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ToggleThalassery Biryani, Curry Meen Pollichathu and Kappa Meen Curry, Palada made with rice, Kerala restaurants in Dubai have left no stone unturned in replicating the culinary landscape of the region on a plate. Rooted in regional diversity, the meat based preparations highlight the Arabic influences in the cuisine of Malabar and the elaborate Onam sadya hint at the Dutch and Portuguese connections.
In Dubai, specially in Karama and Bur Dubai, places that can be rightly described as ‘Mini Kerala due to its Malayali population, this culinary richness has found a foster home.
Some of the popular restaurants like Calicut Paragon, Sal kara and Pepper Lane have succeeded in replicating the culinary essence of the land. That’s not all they have even added a dash of Dubai’s cosmopolitanism to the dishes. Whether you’re craving a homely sadya served on a banana leaf, a spice laden seafood platter, or a lacy appam paired beautifully with creamy stew, these restaurants offer the best Kerala food in Dubai that is an indulgence for real. Take a look…
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Budget-Friendly Kerala Restaurants in Dubai
Now you can enjoy the best of Kerala food without digging a hole in your pocket, here’s a list of the most budget-friendly places.
Pepper Lane
Pepper Lane’s Kerala porotta with curry, appam combos, and biryani dishes have earned it a place among the best Kerala restaurants in Dubai. The menu leans towards Kerala and South Indian cuisine, with variations of dishes like Kerala porotta, idli, dosa, puttu, and rice preparations that are worth trying. Not to forget the nadan chicken curry, beef roast, and vegetable gravies simmered to perfection. What’s more- the place also offers simple combo meals, making it a flexible spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Location: Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Price: AED 30–60
- Timings: 12 PM – 12 AM
Dhe Puttu
The fusion puttu dishes at this restaurant are a must try for all those who enjoy the dish . The variations in puttu can be described as innovation at its best. The menu features simple chemba puttu with kadala curry to inventive combinations like beef, chicken, seafood, and puttu creations fused with dessert. Surprisingly you will also find sweet versions like chocolate puttu, along with a special puttu” and versions of the dishes mixed with meats, spices, and coconut layers into one roll are an ode to culinary innovation.
- Location: Shamma Building, Karama
- Price: AED 30–60
- Timings: 7:30 AM – 11 PM daily
Gafoorkas Thattukada-Al Qusais
Styled like a traditional “thattukada,” the simple, busy, no-frills atmosphere and taste focus approach has earned the restaurant a place among the best Kerala restaurants in Dubai. The menu leans towards authentic Kerala street and home-style dishes, meals, and a variety of biryanis. The beef fry, pothi porotta (banana leaf-wrapped parotta with spicy meat curry) are worth a try if you are planning to visit the place.
- Location: Al Qusais
- Price: AED 20–50
- Timings: 6 AM – 2 AM
Luxury Kerala Dining Spots in Dubai
Here are the restaurants serving the best of Kerala food the luxury way.
Grand Entree
The broad mix of Kerala, South Indian, North Indian, and Indo-Chinese dishes is what makes the place a go to hub for food lovers.The Kerala staples like appam, dosa, puttu, porotta, variations of Porota and curry are some of their bestsellers. Not to forget the Chinese-style fried rice, noodles, and gravy dishes.
- Location: Al Karama
- Price: AED 50–100
- Timings: 11:45 AM – 11:45 PM
Rasam
Although the menu at Rasam leans towards staples like dosa varieties, idli, vada, uttapam, appam, and puttu it is anything but boring. The sambar, rasam, curries, pickles on the sides are as good as the main dishes. The menu also features Kerala favourites such as chicken curry, beef fry, fish curry, and biryani options are a must try.
- Location: Dubai
- Price: AED 40–100
- Timings: 6:30 AM – 12 AM
Lallumma’s restaurant
The authentic Kerala comfort food includes dishes like beef varattiyathu, chicken stew, mutton roast, chemmeen (prawn) dishes, fish curries, puttu, pathiri, biryani. The traditional rice meals served with sides like thoran and pickles are a must try for vegetarians. The Kerala-style snacks, seafood preparations, and desserts such as payasam and mango-based sweets are some of the dishes to try if you are planning to visit the place.
- Location: Al Karama
- Price: AED 30–70
- Timings: 11 AM – 11:30 PM
Best Kerala Restaurants in Dubai for Seafood Lovers
Pescetarians take notes, these Kerala restaurants serve the best seafood.
Cochin Harbour
This place has been a consistent favourite among the best Kerala restaurants in Dubai. Cochin Harbour’s menu is known for Kerala meals (rice with fish curry), chattichoru-style combos, ghee rice sets, and kanji & kappa specials which takes you straight to the coasts of God’s own country. The seafood and the meat section and , and traditional Kerala-style gravies loaded with curry leaves, coconut, and pepper heat is a must try. In short, the food at Cochin Harbour feels bold, messy, and deeply comforting.
- Location: Al Karama
- Price: AED 30–70
- Timings: 6 AM – 12 AM
Kozhikode Star Dubai
Focusing on the style “naadan” (traditional) Malabar cooking, this restaurant is an ode to Kerala cuisine. Their signature dishes include lagoon chicken biryani, dry roast beef, fish and (country chicken curries , and the tapioca fry. In the menu you will also find variations of chicken, beef, mutton, and seafood curries alongside biryanis, fried fish, porotta. This is one of the best Kerala restaurants in Dubai known for its fish pollichathu, grilled fish, prawn tawa fry, chicken fry, and egg-based curries simmered in coconut gravy.
- Location: Deira
- Price: AED 30–60
- Timings: 6 AM – 12 AM
Malabar express restaurant
The menu at Malabar express brings forth the best of the region’s coastal flavours—rich with coconut, curry leaves, and spice-forward masalas.The like beef ularthiyathu, nadan chicken curry, fish fry, ghee rice, prawn preparations, and the exciting variety of biryanis are finger licking good. For vegetarians the kappa (tapioca), sambar-based meals are a must try.
- Location: Al Karama
- Price: AED 25–60
- Timings: 8 AM – 12:30 AM
Hidden Kerala Food Gems in Dubai
These are some of the restaurants that have let their food do the talking.
Malabar Melange
The comfort food at Malabar Melange takes you straight to the coastal regions of the land. The erachi puttu (steamed rice cake layered with spiced meat), beef biryani, beef roast, chicken curry, mango salad are some of their bestsellers. The Puttu variations and homely curries that reflect Kozhikode traditional flavours.
- Location: Al Karama
- Price: AED 30–60
- Timings: 9 AM – 12 AM
Ustad Hotel
The Malabar-focused menu with fusion touches is what has made Ustad hotel a consistent favourite in the category of best Kerala restaurants in Dubai. The non-veg spread consisting of meat based fries, beef curries, biryani, seafood curries, mutton curries, and grilled seafood garnished with coconut, curry leaves, and pepper-heavy Malabar spices is the major highlight of the menu.
- Location: Al Qusais
- Price: AED 30–60
- Timings: 7 AM – 11:30 PM
Best Kerala Breakfast Spots in Dubai
Craving Puttu, Appam and Dosa for breakfast, these are the places to take note of.
Aaraamam Restaurant
Undoubtedly one of the best Kerala restaurants in Dubai, the menu is heavily centered on state’s classic staples. The breakfast bestsellers include appam, puttu kadala, idiyappam, and variations of dosa. The dishes are typically light, coconut-rich, and designed for everyday comfort eating rather than fine dining. The lineup of beef, chicken, and seafood preparations are worth every meat lover’s palate. The ullarthiyathu-style preparations are something to be relished for sure. Aaramam is also known for its sadya-plates with rice, sambar, fish curry, and other accompaniments.
- Location: Al Karama
- Price: AED 20–40
- Timings: 5:30 AM – 1 AM (almost 24 hrs)
Ambadi Restaurant
It is one of the best restaurants in Dubai serving puttu kadala, appam, idli, dosa varieties, there are no two ways about it . It also serves hearty non-veg favourites such as variations of meat based biryani, seafood curries and vegetable based gravies garnished with kappa (tapioca) dishes designed to reflect the state’s authentic coastal cuisine.
- Location: Al Karama
- Price: AED 20–40
- Timings: 7 AM – 12 AM
Adaminde Chayakada Al Qusais- Restaurant
The restaurant serves a Kerala-focused menu with some contemporary touches. The innovations can also be visible at the breakfast staples like appam, puttu, dosa, idiyappam, and parotta combinations. The classic curries such as beef fry, chicken curry, fish curry, and Kadala curry are hands down amazing. The place is also known for Malabar biryani, seafood dishes like fried fish and prawn curry, and hearty Kerala meals served along with traditional accompaniments.
- Location: Al Qusais
- Price: AED 20–50
- Timings: 8 AM – 2 AM
Where to Find Authentic Kerala Sadya in Dubai
If you are craving an authentic Sadya with a smorgasbord of dishes, these are the places to take note of.
Al Musalla Restaurant
The menu of Al Musalla is rooted in traditional Kerala breakfast,. The Kerala meals (sadya-style plates) and the banana-leaf packed rice meal and biryani varieties are some of the bestsellers of the place/ The “homely kitchen” identity of the place is what has earned it a place among best Kerala restaurants in Dubai. The spicy beef roasts, coconut-based fish curries, parotta combinations remind you of a Kerala household.
- Location: Al Karama
- Price: AED 20–50
- Timings: 6 AM – 11:30 PM
Zains Restaurant
If you are looking for a Kerala + South Indian + grill + biryani + a bit of Indo-Chinese crossover, then Zain’s is the right place. Their Kerala bread section features appam, parotta, idiyappam, pathiri, neer dosa, and puttu. The best pairing with them is the beef curry, chicken curry, egg roast and the kadala curry.
- Location: Al Karama
- Price: AED 20–50
- Timings: Open 24 hours
Travancore Restaurant Ghayathi
If you wish to have a taste of Travancore, this place is a must visit. The Kerala-style meals, featuring variations of chicken, mutton and beef biryani are a must try. The Kerala meals, and curry-based combinations best define the region’s culinary landscape. The Chinese staples such as fried rice, noodles, Chilli chicken are also worth a try.
- Location: Ghayathi
- Price: AED 30–60
- Timings: ~10 AM – 11 PM
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Best Kerala Restaurants in Dubai for Family Dining
For a day out with family, these are the best Kerala restaurants to take note of.
Tharavad Restaurant
The bold Malabar flavours of Tharavad is an ode to the regions cuisine. Moreover, the budget-friendly pricing and approach to comfort food has earned Tharavad a place among the best Kerala restaurants in Dubai. Tharavad’s menu is wide and deeply rooted in Kerala + South Indian + Indo-Chinese fusion, with a strong emphasis on beef, seafood, and biryani. Soft, coconut-rich, and filling is what describes the menu of this place the best.
- Location: Dubai
- Price: AED 30–60
- Timings: ~7 AM – 11 PM
Manchatti Restaurant
The menu at Manchatti is an exciting mix of Kerala, South Indian, and Indo-Chinese dishes, featuring a versatile variety of dishes suited for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-evening meals.The innovative twists added to the masala dosa, poori bhaji, puttu, appam, and Kerala meals are an ode to Kerala’s cuisine. The beef, chicken, and mutton preparations are enjoyed by all.
- Location: Dubai
- Price: AED 30–60
- Timings: ~8 AM – 12 AM
Late-Night Kerala Restaurants in Dubai
These are the restaurants that are operational round the clock serving the best of Kerala food.
Curry Chatti
The menu at Curry Chatti is broad and rooted in Kerala. The combinations like egg roast with parotta or kadala curry sets are a match made in heaven. The non-veg spread consisting of fries, roasts and peppered meat variations are also worth a try.
- Location: Dubai
- Price: AED 30–60
- Timings: ~10 AM – late night
Best Places for Kerala Biriyani in Dubai
Kerala Biryani is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the cuisine, these are the places that serve the best version of the dish.
Calicut Paragon
Since 1939 Calicut Paragon has been committed towards bringing forth Malabar cuisine, Known for its legendary biryanis and coastal seafood dishes, it has expanded its outlets across Kerala and the UAE. The menu also features dishes across various courses like breakfast, hot starters, seafood and even vegetarian dishes. The best seller Breakfast includes soft appam, puttu, idli, chapathi, masala dosa, and the freshly baked Kerala parathas is one of the reasons why the place has been able to make a name for itself in the category of best Kerala restaurants in Dubai. Their pairing with sides like Kadala curry, vegetable stew, egg roast, and chicken stew is a match made in heaven.
- Location: Karama / Al Nahda
- Price: AED 40–80
Salkara Restaurant Dubai
Loved by the Malayali community and endorsed by the Malabarians this place is known for its non-veg Kerala gravies and meals. Moreover, the Chettinad-style preparations are a must try at the place. Not to forget the squid or crab and fish curries that are every pescetarians delight. The Malabar biryani and the (sadya-plates) have remained consistent bestsellers. Their dedication towards bringing Malabar cuisine to the forefront is what has earned Salkara a place amongst the best Kerala restaurants in Dubai.
- Location: Karama / Qusais
- Price: AED 40–80
- Timings: ~11 AM – 11 PM
Neychor Kada
The ghee rice paired with rich gravies served at Neychore Kada is pure comfort food. Not to forget the meat curries, fish dishes and peppered meat fries. Popular bestsellers include ghee rice with beef curry, chicken biryani, and fish curry meals crafted to perfection. One can feel the strong Malabar flavours, and the comforting simplicity of ghee reflecting through each dish served at the restaurant.
- Location: Karama
- Price: AED 30–60
- Timings: ~11 AM – 11 PM
Best Kerala Restaurants in Karama
For those in Karama, these are the best Kerala restaurants to take note of.
Malabar Tiffin House, Karama
The menu at Malabar Tiffin house is quite extensive and crafted to perfection. Their bestsellers include variations of beef, chicken and fish preparations. The Kunjan Kozhi Porichath (fried spring chicken) is a must try if you are planning to visit the place. Not to forget the biryani section, featuring special chicken dum biryani, beef dum biryani, and ghee rice combinations, available at budget-friendly prices.
- Location: Karama
- Price: AED 20–40
- Timings: ~7 AM – 11 PM
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Best Malabar Restaurants in Dubai
If you wish to understand the region of Malabar through a plate, these are the places to take note of.
Calicut Notebook Restaurant
The Kozhikode-style biryani is one of the bestsellers at the Calicut notebook restaurant. The pathiri, beef fry, and seafood curries pair best along with the varied versions of Biryani. The menu focuses on traditional Malabar home-style cooking with bold spices, coconut-rich gravies, and generous portions that take you straight to the Northern region of Kerala.
- Location: Dubai
- Price: AED 40–80
- Timings: ~11 AM – 11 PM
Kannur Kitchen Dubai
The meen curry, beef roast, kappa, and porotta combinations are some of the dishes to try if you are visiting the Kannur Kitchen. The rustic and pepper-forward flavours of the dishes is what adds a touch of versatility to the dishes. Not to forget the seafood and traditional Kerala meals served in a simple, comforting format which is one of the major highlights of the service style of the restaurant.
- Location: Dubai
- Price: AED 30–60
- Timings: ~8 AM – 11 PM
Thalassery Kitchen
The Thalassery-style biryani is one of the major bestsellers of the place. The chefs make use of fragrant short-grain rice preparations, layered spices, and tender meat which gives the biryani a distinctive taste. But it’s not the Biryani that is the highlight of the place. You will also find fish fry, chicken curry, and Malabar snacks that are of authentic nature.
- Location: Dubai
- Price: AED 30–60
- Timings: ~11 AM – 11 PM
FAQ’s
1. What makes Malabar cuisine different from other regions of Kerala?
The region of Malabar falls in the Northern part of Kerala. The Malabar cuisine from especially Kozhikode, Kannur, and Thalassery makes use of richer spice blends than the other regions. You can also find an end number of biryani-style rice preparations, with generous usage of stronger pepper, coconut, and ghee-based flavours compared to central or southern Kerala cooking.
2. Which is the most popular Kerala dish to try in Dubai restaurants?
Though there are innumerable dishes available at Kerala restaurants, the meat based dishes are some of their bestsellers. The Malabar biryani, beef fry with porotta, fish curry meals, and appam with stew are the most sought after dishes.
3. Are Kerala restaurants in Dubai mostly budget-friendly?
Yes, many Kerala restaurants in Dubai range from affordable “thattukada-style” eateries to mid-range family restaurants, making it easy to find options for all budgets. Not to forget there are also Kerala restaurants that serve the best meals of the region the luxury way.
4. Do Kerala restaurants in Dubai serve vegetarian food?
Though Kerala cuisine is mostly meat dominant, it does have options for vegetarians as well. The sadya plates, kadala curry, thoran, sambar, puttu, dosa, and various coconut-based vegetable curries are something that vegetarians will enjoy.
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