seafood lover, spice chaser, or smoothie bowl fan, you’ll find your fix on the cliff.
So if you’re heading to Varkala soon, go with an empty stomach and an open mind.
Because here, every bite tells a story — and this is just the beginning.
#VarkalaFoodTrail #CliffsideEats #TasteVarkala #KeralaCuisine #GlobalBitesIndia #LocalGuidesEats #FoodieChronicles
Have a favorite café or must-try dish in Varkala? Drop it below! Let’s map the magic of this cliffside culinary wonderland together. 
Coming up next: Beaches, sunsets, and barefoot mornings — stay tuned for Part 2 of the Varkala series!
thank you for sharing 
though I did not get a chance to try out all the dishes.