From Appams to Curries: Malabar Restaurant’s Must-Try Menu

When it comes to the rich and diverse cuisine of Kerala, there’s no better place to experience its authentic flavors than Malabar Restaurant . Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant brings the vibrant and aromatic tastes of Kerala’s coastal cuisine to life. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of South Indian food or a newcomer curious about the unique flavors of Kerala, Malabar Restaurant’s menu offers a delightful array of dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.

From the crispy, pillowy appams to the rich, flavorful curries, Malabar Restaurant has something for everyone. In this article, we will take you through some of the must-try menu items that have earned the restaurant its reputation as a top dining destination for those in search of authentic Kerala cuisine.

1. Appams with Stew: A Perfect Pairing

No Kerala meal is complete without appams, and Malabar Restaurant serves them to perfection. Appams are delicate, soft rice pancakes with crispy edges, made from fermented rice batter. They are fluffy on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside, making them the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes.

One of the most popular ways to enjoy appams is with a rich, creamy stew. Malabar Restaurant’s vegetable stew is a favorite choice, featuring a blend of seasonal vegetables cooked in a fragrant coconut milk base. The stew’s subtle flavors, combined with the creamy coconut milk, create a comforting and soothing dish. For those craving a protein-packed option, the chicken stew or mutton stew are excellent alternatives, offering tender meat cooked in the same aromatic coconut gravy.

The combination of soft appams with the creamy stew is a match made in heaven, perfectly capturing the essence of Kerala’s home-style cooking.

2. Malabar Fish Curry: A Coastal Delight

For seafood lovers, the Malabar Fish Curry is a dish you can’t afford to miss. A true representation of Kerala’s coastal culinary heritage, this curry is made with fresh fish cooked in a tangy, spicy, and creamy coconut-based sauce. The use of tamarind gives the curry a delightful sourness, balancing out the richness of the coconut milk. Spices like turmeric, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies add depth and complexity to the dish.

Malabar Restaurant’s version of this iconic dish is both flavorful and comforting, offering a perfect mix of heat, tang, and richness. The fish is tender and perfectly cooked, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the curry. Served with a steaming bowl of rice, this dish transports you straight to the Kerala coast, where the flavors of the sea meet the vibrant spices of the region.

3. Chettinad Chicken Curry: Bold and Spicy

If you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors, the Chettinad Chicken Curry at Malabar Restaurant will not disappoint. Originating from the neighboring Chettinad region, this curry is known for its intense and aromatic spice blend, which includes ingredients like black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. The chicken is marinated with these spices and then cooked in a rich, thick gravy made with tomatoes, onions, and coconut milk.

The result is a deeply flavorful and fiery curry that packs a punch. The complex spice mix gives the dish a smoky, earthy depth, while the coconut milk adds a creamy, cooling element to balance the heat. If you love a bit of spice, this curry will definitely hit the spot.

4. Kerala-Style Prawns Fry: A Seafood Lover’s Delight

For those who love seafood, Kerala-Style Prawns Fry is another must-try dish at Malabar Restaurant. The prawns are marinated in a blend of spices, including ginger, garlic, red chili powder, and turmeric, before being shallow-fried until golden brown and crispy. The result is a dish that’s bursting with flavor and crunch, with perfectly cooked prawns that retain their juiciness while boasting a flavorful outer crust.

The combination of the spices and the crispy texture makes this dish irresistible. It’s perfect as a snack or served as part of a larger meal, and it pairs wonderfully with a cold drink or a side of rice or flatbread.

5. Sadya: A Feast for the Senses

One of the most iconic meals in Kerala cuisine is the Sadya, a traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf. The Sadya is a multi-course meal that offers a variety of flavors and textures, showcasing the best of Kerala’s vegetarian cuisine. The meal typically includes dishes like avial (a mixed vegetable curry with coconut), sambar (a tangy lentil stew), thoran (a dry stir-fry of vegetables with grated coconut), and a range of pickles and chutneys.

At Malabar Restaurant, the Sadya is prepared with fresh ingredients, and each dish is crafted to bring out the natural flavors of the vegetables. The combination of the creamy, tangy, and spicy elements in the Sadya is a perfect representation of the complexity and depth of Kerala’s vegetarian cuisine. Served with rice, it’s a wholesome and filling meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and content.

6. Malabar Parottas: A Flaky Delight

Another essential dish in Kerala cuisine is the Malabar Parotta, a flaky, layered flatbread made from refined flour. It’s crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and perfect for sopping up curries or stews. Malabar Restaurant’s parottas are freshly made and have the perfect texture, making them a delightful accompaniment to any dish.

Parottas pair especially well with curries like Chettinad Chicken Curry or Malabar Fish Curry, and they can also be enjoyed with a side of raita or pickle. The versatility of Malabar parottas makes them an essential part of any meal.

7. Payasam: A Sweet Ending

No meal at Malabar Restaurant is complete without indulging in a traditional Kerala dessert, and the Payasam is the perfect way to end your culinary adventure. This sweet, creamy pudding is made with rice, milk, and sugar, and it’s often flavored with cardamom, saffron, and coconut. The dish is typically garnished with cashews and raisins, adding a delightful crunch to the creamy texture.

The payasam at Malabar Restaurant is the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, offering a satisfying end to a meal. Whether you’re a fan of traditional desserts or simply looking to try something new, the payasam is sure to leave you with a sweet memory of your meal.

Conclusion: A Feast for All the Senses

From appams to curries, Malabar Restaurant offers a diverse menu that showcases the very best of Kerala’s cuisine. Whether you’re craving the creamy richness of a fish curry, the fiery spices of a Chettinad chicken, or the comforting warmth of a traditional Sadya, this restaurant has something to offer every palate.

With its authentic flavors, expertly prepared dishes, and warm, welcoming ambiance, Malabar Restaurant is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of Kerala. So, the next time you’re craving South Indian flavors, make sure to visit Malabar Restaurant and experience its must-try menu items—you won’t be disappointed!