About Cochin Set on a cluster of islands and a peninsula, Cochin (now, Kochi) is a blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English country village. Here you can see the oldest church in India, winding streets crammed with 500-year old Portuguese houses, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, a well-settled Jewish community, a 16th century synagogue and a palace built by the Portuguese and given to the Raja of Cochin. Food Like most of Kerala, the staple food of Cochin is rice and fish curry. Nendranga Chips, made from the Nedranga variety of banana are famous all over the world. Culture The culture has remained almost unchanged over the centuries. There are four centres in and around Cochin for promotion of Kathakali, the most prominent classical dance form in Kerala. Cochin also has centres for Kalaripayattu, one of the oldest traditional martial arts and physical training regimes in the world. Kalaripattayu also strengthens the mind through physical exercise. Dance festivals featuring Kathakali and Ottanthullal dancers and classical music concerts are often organized in the city. Spices Chilly, Cumin, Dill Seed, Fennel, Fenugreek and Garlic important spices available in this region.