Food & Shopping
Kakinada, a coastal city in Andhra Pradesh, is a paradise for food lovers. Known for its spicy Andhra cuisine, fresh seafood, and unique sweets, the city offers a diverse culinary experience. From street food stalls to fine dining restaurants, Kakinada caters to all tastes.
1. Famous Dishes of Kakinada
Kakinada Kaja (Signature Sweet)
- A crispy and juicy sweet delicacy made from refined flour and sugar syrup.
- Unlike regular Kaja, Kakinada Kaja is cylindrical and has a flaky texture.
- Available at famous sweet shops like Sree Ramayya Mess & Sweets.
Andhra-Style Seafood (Fresh & Spicy!)
- Royyala Iguru (Prawn Curry) – A spicy dish made with fresh prawns, tamarind, and aromatic spices.
- Pulasa Fish Curry – A seasonal delicacy, cooked with tamarind and traditional Andhra masala.
- Crab Masala – A rich, flavorful dish made with freshly caught crabs.
Pesarattu (Green Gram Dosa)
- A protein-rich dosa made from moong dal (green gram), served with ginger chutney.
- A popular breakfast dish, often paired with upma.
Andhra Thali
- A traditional Andhra meal featuring:
- Rice
- Pappu (Dal)
- Gutti Vankaya (Stuffed Brinjal Curry)
- Rasam & Sambar
- Pickles & Chutneys
- Curd & Papad
Kakinada Cutlet
- A crispy deep-fried snack made from mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, and spices.
- Best enjoyed with mint chutney or tomato ketchup.
2. Best Restaurants in Kakinada
Subbayya Gari Hotel
- Famous for its unlimited Andhra Thali, served on banana leaves.
- Offers authentic, home-style Andhra cuisine with a variety of curries, pickles, and sweets.
- Must-try: Andhra Meals, Pappu, Avakai Pickle.
Sree Ramayya Mess & Sweets
- A legendary restaurant famous for Kakinada Kaja and Andhra-style meals.
- Must-try: Andhra Bhojanam (Traditional Meal), Sweet Pongal, Pesarattu.
Sri Krishna Hotel
- Known for affordable and delicious South Indian meals.
- Best for breakfast items like Idli, Dosa, and Poori.
Bombay Restaurant
- A well-known spot for multi-cuisine dishes including North Indian, Chinese, and Andhra food.
- Must-try: Chicken Biryani, Tandoori Roti, Chilli Paneer.
Raju Gari Dhaba
- Serves spicy Andhra-style non-vegetarian dishes in a rustic setting.
- Must-try: Chicken Fry, Mutton Curry, Crab Masala.
3. Best Street Food in Kakinada
Ghee Dosa Stalls
- Served with coconut chutney and sambar, this crispy dosa is a must-try.
- Available at small roadside stalls, especially near Kakinada Town Railway Station.
Mirchi Bajji (Spicy Chilli Fritters)
- Deep-fried chili fritters, stuffed with spicy potato masala.
- Best enjoyed with chutney and a hot cup of tea.
Egg Kothu Parotta
- A flavorful dish made by shredding parotta and mixing it with eggs, spices, and curry leaves.
- Found at night food stalls across the city.
Gongura Pickle Stalls
- Gongura (sorrel leaves) pickle is a specialty of Andhra cuisine.
- Available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian variations.
4. Unique Culinary Experiences in Kakinada
Seafood Dining at Kakinada Beach
- Enjoy fresh seafood straight from the ocean, cooked in traditional Andhra spices.
- Best places: Uppada Beach food stalls & local seafood restaurants.
Banana Leaf Meals Experience
- Traditional Andhra thalis served on banana leaves enhance the flavor and authenticity of the meal.
- Best place: Subbayya Gari Hotel.
Tasting Local Palm Wine (Kallu)
- A popular local drink made from the fermented sap of palm trees.
- Available at local toddy shops outside the city.
Kakinada offers a delightful mix of authentic Andhra flavors, fresh seafood, and unique sweets. Whether you're a fan of spicy curries, traditional meals, or street food, the city has something for every foodie. If you're visiting Kakinada, make sure to try Kakinada Kaja, Pesarattu, and the famous Andhra seafood dishes!
