Amma Mess House — Restaurant in Kerala

Amma Mess, located in Kozhikode city, has garnered quite a reputation despite a few peculiarities. While the lunch menu offers a variety of dishes, the standout item appears to be the fried fish. Though undeniably delicious, the cost of the fish raises eyebrows. Many patrons find themselves intrigued by the popularity of Amma Mess, given that the side dishes accompanying the meal are relatively minimal in terms of both variety and taste.

One of the notable aspects of Amma Mess is its unassuming location—an old house that has been repurposed to serve as a restaurant. This quaint setting seems to add to its charm, drawing in locals and visitors alike. The management has taken the initiative to arrange parking facilities nearby, making it relatively convenient for customers.

Interestingly, despite the limited fish options available on any given day (only three types), the masala served with the fish receives praise for its flavorful quality. The combination of the well-prepared masala and the fish seems to justify the enduring popularity of the mess. However, the underlying secret behind the throngs of people remains somewhat elusive.

While the lack of accompanying curries and the overall below-average quality of the side dishes might raise concerns for some, it appears that the standout element of the fried fish combined with the delectable masala is what continues to attract patrons. The notion that "less is more" could perhaps be at play here, as the focus on a few exceptional items rather than an extensive menu might contribute to the mess's mystique.

In conclusion, Amma Mess in Kozhikode city may not offer an extensive range of side dishes or curries to accompany its meals, but the magic seems to lie in the remarkable taste of their fried fish, coupled with the flavorful masala. The curious allure of dining in an old house, along with the convenience of nearby parking, further adds to the mess's appeal. While opinions on the overall experience might vary, it's evident that the unique combination of factors keeps drawing people in...

This place has been in business for 43 years. A family run business run out the back of thier family home. No nonsense mess style dining. Be prepared to share your table with strangers. The place is hard to find although the fantastic auto drivers of Calicut will know where it is. (Shout out to these guys - honest, decent and straight forward - they are the best in the c and make travelling in Calicut a breeze.) They have 3 seating areas - one under a tached roof with about 8 tables. The other 2 are under some sort of corrugated roof with fans to keep you cool. Watch your head in the thatched area - there are a couple of low hanging beams. I should know- I walked into one. Food is served on banana leaves. Food is basically rice (the fat grain kind) with vegetable, a yogurt based vegetable gravy, and fish gravy (coconut sauce - like thai yellow curry), a small bit of pickle, and a pappad. Then it's your choice of one of the fried fish specials of the day. When I went they had mackrell, shark, and king fish. I tried all three and they were excellent! When they serve a fish they scoop some of the oily fried goodness with fish and spices onto your rice (like scrapple) and that is just a little piece of heaven! No limit on the servings of rice or sides. Water is actually konjee water served warm. A little note about the fried fish: some like fried fish to be crisp and this fish is not. So if you aren't a fan of non-crisp fried fish then this place is not for you. There really are no other non-veg options. The fish is fried in coconut oil. The flavor is the food is traditional malayali food. It is simply excellent in that regard. It does not get more...

Amma Mess House in Kozhikode is one of the most popular spots for those who enjoy traditional South Indian meals with a homely touch. With consistently good reviews and a strong local reputation, it has become a go-to place for both families and individuals looking for tasty, affordable food.

The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the Fish Fry. It was absolutely amazing — juicy, perfectly cooked, and coated with a flavorful special masala that made every bite irresistible. Honestly, it was one of the best fish fries I’ve had in the city. Apart from fish, the restaurant also offers a wide selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, making it a versatile choice for all kinds of diners. Meals are reasonably priced at around ₹60, while fish dishes typically range from ₹150–₹200. That said, I did feel the fish prices were slightly on the higher side compared to similar restaurants, but the taste and quality somewhat justify it.

The service here is quick and efficient, with friendly staff who make the dining experience smooth and enjoyable. The ambiance is simple yet welcoming, creating a comfortable environment to enjoy a hearty meal. However, one downside is that the road leading to the restaurant can be a bit congested, especially during peak hours.

Overall, Amma Mess House is a reliable place to experience authentic Kerala-style meals. With delicious food, especially their outstanding fish fry, good service, and reasonable pricing, it’s no surprise that it continues to be a crowd favorite...