Thrissur's big hotels offer Indian, Western and Chinese food, and Keralan lunches, while several quality, inexpensive "meals" places are clustered near the Round . Late at night, on the corner of Rounds South and East, opposite the Medical College Hospital, you'll find a string of chai and omelette stalls, frequented by auto-rickshaw-wallahs, hospital visitors, itinerant mendicants, Ayappa devotees and student revellers.

 

Bharata Lodge , Chembottil Lane, next door to Elite Hotel . Inexpensive, good-quality south Indian breakfasts, evening snacks and Keralan "meals" at lunchtime.

Bimbi's , Hotel Manapuram . A branch of the popular Cochin south Indian fast-food joint; dependably fresh food, hot meals, snacks, ice creams, sweets and a good sociable atmosphere.

Hot Breads , Ground Floor, City Centre Shopping Complex, Round West. A pukka branch of the excellent bakery chain with a chic café, selling delicious stuffed savoury croissants, fresh breads and doughy pizzas.

Indian Coffee House , Round South. The better of two in town; very busy, serving snacks and the usual excellent filter coffee. The branch on Station Road is very run-down.

Kerala Bhavan , Railway Station Road. Recommended for breakfast and cheap Keralan "meals". A 10min walk south of Round South (most rickshaw-wallahs know where it is).

Ming Palace , Pathan Building, Round South. Inexpensive "Chindian", serving chop suey, noodles and lots of chicken and veg dishes; dim lighting and cheesy muzak.

Pathan's , Round South. Deservedly popular veg restaurant, with a cosy a/c family (female) annexe and a large canteen-like dining hall. Generous portions and plenty of choice, including koftas, kormas and lots of tandoori options, as well as Keralan thalis and wonderful Kashmiri naan.