Shopping In Broadway Kerala; The Best Shopping Experience

 In Broadway market, cuisines, food, History, Kerala, market, places to eat, Shopping, Travel Tips

Let’s explore the diverse traditions, exotic beaches, and unmatched natural magnificence of God’s Own Land-Kerala. On a Kerala holiday, tourists often seek unique experiences, and shopping in Broadway in Kerala is one such activity.

When we hear “Kerala” the first thing that comes to mind is, towering coconut and palm trees, houseboats cruising on the backwaters, delectable seafood, and smiling faces of the warm Keralites. 

But, Kerala is much more than this. Today, we will take you down the lanes of Kochi, one of the most popular places to visit in Kerala, and together we will explore the bustling Broadway shopping area in Ernakulam.

History of Broadway Street of Kerala

history

The roots of the Broadway Market in Kochi date back to the 1900s. In the initial days, Broadway Street was a part of Mattancherry, later it shifted to Kochi and became one of the primary places for shopping in Kerala and emerged as a central retail and business hub.

Broadway Street of Kerala was the broadest street in town, hence the name. It is one of the most offbeat places in Kerala, as this market is 100 years old, despite its new-age competitors like the M.G. road market, the Broadway Shopping area in Ernakulam has maintained its popularity due to its historical significance and availability of everything from a safety pin to spices, at dirt cheap prices. 

Another major factor responsible for the fame of Ernakulam is its prime location. It is close to the most happening hill stations in Kerala and therefore, has good footfalls, during the tourist season. 

Let’s have a sneak peek into the Broadway Kerala shopping experience

Imagine walking through narrow lanes of a broad street, lined with thousands of big and small shops, stores, and malls, giving glimpses of the rich past of that area. 

Shop vendors and sellers, haggling with the customers, trying to strike a good deal, the air filled with the aromas of authentic culinary delights of Kerala and countless things from spices, handicrafts, clothes, home furnishings, electronics, and cosmetics to buy from. 

Such is the Broadway Kerala shopping experience.

What are the best shopping places in Broadway Kerala?

market

The Broadway street in Ernakulam is sprawled across a radius of 2 Km and there are approximately 1000 shops lining this iconic street. Small shops selling local produce, markets, stores, and high-end shopping malls make up the Broadway shopping area in Ernakulam. 

  • Broadway Market: Shopping in Broadway in Kerala takes a whole new avatar when you buy budget-friendly items like Clothes, Utensils like Copperware, Hardware, and Umbrellas from the Local Broadway Markets.  A fun fact, Broadway Market Street in Kerala was a hub for customized clothes in ancient times, till today, you can find exceptional and seasoned tailors, and get outfits made for yourselves. For an immersive shopping experience visit age-old shopping places in Broadway Kerala which are renewed for their quality and prices for decades, like B.K. Mohammed’s which was established in the 1940s.
  • Small Shops and Stores: Broadway Kerala Shops skirting the street are a must-visit, when you’re exploring the Broadway Street of Kerala. Things you can get here range from Spices, Vegetables, Groceries, Local Fruits, Banana Chips, Local goods, Decorative items, and much more. 
  • Malls: Out of all the amazing things to do in Kerala, you must visit its shopping complexes and malls, with state-of-the-art facilities and luxury brands. If you are brand-conscious and prefer buying the latest Indian or International brands, then shopping in Broadway in Kerala would be a great option. Many Broadway Kerala shops within the mall, sell all kinds of modern fashion goods and products. The best mall in the Ernakulam area is the Oberon Mall, you can easily visit this complex and have a holistic shopping experience here
  • Kerala Stores: Whenever we go on a vacation to any destination, we make sure to pick souvenirs for our friends and family. For souvenir shopping, this is the perfect place. You can find many shops selling Traditional arts on Broadway Kerala market. From Coconut and Coir Handicrafts, Spices like Cinnamon, Cardamom, Vanilla, and Coffee, Condiments, Leather Goods, Kites, Hand-painted Kathakali Masks, Fabrics, Handmade Bags, Kathavu Sarees and Mundu (Traditional sarong worn by men in Kerala) and Accessories. You can also spot, Traditional arts on Broadway Kerala walls, which are painted in vibrant hues, depicting the colorful cultural heritage of the Malabar region. 
  • Appetizing Eateries: After a tiring day spent shopping in Broadway in Kerala, you would want to treat your taste buds to piping-hot, authentic culinary landscapes of Kerala. Broadway Kerala food delights must be on your must-try list when visiting Ernakulam. You can taste the original flavors of Malabar cuisine and fill up your senses with the spicy aroma in the air. Some of the best places to eat at the Broadway Street of Kerala are Punjab Restaurant, Saratha Vilas Restaurant, Tandoori Nights, and Raju’s Veg and Non-Veg Restaurant. When in Kerala, you can’t miss out on the famous filter coffee, try it at Bharat Coffee House and Ojeen-The Taste of Malabar. 

What are the must-buy items from the Broadway Market?

spices

When shopping in Broadway in Kerela, you must pick one of these local items and take them as souvenirs with you back home. You can find many shops selling Traditional arts on Broadway Kerala:

  • Hand-Painted Kathakali Masks
  • Spices (Cinnamon, Vanilla)
  • Carved Decorative Wooden Items 
  • Coconut Shell and Coir Handicrafts
  • Traditional Kasavu Sarees

What’s the best time to visit the Broadway Market in Ernakulam? 

If you plan on shopping in Broadway in Kerala, then make sure you visit the market in the early morning hours. This is the best time to visit this place as it is less crowded, the weather is also cool and you can get some great deals. The shops in the market open from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM. 

Are there any tips to consider when exploring shopping places in Broadway Kerala?

cuisine

Here are some tips which would make your experience memorable and enjoyable:

  • Stay updated and visit the market during operating hours.
  • Wear comfortable clothes and carry sunglasses and sunscreen.
  • For the best Broadway Kerala shopping experience wear comfortable footwear, as there will be a lot of walking.
  • Try the local cuisine and eat from the local shops, they serve some of the best dishes here.
  • Don’t be afraid to bargain. You can strike great deals with your bargaining skills. 

Now that you know everything about the best place to shop in Kochi, you surely must be super excited to grab the next flight to Kerala and explore this exotic wonderland.  Hope your shopping in Broadway Kerala experience is a great one! And don’t forget to get a souvenir for us as well!

What are the must-visit attractions on Broadway Kerala?

The local shops selling spices and other goods, Kerala stores selling authentic traditional handicrafts, and restaurants are some of the must-visit attractions on Broadway Kerala.

How can I experience the authentic culture of Broadway Kerala?

Explore the market, talk to the locals, try the local Malabar dishes, and buy authentic handicrafts to experience the true culture of Broadway Kerala.

Are there any famous food joints on Broadway Kerala?

Yes, there are many famous food joints on Broadway Kerala like The Punjab Restaurant and Bharat Coffee House.

What makes Broadway Kerala a unique destination for tourists?

The historical and cultural significance, and availability of numerous items at cheap rates, make Broadway Kerala a unique destination for tourists. 

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