If the stunning beauty of Kerala prompted the moniker God’s Own Country, the food from the state is a befitting tribute. It was Kerala’s unfettered access to quality spices that greatly influenced its cuisine, and the cosmopolitan mix of Hindus, Muslims and Christians lent its food a sophistication few other Indian states can truly lay claim to.
From Arabian and colonial influences to subtly flavoured vegetarian preparations, Keralite food encompasses a gamut of techniques and variations.
Fortunately, whether you are a novice to the cuisine or a veteran foodie, it is not difficult to find the authentic flavours of Kerala in Dubai. Here, the city-based chefs and foodies talk about their favourite haunts.
Puneet Sud, Engineer
When looking for comfort food from Kerala there’s no place like Calicut Paragon in Karama. The quick service is something you can always count on. Its kadala curry (black chickpeas in gravy) hits the spot with a well-balanced mix of spices in a coconut base, and goes well with appam or puttu (steamed cylinders of ground rice layered with coconut).
Nancy Sudheer, Communications consultant
Calicut Paragon’s ambience is not worth a mention, but the restaurant more than makes up for it with prompt and efficient service, and great food. The waiters know what you want and it is delivered to your table quite fast.
However, while the service — once seated — is speedy, there is always a long queue outside the restaurant, which can be a little deterring. I think the puli inji (ginger curry) and dal payasam are worth trying. Most of my friends order food for parties from Calicut Paragon as the taste is authentic.
Roshini Kumar, Software professional
Kerala Kitchen Restaurant at Ansar Gallery offers a great selection of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The flavours are mainly from the Malabar and Travancore regions. It has specialities from central Kerala and even Chinese dishes made in the Kerala style. I love its karimeen pollichathu — fish wrapped in a banana leaf and grilled.
Anup Yosef Quraishi, Sales coordinator
Bel Jafla Cafeteria, located in the alleyways of Jumeirah 3, boasts a magnificent view of the Burj Al Arab, and serves the best seafood. It may not boast great ambience or sophistication, but it does not fail to captivate your taste buds with the essential tang and sizzle of Keralite food. The fried shrimps are a must-have.
Anil Kumar, Culinary director, Food Wise and Memsaab
Usually, I tend to categorise Malayali cuisine into Namboothiri, Moplah, Suriyani and Travancore food, with Moplah being the most popular in the Gulf due to its extensive use of seafood and meat. Keralite food is simple compared to India’s richer cuisines, mainly due to its coastal roots.
In the old days, eating out meant you had either been thrown out of the house or your wife was a lousy cook. So what the world came to know as Keralite cuisine (such as paratha, chilli chicken, beef and coconut fry) was nothing but recipes catering to a disgruntled crowd with no choice.
Thankfully, today the fare is more authentic. Expect fish curry, tapioca with crushed bird’s-eye chilli and shallots, appams with mutton stew, and Moplah biryani with freshly crushed fragrant spices, herbs and chillies.
I have always enjoyed weekend lunches or late-night dinners at Calicut Paragon. I like the meen mulakittathu (fish in a fiery gravy) with pathiri (thin rice bread) and, to finish, a strong biryani chai, which is a speciality of the restaurant.
Aarthi Nair Sreejith, Sponsorship professional
Adukkala, a restaurant in Oud Metha, is basic, affordable, and serves delicious food. It offers combo meals, and friendly staff make the experience easy for guests not familiar with the cuisine. I love the kootu curry (black chickpeas with vegetables).
Shyam Sunder, Marketing professional
No place in Dubai does Keralite food like Calicut Paragon. It is a must-visit and the karimeen pollichathu is a must-try. During Onam, its onasadya is the best.
Sumeet Garg, Chef, Balance Cafe
For me, Avani Restaurant in Deira has some of the best Keralite food the city has to offer. The name comes from the first month of the Malayalam calendar, which is also when Onam takes place. It uses fresh ingredients and herbs, and the idea is to keep the food authentic with a home-cooked flair. I recommend the pesarapappu payasam, a lentil-based dessert laden with the goodness of ghee and jaggery — a combination that is loved across India.
Vishal Rane, Chef, La Portes des Indes
Keralite food is so diverse that it has a great variety to offer for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. There is a liberal use of spices, which brings out unique flavours in the state’s various dishes.
In the UAE, I would recommend the famous Calicut Paragon for an authentic experience in Keralite food. Appams with chicken mulakittathu are a must-try.
Saneesh Varghese, Chef, The Oberoi Dubai
Keralite food is simple to prepare and each dish is cooked in a unique way to balance flavours and authenticity. I would say onasadya is one of the most balanced meals under Keralite cuisine.
Malabar Paris Restaurant in Karama is my favourite place for Keralite food in Dubai. I love almost everything it serves. Its Munnar chicken curry with puttu is one of my favourites, while the mouth-watering chatti curry (a traditional fish dish cooked in an earthen pot) is amazing.
