Restaurants in Udumbanchola – Best Places to Eat for Locals & Travelers
Written by Fathima Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Udumbanchola is a serene and pretty town in the high-range area known as Idukki, in the Indian State of Kerala. Udumbanchola is known for its plantations and trekking routes to Munnar, Vagamon, and Periyar. Udumbanchola also has quite good eateries. They include restaurants for traditional Kerala cuisine to trendy cafes and mandi restaurants.
People of Udumbanchola and travelers to this part of the country have fallen in love with this restaurant because of its mouthwatering dishes, amiable staff, and reasonable prices. Whatever may be your choice – genuine Kerala cuisine, vegetarian dishes, or a cool café visit – you have many options at Udumbanchola.
This is a blog post on the best restaurants found in the Udumbanchola region based on the quality of food, services, ambiance, as well as customers’ feedbacks.
1. Pakalveedu Family Restaurant – Best Kerala Toddy Shop- Style Food in Udumbanchola
Image Credits: Jithu Uthaman
Overview
Pakalveedu Family Restaurant is an underrated spot in the middle of Udumbanchola but very famous for its Kerala-style food. For travelers going around the high ranges, it’s a comforting stop where locals love to enjoy the traditional flavors of their taste buds.
Food
It is also known for its rabbit fry, fish fry packed in banana leaves, and typical Kerala food. The rabbit fry is crispy, spicy, and comes along with a special red sauce. Fish fry is also delicious if made in heavy masala, and tapioca is served along with flavorful rasam. Toddy is available in various types for lovers of the drink – Palm, Coconut, and Grape Toddy. Portion size is good, and the cost is satisfactory.
Service & Ambience
The service is very quick. The foods served are hot. The environment is simple, quiet, and relaxing; this is very much needed after traveling long in the car. Prior knowledge of the Malayalam language is necessary. However, the people are very helpful.
Parking
Free parking available.
2. Madhuram Resto Cafe – Best Vegetarian Cafe in Udumbanchola
Image Credits: Madhuram Resto Cafe
Overview
Madhuram Resto Cafe is one of the best vegetarian-friendly cafes in Udumbanchola and a perfect midway stop for travelers heading to Munnar or Periyar. The place is clean, welcoming, and family-friendly.
Food
The cafe serves delicious vegetarian food with great attention to taste and quality. Dosas are super crispy, served with rich chutney and sambar. Their special tea and masala tea are highly recommended and considered among the best by visitors. Snacks, coffee, momos, and sweets like carrot halwa are also popular.
Service & Atmosphere
Staff are extremely friendly and professional. The atmosphere is calm and cozy with both indoor seating and an outdoor patio. Washrooms are very clean, which makes it a great stop for families.
Parking
Free parking with plenty of space.
3. Mariya Hotels – Best Budget Kerala Meals & Biriyani in Udumbanchola
Image Credits: Mariya Hotels
Overview
The Mariya Hotels is the best veg-friendly cafe around the region of Udumbanchola and can serve as the ideal halfway point for those heading to Munnar or Periyar. The restaurant is immaculate.
Food
This Hotel is famous for its vegetarian cuisine, which is tasted with care for its quality. Dosas are paper-thin and crisp with good chutney and sambar. Special tea, as well as masala tea, is also famous there, having been rated as one among the best. Other dishes like snacks, coffee, momos, and sweets like carrot halwa are also served there.
Service & Atmosphere
The staff are very friendly and professional. The ambience is relaxed and warm, offering both indoor and outdoor seating space. The washrooms are extremely clean, making it an ideal place to visit even for families.
Parking
Good parking facilities available.
4. Chandy’s Best in Town Restaurant & Cafe – Best Premium Dining in Udumbanchola
Image Credits:Chandy’s Best in Town Restaurant & Cafe
Overview
Chandy’s Best in Town is a well-maintained restaurant offering quality food services in terms of a luxurious dining experience with a traditional Kerala interior setup. It is most suited to accommodate large groups, including family dinners.
Food
Popular dishes include Alfam, mandi, barbeque mandi, biriyani, and refreshing drinks like mojitos. All of these dishes are prepared when the customer orders them. Taste is justified by the amount charged for the meal.
Service & Atmosphere
The staff cooperate and are very welcoming. The environment is clean, roomy, and comfortable, thus ideal for group functions and parties.
Parking
Plenty of free parking available.
5. Porch Grill, Nedumkandam – Best Alfam & Mandi Near Udumbanchola
Image Credits: Pradheep Kumar M
Overview
Porch Grill in Nedumkandam, located near Udumbanchola, serves as one of the ideal locations for tourists seeking Arabian cuisine in an elaborate dining system.
Food
The restaurant is famous for Alfam Mandi, biriyani, fried chicken, and grills. The alfam is flavorful, well-cooked, and generously portioned. Prices are affordable for the quality offered.
Service & Atmosphere
Service is excellent, with staff going the extra mile for customers. The ambiance is modern, calm, and family-friendly.
Parking
Free parking available.
The Udumbanchola might be no more than a small town, but in terms of food experience, this is one of the best places to be if you are headed to the Kerala ranges. Right from the normal Malabari food to lunch in toddy shops, you will experience everything in between.
Irrespective of whether you hail from the place or you are a tourist visiting Munnar, Vagamon, or Periyar, having meals at restaurants in Udumbanchola is a culinary treat for your taste buds. This is because, in a way, Udumbanchola itself is a realization of the love for simple and homely cuisine in Kerala.