THE GRAND HOTEL — Restaurant in Kerala

Grand Hotel, Aluva – A Taste of Time and Tradition

The moment you step into Grand Hotel, Aluva, you're wrapped in nostalgia. The vintage charm of the building — which has stood strong for over 120 years — speaks of a simpler era. Founded in 1905 by Shekutty Koch (affectionately known as Kochaakka), what started as a humble thatched hut has evolved into a culinary landmark.

The restaurant is steeped in history. Once a regular meeting place for political leaders — including the likes of A K Antony and Vayalar Ravi — the Grand Hotel has seen generations of patrons walk through its doors. And yet, it remains delightfully unchanged, preserving its old-world character with minimal renovations even after surviving the devastating floods of 1961 and 2018.

Famous for their iconic parotta puffs — or “Grand puffs” as loyalists fondly call them — these are made from parotta dough stuffed with a delicious meat masala, then baked to golden perfection. The biryani is simple, without theatrics, but leaves an emotional imprint that lingers. It may not bombard your taste buds, but it quietly captures your heart.

What I personally love the most is their chicken fry. There's no thick marinade or overpowering masala — just perfectly fried pieces with the glorious aroma of coconut oil, crisp on the outside and tender within. It’s unpretentious comfort food at its finest.

Grand Hotel continues to serve more than food — it serves heritage. A place where every bite carries a whisper of history, and every visit feels like...

Grand hotel is a century old hotel in aluva. You will feel like they like to live in the past itself. Old style interiors, casually behaving staff and signature dishes.

If you rate this restaurant with parameters like wash rooms, car parking, service quality, etc, you will be disappointed. But if you can appreciate authentic, traditional dishes(even that in very limited varieties), you will appreciate this place.

Some must tries as per my taste: Break fast: putt with cheru payar curry or egg roast with boiled banana and pappadam. (Egg roast is onion and oil rich . Grand hotel serves only duck eggs)

Lunch: ghee rice with beef fry. The beef fry is probably the best in town. Porotta with mutton/beef roast is next best. Biriyani has got only pass marks. You can enjoy all of them with sipping a sprint..!!

Biriyani porotta and ghee rice have high oil(vanaspathi ) content. So refrain from those if you are watching your diet.!!

Tea time snacks: Signature dish -puffs. Unlike the ones you get from bakeries, they are in-house made. Layers of baked maida with beef stuffed. Nowhere else you get such puffs. It's unique and must try. Banana fry and stuffed banana fry (pazham pori and pazham roast) are equally worth trying. Dinner: No new items. Lunch and tea time extended..!! Grand will close around 8 pm and...

I had the pleasure of visiting the Grand Hotel in Aluva today with a friend, and overall, it was quite an experience! We opted for the chicken biriyani, and I must say, it was delicious—although just a hint on the milder side of spicy. The flavors were rich and comforting, a perfect homage to a classic recipe.

The Grand Hotel itself is a charming vintage structure, and stepping inside felt like taking a lovely trip back in time. It's one of the oldest hotels in Aluva, which adds to its character, though it's safe to say the decor might not match the modern aesthetics we see today. The interior carries an old-world charm that transports you to an era we seldom encounter anymore.

While it may not completely live up to the hype, there’s a nostalgic journey in experiencing such a storied establishment. The ambiance evokes a sense of history, and the food genuinely reflects the time-worn traditions of its culinary roots.

In summary, if you’re looking for a taste of the past—both in decor and in cuisine—Grand Hotel is a delightful spot. I would recommend it for those who appreciate old recipes and the sentimental charm of a historic venue. Overall, a very...