A unique experience awaits you at International Pepper Exchange, which is the only place in the world where pepper is an exchange currency. Located near Spice Market in Jew Town, it also happens to be the only online commodity exchange in the state of Kerala. It was established in 1957 and is a great place to witness the ancient barter system in practice until today. Tourists can shop for various fragrant varieties of pepper and other interesting spices.

The spice trade in Kochi was essentially run by Jews who settled here long back. However, after the British rule ended and the nation of Israel was formed, Jews left their spice warehouses and went to Israel. Today, only vestiges of that culture remain and tourists can explore that rich heritage as they breathe in the scent of ginger and pepper wafting through as they stroll down the street.