Beautifully served banana leaf sadhyas with
remarkable taste, an experience curated to
reflect the hospitality, generosity,
and heritage of Kerala
Curating memorable Kerala cultural
experiences with music and handpicked
traditional artists for exclusive events
Bringing together Kerala’s rich
non-vegetarian flavours through
premium curation and seamless
luxury dining experiences
The name Backwaters Chechie comes from both identity and affection. I come from the beautiful backwater region of Alappuzha in Kerala, a place known for its serene waters, rich culture and deeply rooted culinary traditions.
Founded by Shobha Pillai Coutinho, a Kerala culture enthusiast and author of the bestselling Aaharam~ Sadhya, Backwaters Chechie celebrates tradition, authenticity, and the joy of sharing good food.
Chechie hosts immersive Kerala dining experiences that blend traditional authenticity with international hospitality standards. Each experience brings together the state’s cuisine, curated décor and cultural experiences of Kerala, with music and handpicked traditional artists for memorable events, a complete celebration of God’s Own Country with end-to-end event management.
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Kerala red rice, sambar, avial, thoran, pachadi, plantain chips, papadam, payasam! Need we say more?
Come, partake in the best vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus, which blend Kerala’s unique flavours with refined presentation.
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End-to-end concept creation and curation that bring together culture, cuisine, and aesthetics for truly distinctive experiences.
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Curating authentic Kerala cultural experiences with handpicked traditional artists for memorable events.
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Backwaters Chechie has received wide appreciation for celebrating Kerala’s culinary traditions. We were honoured with the Food Connoisseurs India Award for Best Concept of the Year 2024–2025. Our journey has also been featured across leading print, radio, and digital media platforms. Over the years, Chechie has also been invited to curate and participate in several cultural gatherings and celebrations that showcase the richness of Kerala’s food traditions and hospitality.

4.7 out of 5 · 19 Amazon ratings for Aaharam ~ Sadhya
Amazon Review
"This book is pure gold — the best Kerala recipes put together in this beauty of a book. Married into a Malayali family, I have tried almost all different types of recipes out there but have never managed to get the dishes right. This is the first cookbook I have come across with such precise measurements and recipes. The whole family has absolutely loved them. Love love love it!"
Amazon Review
"A must read. Thank you Shobha for this amazing book. As a Malayalee, Sadhyas are very important to me, and I am more than delighted that you have included recipes such as Kalan and Mezhukorutti. This book will help all those who love good food provide superb food to those they love. This is indeed a book all households must have."
Amazon Review
"The perfect authentic sadhya recipe book. Each item's recipe is precise and accurate. The design and photos of the dishes make me want to try it soon!"
Verified Amazon Purchase
"Brilliant! Absolute winner this book — anyone who desires to make the authentic Kerala sadhya, your search ends here! Perfect recipes with gorgeous pics. This is an absolute must buy."
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"Loved it! Very authentic Kerala recipes — different culinary dishes of Kerala covered in this book. Beautifully designed with a lovely selection of pictures. Truly great skill on display in this book."
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"You can't ask for more! This book covers everything you need to put together a sadhya in the most authentic way. As a Malayali, this book is a great way to pass on our traditions to the next generation. Thank you for compiling this with the level of detail that's much needed."
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"Perfect for a wonderful Sadya! Growing up around Malayalees, one of my favourite memories is being invited over by friends for Onam. I love a good sadya, and this book is just perfect for a non-Malayalee like me to attempt this beautiful meal. The step-by-step instructions and illustrations make it so much easier. Would definitely recommend this book to all!"
Amazon Review
"Kerala culinary delights, easy to make. A beautifully produced book with delicious food shots and ingredient pictures. Easy to follow and prepare — and some of these recipes aren't common or everyday, so you can treat your friends and family to delicacies they'll enjoy and remember."
Amazon Review
"Great book for the uninitiated. I purchased the book thanks to a link I'd received, and when I saw who the author was, I knew I had to buy it. As an avowed foodie, I can recommend anything Shobha publishes — I have first-hand knowledge of her culinary expertise."
Verified Amazon Purchase
"Excellent cookbook for anyone who would like to try traditional Kerala dishes. Shobha Pillai presents the recipes in both a complex and simple way — comprehensive enough for a special occasion, or simple enough for just one dish on any given day. I really enjoyed the tips, health benefits, and 'did you know' facts. Thank you for sharing your passion with us."
About Shobha Pillai Coutinho
Fondly known as “Backwaters Chechie,”
founder and Kerala culture enthusiast.
About the Book
Aahaaram Episode 1 Sadhya is a coming together of the age old culture and culinary traditions of Kerala. Through this book I wanted to capture the philosophy, flavours and rituals that define the traditional Kerala Sadhya.
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