Kerala, a state in southern India, is famous for its culture, scenery, and, of course, its cuisine.
Keralan cuisine is well-liked worldwide because of its distinctive flavor profile and innovative preparation methods.
Dubai, a thriving cosmopolitan metropolis with a sizable Indian population, is one such location where you can enjoy genuine Kerala food.
If you’re craving Keralan cuisine, Dubai has various restaurants, from casual cafes to five-star establishments.
In this post, we will acknowledge everything regarding the best Kerala food in Dubai.
Best Kerala Food In Dubai
1. Calicut Paragon
Calicut Paragon has become a favorite among South Indian ex-pats in Dubai and the rest of the United Arab Emirates.
There are several great Kerala restaurants in Dubai, but this one stands out for its excellent Malabari cuisine.
The luscious chicken biryani, the spicy prawn fry, and the crunchy beef fry are all must-orders. In addition, they provide daily meals, including alternatives for vegetarians, pescatarians, and meat eaters alike.
Calicut Paragon, one of the greatest Indian restaurants in Dubai’s Al Karama neighborhood, serves up some of the best Kerala sanyas in the city.
This renowned Dubai eatery’s Al Karama and Al Nahda locations serve authentic Keralan cuisine. They can accommodate large orders and provide catering services.
2. Calicut Notebook
One of the long-standing restaurants, Calicut Notebook is a favorite among the Malayali ex-pat community for its reasonable prices and delicious food.
During the weekends, when they offer their popular lunch, thalis, and Malabar biryani, the restaurant is usually fairly crowded.
This is a branch of a popular Kerala restaurant in Al Barsha, Hor Al Anz, and Al Qusais.
The Calicut Notebook is a well-liked Dubai eatery serving authentic Keralan food.
Vegetarians may choose from this restaurant’s wide selection of delicious and reasonably priced dishes.
Appam, stew, putty, and fish curry are just a few of the classic meals that can be found on the menu.
There is no better place to have authentic Keralan cuisine.
Despite its relatively low profile, this hidden gem has been winning over foodies with its delectable creations.
Go into their hot seafood selection, which will leave you full for days.
3. Adaminte Chayakada
Adaminte Chayakada is one of the newest Malayali restaurants in Al Qusais, and its focus is on transporting diners back in time.
This unique cafe, known for its snacks and tea, is a local hotspot, and its walls are lined with shelves upon shelves of perennial best-sellers.
Adaminte Chayakkada, a Moplah restaurant in Dubai, has won the hearts of the city’s gourmands with its throwback vibe and substantial fare.
Pothi Biryani, a restaurant specialty wrapped in banana leaves for an exotic taste, is a dish to be noticed.
South Indian and Keralan flavors come together at Adaminte Chayakada, a restaurant franchise.
Examples of meals on the menu that use contemporary cooking methods and presentation include the Kerala-style biryani and the seafood platters.
Adaminte Chayakada has gained a reputation for its lively atmosphere and innovative twists on classic meals.
4. Salkara
The restaurant’s menu contained hearty, flavorful dishes authentic to the nostalgic flavors of the 1970s and 1980s when Malabar was at the height of its glory.
Located in a residential neighborhood, Salkara is a cozy family-run eatery that specializes in authentic Keralan fare.
The restaurant’s most famous offering is the Malabar parotta, a layered flatbread topped with spicy chicken or beef curry.
Vegetarians will find enough to choose from, including aviyal and sambar, at this eatery.
One of the standout dishes at Salkara is the Meen Pollichathu, a dish made with fish marinated in a blend of spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled to perfection.
The dish is served with a side of fragrant rice, making for a satisfying meal. Another must-try dish at Salkara is the Appam and Stew.
Appam is a type of pancake made with fermented rice batter and coconut milk, while stew is a dish made with vegetables and meat cooked in a coconut-based broth.
The combination of the soft and fluffy appam with the flavorful and comforting stew is a match made in heaven.
Salkara also offers a variety of vegetarian dishes like aviyal, a mixed vegetable curry made with coconut and yogurt, and sambar, a lentil-based vegetable stew.
The restaurant’s dessert menu includes traditional Kerala sweets like payasam, a rice pudding made with jaggery and coconut milk, and banana fritters.
5. Zambar
The menu at Zambar restaurants features a unique blend of southern Indian and Keralan flavors.
Such delicacies as the Kerala-style biryani and the seafood platters are examples of the restaurant’s current approach to both cooking and presentation.
The lively atmosphere and unique twists on classic meals have made Zambar a local favorite. This restaurant suits my palate well.
Zambar is a bargain among Dubai’s Kerala eateries, with dinners costing about 10 AED.
One of the standout dishes at Zambar is the Kerala-style biryani.
The biryani is made with fragrant long-grain rice, and the meat or seafood is cooked in a blend of spices that give it a unique flavor.
Another popular dish is the seafood platter, which features an assortment of dishes like prawn curry, fish fry, and squid masala.
Zambar also offers a variety of vegetarian options, including the signature dish, the Zambar thali.
The thali is a platter that includes a variety of vegetable curries, lentils, rice, and bread, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
The ambiance at Zambar is vibrant and lively, with colorful decor and traditional South Indian music playing in the background.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu, always willing to offer suggestions and recommendations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, anyone interested in tasting the delicious flavors of Kerala food has many opportunities to do so in Dubai.
Everyone may find something they like in Dubai’s diverse restaurant scene, which features everything from classic fares like appam and stew to fusion creations like Kerala biryani.
Authentic Kerala cuisine may be found around the state, not just at the restaurants and cafes highlighted below.
Make sure to visit some of these restaurants the next time you’re in Dubai to taste the city’s diverse and exciting cuisine.
References
- 10 Best Kerala restaurants in dubai, United Arab Emirates. (2019, April 10). DubaiTravelator.com – Dubai Travel and Tourism Directory Links – Dubai Hotel Car Rental Booking Links. https://dubaitravelator.com/10-best-kerala-restaurants-dubai/
- Venkataraman, V. (2019, May 29). Kanthari Tawa Fish, Fish Mango Curry, Mutton Biryani Puttu- Head Here For Authentic Kerala-Styled Food | Curly Tales. Curly Tales. https://curlytales.com/5-restaurants-for-fingerlicious-kerala-food-in-dubai/
- Manikfan, H. (2023, January 19). Best Kerala Restaurants In Dubai: Budget-Friendly!! ShortList Dubai. https://www.shortlistdubai.com/article/kerala-restaurants-dubai/
- Kerala Restaurants in Dubai: Calicut, Ustad Hotel & More – MyBayut. (2019, October 31). A Blog About Homes, Trends, Tips & Life in the UAE | MyBayut. https://www.bayut.com/mybayut/best-kerala-restaurants-dubai/
