Hotel Sona — Restaurant in Kerala

Bought carryouts multiple times from Sona while I stayed in Ernakulam, Kerala, India and on M.G. Road. My first experience was in August 2021. It was pathetic, highly disrespectful and totally disappointing! Sona is on Padma Junction and adjacent to Ibis Kochi City Centre.

Ordered Chappathis and hot tea and the restaurant was only having either carryouts or just deliveries due to the acute COVID restrictions or protocols in place. The Cashier was very rude, arrogant, never greeted or was not very helpful. The young chap simply acted too busy, didn't even seem to have the patience to listen to myself or was purposefully ignoring any of my questions. However, he was very particular in collecting the money or serious about his accounts. There was another slightly older or middle aged gentleman who was constantly running around the restaurant after taking orders giving you the impressionthat somethingwas on fire! He was no different, mainly interested in customers who were either making multiple orders or making higher billed purchases. But, he was a bit better than the young person at the counter who had no manners whatsoever!🙂 This was happening during the pandemic and even when restaurants were experiencing minimal business, besides earning less profits. Only bought tea for breakfast once, thereafter during the same visit.

My recent visit was in May 2022 and once again purchased either lunch or brunch. Ordered carryout once again, but this time, went with Chicken fried rice. The food was pretty good on both occasions. It was a welcome change this time with a very cheerful young and different cashier who was friendly, patient and helpful. He answered all of my questions. Noticed that the dine in service was already back in full swing. Sona has a live grill in the front and mostly throughout the day, if I am not mistaken. The particular section is handled by North Indian staff who see to be efficient and quick. The prices were always economical. You have to specifically ask for utensils or napkins, if you really needed them or wouldn't be able to get it later for some reason! I always paid in cash and didn't think they accepted any global cards, except either Google Pay or Phone Pe, these days in Kerala, at least.

There is no real parking as the hotel is located next to the sidewalks. Besides, there are multiple restaurants or fast food joints within steps next to it. Padma Junction is a very busy and congested place with lots of traffic ranging from auto rickshaws, cars and a lot of two wheelers, etc. Be very careful when you try to or while crossing the streets. There are no flyovers or walkways and you constantly have to watch the oncoming or the passing traffic and hundreds of pedestrians. Hotel Sona is opposite to the Metro line or the pillars and walkable distance to the M.G....

Culinary Bliss at Hotel Sona: Neypathal and Chicken Stew Delight

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Hotel Sona, and I can't stop raving about their Neypathal and Chicken Stew. This culinary experience left an indelible mark on my taste buds.

The star of the show, without a doubt, was their Chicken Stew. Hotel Sona's Chicken Stew is a masterpiece in itself. The tender chicken pieces were generously coated in a creamy, aromatic stew that was nothing short of perfection. The flavors were balanced, and the dish exuded a comforting warmth that made it a true comfort food.

Accompanying the Chicken Stew was their Neypathal, a traditional Kerala-style flatbread. It was impeccably prepared - soft, slightly crispy, and the perfect vessel to soak up every drop of that delectable stew. The combination of the Chicken Stew and Neypathal was a symphony of flavors that left me craving for more.

The ambiance at Hotel Sona was another delightful aspect of my visit. The cozy and welcoming atmosphere created the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. The attentive and courteous staff added to the overall positive experience, ensuring that our meal was nothing short of exceptional.

Hotel Sona's commitment to preserving the authenticity of Kerala cuisine truly shines through in their Neypathal and Chicken Stew. It's evident that they take pride in every dish they serve.

In addition to the Chicken Stew, I also sampled a few other items from their menu, and each one exceeded my expectations. Hotel Sona is a hidden gem for those who appreciate the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine.

If you're in the mood for a culinary adventure that celebrates Kerala's culinary traditions, I highly recommend heading to Hotel Sona and indulging in their Neypathal and Chicken Stew. It's an experience that will leave you with a satisfied palate and a desire to return for more....

Came for a movie at Padma Theatre and was 40 minutes earlier so we went in for dinner here expecting the traditional kerala style dishes to fill in our tummies. We were like a gang of four me my dad, my wife and a 4 year old kid. Enquired what was available than those in the menu chart as they weren't fully available. I straightaway ordered the ga pathiri neyy pathiri, my wife chicken fried rice, my dad traditional kerala porotta and common side dishes for all of us were chilly chicken and chicken 65.

Thenga pathiri - A variety item to soaked into your dinner, well priced for evening appetite

Neyy Pathri - A mini poori with richness of ghee, well priced

Chicken Fries Rice - Normal didn't find anything exciting, affordable

Porotta - Soft chewy and normally good, affordable

Chilly chicken - Hard meat, low quantity, over sauced not tasty, over priced rs 220

Chicken 65 - Cold, low quantity, insufficient in plates, non crispy, over priced rs 220

Hygience - can't expect more than a regular chayakkada

Service - Not as good as they were "aditi thozhilalies", if good training and education provided they may improve

Atmosphere - Just a regular Hotel, good seating , no...