Top Abu Dhabi Restaurants For Authentic Kerala Cuisine

Looking for the warm, comforting taste of Kerala food in the heart of Abu Dhabi?

The cuisine of Kerala is nothing short of a meal but a vibrant expression of the rich cultural heritage of this coastal state - from the smell of coconut oil to the sizzle of spices that fill the air. With its blend of flavors, Kerala cuisine invites the bold use of curry leaves, tamarind, mustard seeds, and coconut in every form imaginable.

Although Dubai may be a city that has been considered popular with an authentic Kerala food scene, Abu Dhabi boasts several delightful 'hidden gems' where you can indulge in authentic Malayali flavors that will transport you, quite literally, with every other bite to the backwaters of Kerala.

Over the years, Abu Dhabi's food scene has grown increasingly diverse, whereby Kerala restaurants have also started to play an important role. Besides serving a large Malayali community that is eager to get hold of something that reminds them of home, they also turn up for the wider food-loving crowd in search of something full of flavor and uniqueness. From aromatic biryanis and flaky parottas to the spicy coconut-based seafood curries Kerala is so famous for, Kerala restaurants in Abu Dhabi dole out slices of home for the initiated and a culinary adventure for the rest.

Join us on a tour of Kerala restaurants in Abu Dhabi, from cozy, budget eateries to stylish fusion restaurants. Whether you are the ultimate Malabar fish curry lover, the creamy goodness of appam and stew, or trying Kerala sadya for the first time, restaurants that welcome you into your homes are listed below.

The flourishing Kerala cuisine scene in Abu Dhabi

The food of Abu Dhabi has become highly multi-cultural these days, and within such a buzzing gastronomic scenario of the city, Kerala restaurants in Abu Dhabi have carved their niche. Catering to Abu Dhabi's large Malayali population and those interested in exploring authentic Indian flavors, these eateries have everything from comforting classics to innovative fusion dishes.

Thanks to dedicated chefs staying true to Kerala's culinary roots, these restaurants emerge with an experience steeped in tradition.

Why is Kerala cuisine worth the hype?

Kerala Cuisine is known for its intense flavors, curries based on coconut, and plenty of aromatics like curry leaves and mustard seeds. The food is a perfect mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes that are also characterized by seafood specialties, characterizing the oceanic state itself.

Key highlights of Kerala Cuisine are as follows:

• Coconut-centric dishes: Coconut takes its due in all its guises, from grated to milk and oil.
• Spices and Aromatics: Strong flavors of spices like black pepper, cardamom, and cloves.
• Seafood Galore: Varieties of fresh fish, prawns, and shellfish in various modes of Kerala preparation.
• Classic Combinations: Appam with stew, Kerala parotta with beef, and puttu with kadala curry are classic combinations.

Best Kerala restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Calicut Notebook

A household name amongst the local Malayali and non-Malayali communities alike, Calicut Notebook serves a slice of Kerala on every plate. Located in the bustling hub of Madinat Zayed, this Kerala restaurant boasts a menu that runs into a long list of items that are intensely original to their roots.

• Must-try dishes: Malabar Biryani, Kerala Parotta with Beef Curry, and Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl Spot Fish).

Kairali Restaurant

Kairali is famous for its homely feel and has been serving authentic Kerala flavors over the years. Local or expatriate, this Malayali restaurant is on the favorite list.

It is highly recommended because of the following signature dishes:

• Appam with Vegetable Stew, Kerala Fish Curry, and the eternal favorite Puttu and Kadala Curry

Anjappar Restaurant

Anjappar is serving a fine selection of Kerala dishes that are truly evocative of the region.

• Recommended Kerala dishes: Kerala Chicken Fry, Malabar Fish Curry, and Erachi Ularthiyathu (Beef Fry).

Salkara Restaurant

Salkara is the darling haunt of Malayalis for comfort food on a budget. The cozy ambiance only adds to the allure, and this is the perfect destination to have that sumptuous Kerala meal.

• Popular items: Kerala Sadya, Nadan Kozhi Curry, and Kappa Biryani.

Cochin Sizzlers

Kerala restaurant Abu Dhabi with a twist, go to this place to taste the magic of fusion dishes. Cochin Sizzlers combines local Kerala ingredients with international cuisine.

• Kerala Fusion Must-try items: Kerala Beef Sizzler, Malabar Prawn Pasta, and Kozhi Porichathu Pizza.

Budget-friendly Kerala eateries

Want Malayali restaurants in Abu Dhabi but on the budget-friendly side? Well, take a look at the ones listed below:

Njangada Kada Restaurant

With very reasonably priced Kerala dishes, this restaurant in Mussafah is famous for its weekend kappa biryani.

Taste of Kerala

Located in Al Dhafrah, the place is known for its Kottayam Beef Roast and Chicken Chukka.

Tips for finding the best Kerala Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

• Look for "Kerala restaurants near me" and use online maps or search engines to find places nearest Kerala restaurants, whether it is Mussafah or Al Khalidiya.
• Read reviews: Reviews can give you a glimpse of the authenticity of places and dishes one should not miss.
• Ask the Community: The local Malayali community is always ready to share their favorite spots for authentic food.
• Look for Traditional Ambiance: Most of the Kerala restaurants Abu Dhabi create a typical Kerala atmosphere to add to the fine dining experience.

Exploring Abu Dhabi's Kerala restaurants is much easier if you have wheels of your own. Rent a car Abu Dhabi for the flexibility to explore the number of restaurants, among other attractions, at your own leisure.

So, next time you are in Abu Dhabi, head to one of these food heavens and let your taste buds be tantalized by the vibrant flavors of Kerala.