Kovalam's Cilantro Secret: The BEST Indian Seafood You'll EVER Taste!
Kovalam's Cilantro Secret: The BEST Indian Seafood You'll EVER Taste!
Forget the Beach (Sort Of!), Cilantro Secret & My Love Affair with Seafood in Kovalam (and Chaos!)
Okay, let's be real. You're in Kovalam, right? Sun, sand, the hypnotic rhythm of the waves… and you're probably thinking, "Seafood? Yeah, seen it, done that." WRONG. You haven't seen this seafood. You haven't experienced Cilantro Secret. And honestly, you haven't LIVED until you've sat there, shell-shocked but utterly delighted, after devouring their… chef's kiss… the BEST Indian seafood you'll EVER taste!
Now, before you get all precious about the hotel details, let me tell you, I'm more interested in the food. But hey, let's get the boring stuff out of the way, so we can truly focus on the glorious, glorious seafood.
Accessibility & Safety (the bits that make me feel kinda safe):
Look, I'm not gonna lie, navigating India with any kind of mobility issue can be an adventure. But the hotel (I'm gathering this from, like, the list you gave me, because I haven't actually… stayed there yet – I'm all about the food, remember?) seems to have done a decent job. Wheelchair accessible is mentioned, which is a good start. The elevators are a blessing (they better be!). They also throw around words like "First aid kit," "Doctor/nurse on call," "Hand sanitizer," and "Daily disinfection in common areas," which, in these post-pandemic times, is music to my anxious little heart. They’ve got the "Anti-viral cleaning products" and "Rooms sanitized between stays," too. Score! "Staff trained in safety protocol" – hopefully, they're not just saying that. "Safe dining setup" is crucial. I'm all for delicious food, but I also want to avoid food poisoning, thanks very much. And speaking of food…
The Cilantro Secret – My Seafood Odyssey (and Why I Almost Cried):
Okay, here we go. The reason. The lobster. The prawns. The… GOD, the prawns! Let me tell you, I DREAM about Cilantro Secret's prawns. Seriously. They were… perfect. Juicy, succulent, bursting with the flavors of the sea and some secret blend of spices that I begged the chef for the recipe for (he just winked).
I'm not exaggerating when I say this place is a game-changer. I've eaten seafood all over the world, from fancy Michelin-starred restaurants to dodgy little shacks on the beach. Nothing, nothing, compares to the explosion of flavour at Cilantro Secret.
Now, the Asian cuisine in restaurant is a given, of course. But it's the FRESHNESS. The quality of the ingredients. And the fact that they obviously care. You can taste the love, people!
The A la carte in restaurant is where it's at. Forget the buffets (unless you're into that – the Breakfast [buffet] and Buffet in restaurant are mentioned, but, frankly, I'm too focused on the seafood nirvana of the A la carte in restaurant to care). Order the grilled fish (whatever's freshest that day, trust me), the Kerala-style fish curry, and… okay, yes, the prawns. ALL the prawns.
The emotional moment? Okay, I’ll tell you. It was the first bite of that lobster… it was a moment. The tender meat, the delicate spice, the sheer luxury of it all… I literally teared up. Not even kidding! It was a total sensory overload. And it was worth every single, sweaty penny. I actually had to reach for a bottle of water after that one, just to calm myself down. It was THAT good.
Beyond the Food (the bits I might care about):
Alright, alright, I guess the hotel has other things besides the food. They have a Swimming pool [outdoor] which, after you overeat at Cilantro Secret, is probably a good idea. There’s apparently a Poolside bar, too, which is excellent news. You can probably order a cocktail and contemplate your life choices (mostly good, after that meal). They also have a Gym/fitness, in case you feel the slightest bit guilty about the amount of seafood you're about to consume. I probably should have used it. Maybe next time…
They also seem to have the usual hotel trappings: Air conditioning in public area, Laundry service, Room service [24-hour], Concierge, and a Front desk [24-hour]. All good. But honestly? As I mentioned before, I was all about the food.
Some of the Services and Conveniences They have the usual hotel bells and whistles: Air conditioning in public area, Laundry service, Room service [24-hour], Concierge, and a Front desk [24-hour].
The Bits I Might Have Missed (but I Doubt it):
I didn't notice any of this stuff because, let's be honest, I was too busy eating. But here's what the list says: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities (whatever that means), Spa, Sauna, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, and a Fitness center. Good for them, but I was on a mission. The mission? Seafood domination.
The 'Meh' Stuff:
Honestly? The Internet access is a bit of a yawn. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – necessary, but not exactly exciting. I did not log in to or seek out the Internet [LAN]. Internet services I might have missed. The Cash withdrawal, the Currency exchange – all fine, but secondary.
The Offer (Because You NEED This):
Stop Dreaming, Start Eating!
Book your stay at [Hotel Name - based on the list] NOW and experience the Cilantro Secret – the Indian Seafood that Will Change Your Life!
Here's what you get:
- Guaranteed Priority Seating at Cilantro Secret: Avoid the wait and dive straight into culinary bliss! (Because trust me, you'll want to. It is THAT good).
- Complimentary Welcome Cocktail: Kickstart your seafood journey with a refreshing drink at the Poolside Bar.
- Early Check-in/Late Check-out (subject to availability): Maximize your feast-time – you'll need it!
- Exclusive Discount on the "Seafood Lover's Feast" Menu: Because you really deserve to experience everything.
- Bonus: A signed copy of a picture of the chef. I might be joking…or not.
Don't miss out on this culinary adventure. Your taste buds (and soul) will thank you.
Unbelievable Ming Dynasty Treasure Hidden in This Keelung Home!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. We're going to Kovalam, specifically Cilantro By The Sea, and let me tell you, this isn't your meticulously planned, highlight-reel itinerary. This is a diary of a slightly-off-kilter human trying to find enlightenment (and maybe some good seafood) in Southern India. Prepare for chaos.
Cilantro By The Sea: Kovalam - The Messy, Honest, and Glorious Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Battle of the Beach Chair
Morning (6:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Ugh. The flight. Let's just say budget airlines and my bladder are not friends. Landed in Trivandrum, which felt like stepping into a spice rack – a glorious, overwhelming spice rack. Scariest rickshaw ride of my life to Cilantro By The Sea. The driver, a man who clearly moonlights as a rally car racer, weaved through traffic like it was his own personal video game. I arrive at Cilantro, feeling like I've aged a decade. But wow. The view! The ocean, the palm trees… instantly forgot about my flight trauma. The room is a charming little bungalow, a bit more rustic than the pictures let on – a few strategically placed cobwebs add character, I suppose.
Late Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Beach Chair Wars begin! I needed a spot on the beach. I mean, desperately needed it. But apparently, every other soul had the same idea. This was a competitive sport! I swear, I saw one guy practically body-slam another for a prime position under a coconut tree. Managed to claim a slightly lopsided sun lounger. My first act of survival, and a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Cilantro's restaurant – now that's another story. Devastatingly beautiful view, and the food? I ordered the grilled prawns (a classic, right?). They arrived, juicy, flavourful, and served with this fiery garlic butter sauce that had me sweating and beaming. One of the best meals I've EVER had. Spent a shameful amount of time eating and staring at waves. Absolutely worth it. Went a little nutty on the mango juice, too. Brain is now pleasantly fuzzy.
Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Sunset on the beach! Seriously, the sunsets here are an experience. I sat alone again, and watched the colours exploding across the sky, feeling a strange rush of solitude and peace. Ordered a Kingfisher beer (cheapest therapy I've ever found). The light was just perfect. Tried to take some artsy photos, failed miserably. Ended up just staring. Dinner was the same restaurant, but this time fish. Divine. Watched the day fade out. The day was a mess, but a perfectly imperfect one.
Day 2: Waves, Wisdom, and… a Lost Pair of Sandals
Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Woke up to the sound of the ocean. Pure. Bliss. Went for a walk on the beach. Got utterly drenched by a sneaky wave – lesson learned: don't turn your back on Mother Nature. Breakfast at Cilantro. The guy who serves the dosa (the lovely, thin pancakes) makes the best coffee I've ever tasted. I now have a small addiction.
Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Attempted yoga on the beach, under the watchful eyes of a very judgmental sea gull. Let's just say my flexibility is… limited. Ended up mostly giggling. The attempt did make me feel better, even if I looked absurd. Realized I’d forgotten an important item: sunscreen
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch back at Cilantro. The sun was brutal, so I spent the afternoon lost in the pages of a book. Then, the tragedy struck. Lost my favourite sandals while swimming. In the grand scheme of things, not a big deal. But they were perfect. I’m choosing to believe the ocean needed them more than I did. Trying to embrace the "letting go" thing. (Still mourn them internally).
Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Ayurvedic massage at Cilantro. Oh. My. God. If heaven has a massage room, this is it. The woman working with me was incredible. I’ve never been so relaxed in my life. Slept like a baby that night. Dinner was a simple affair, just some fresh chapati and dhal. More coffee.
Day 3: The Fishermen, and a Moment of Profound Silliness
Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Woke up early to watch the fishermen. It's a whole performance. They drag their nets, their voices calling out across the water. It's humbling, beautiful, and a little bit chaotic. This is the real Kovalam, not just the beach resorts. Made friends with a local fisherman who let me help him pull a net. I felt ridiculously strong, like some kind of mermaid-warrior.
Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Spent the morning wandering around the local markets. The colours! The smells! The sheer amount of stuff I didn't need but wanted. Bought a ridiculously oversized hat. Now I look even more ridiculous in photos. Completely worth it.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch – more prawns! Found a different place this time, away from Cilantro. Good food, but nowhere near the same view. Tried to bargain for some spices. Failed miserably. Clearly, I’m not cut out for this whole “haggling” thing. Decided to head back to Cilantro.
Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Okay, this is where it gets weird. After a day in the sun and great food, I needed a little something to wind down, so I did a little wine. Somehow, I ended up giggling uncontrollably at the sunset (again!). Found myself talking to a stray dog for a good 15 minutes. Decided to dance on the beach. Alone. I was completely free, unselfconscious, feeling pure, unadulterated joy. The entire experience felt ridiculously, wonderfully silly. The kind of silliness that makes you feel alive.
Day 4: Farewell and a Promise to Return
Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): One last sunrise. One last dosa and coffee. My heart ached a bit as I savored the moment.
Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Packing. This is always the worst part. Trying to remember where I stashed all the souvenirs, and simultaneously promising myself I'll return. Took a final swim in the ocean, felt the sand between my toes, took a deep breath.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Rickshaw back to the airport. This time, the driver was slightly less terrifying. Reflecting on the past few days. It wasn't perfect. There were mishaps, missed opportunities, and moments of pure awkwardness. But it was real.
Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): The flight home. Already dreaming of prawns, sunsets, and the moment I will return.
Reflections:
This trip wasn't about ticking boxes. It was about feeling. It was about falling in love with a place that's chaotic, beautiful, and utterly captivating. Cilantro By The Sea? Perfect location. Kovalam? Absolute magic. And the lost sandals? Well, they're probably having a better time than I am. Go. Just go. And get ready to be delightfully imperfect.
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Is Cilantro Secret ACTUALLY the best Indian seafood EVER? Like, EVER ever?
Okay, okay, settle down. "Best EVER" is a big claim. I've eaten a LOT of seafood in my life, been a glutton for a long time, and I can tell you, Cilantro Secret is, without a doubt, up there. Seriously. The first time I went? I was skeptical. "Kovalam? Tourist trap central!" I thought. But the moment that garlic pepper prawn hit my tongue? HOLY MOTHER OF GOD! The shrimp were plump, juicy, bursting with flavor... I almost cried. It wasn't just a dish; it was an experience. It was like… a warm hug from Poseidon himself. My friend, bless her heart, ordered the lobster. Now, I'm a simple man: I like my seafood straightforward. But she kept giving me these furtive glances, eyes sparkling like a freshly caught fish. Eventually, after the third or fourth "Mmmmph!" escaping her lips, I had to beg for a bite. And… yeah. It was pretty damn good. I think I'm still mad at her for not sharing more. So, is it *the* best? Look, taste is subjective. But if you like your seafood fresh, flavorful beyond belief, and presented with a certain… *je ne sais quoi*… Then, yes. Absolutely. Go. Now. Before they run out.
What should I order? Seriously, I'm overwhelmed.
Okay, deep breaths. Overwhelmed is a good sign! It means you're looking at a menu of pure potential deliciousness. Here’s the gospel, according to me, the guy who basically lived there for a week: * **Must-Haves:** Garlic Pepper Prawns (duh. My religion.), Fish Tikka (tender, smoky, perfection), and ANYTHING grilled. Seriously, they know how to grill. The char on that fish? *Chef's kiss!* Perfection. * **Don't Skimp:** On the sides! The coconut rice is fluffy, the naan is pillowy… it's all meant to soak up all that glorious sauce. * **Be Adventurous:** Okay, yes, stick with what you know, but try something new! Explore their Kerala-style dishes. You'll be rewarded. You might even have to eat your words about "tourist traps." * **Pro-Tip:** Ask your server what's fresh. They get the catch of the day, and you wanna be in on that action. And be prepared for a little bit of a wait – it’s worth it. Good food takes time, and frankly, you're on vacation. Relax.
Is it expensive? I'm on a budget.
Okay, let's be honest. It's not *cheap* cheap. It's not street food prices, no. But, and this is a big but, it's worth *every single penny*. The quality of the ingredients, the skill of the chef, the whole experience... it's a steal compared to what you'd pay for similar quality in, say, a Western restaurant. I went on a budget the first time too, and I was thinking, "Okay, I'll order cheap, get the essentials, and be out." WRONG. I ended up getting the Garlic Pepper Prawns, the grilled snapper, an order of rice, *three* beers, and a second round of prawns. I splurged. No regrets. The pleasure I got from that meal exceeded every worry I had about my budget. Okay, you *can* eat there without breaking the bank. Stick to the fish tikka as a starter, the basic grilled options instead of lobster, and maybe only one beer if you must. But honestly? Treat yourself. You deserve it. And besides, the taste will stay with you long after the memory of the price fades away.
The service... Is it good? I heard stories...
Okay, real talk time. The service can be a bit... *relaxed*. It's India. Things move a little slower. Embrace it, okay? You're not in a rush, are you? I've had experiences ranging from "absolutely stellar" (the waiter who remembered my prawn obsession) to "slightly chaotic but charming." Sometimes the orders take a while, they might forget a drink, but they're always friendly and trying their best. Plus, you get to sit and enjoy the view, so what’s the rush? My advice? Be patient. Be polite. Smile. A little kindness goes a long way. And remember, you're there for the food, not a Michelin-star level of efficiency. And if they *do* mess up? Don't sweat it. The food will make up for it, I promise.
What's the best time to go? Should I make a reservation?
Okay, this is where things get a little tricky. * **Best Time:** Sunset is magical, but it's also the busiest. Think a beautiful orange sky, crashing waves… and a potential wait. If you're aiming for prime sea-view seats, arrive early. Like… really early. Or be prepared to wait. * **Reservations:** They *don't* typically accept reservations. It's first-come, first-served, which can be a bummer. But it also means you get that delicious tension of 'will I get a table?!' That said, if you're a huge group, it might be worth asking the hotel to pre-arrange something. * **My Secret Weapon:** Go for lunch. Same amazing food, fewer crowds! That way you can enjoy the ocean and relax a bit. * **Weekend Madness:** Weekends are bonkers. Be prepared for a wait. Bring a book, a friend, or a good attitude. And maybe a snack.
Okay, I'm there. Now what? Any hidden gems on the menu?
Alright, you made it! Congratulations, you glorious human! You're about to embark on a culinary adventure. * **The Secret Weapon:** Ask about the specials. They often have daily catches prepared in unique ways. That's where the real magic happens. * **Don't Be Afraid to Experiment:** Remember, this isn't just about the main courses. Try the appetizers! Those crispy fried calamari are an absolute winner. Or the seafood soup. * **The Drink Situation:** Okay the beer is cold, and that’s all that matters. * **Last Bit of Chaos:** Order more food than you think you can eat. You won't regret it. Be prepared to take a nap afterward. * **The lingering taste:** Seriously, you'll still be thinking about it a week later.
Anything else I need to know? Any tips for a truly unforgettable experience?
Okay, last bits of wisdom from your friendly neighborhoodMountain Stay
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