The UAE’s capital city, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates are home to a substantial Indian population, particularly Keralites. And this reflects the region’s vibrant gastronomic scene, which represents the breadth of cuisines and flavors from across this South Indian state, fondly dubbed “God’s Own Country.” Yes, if you wish to sample the authentic taste of Kerala, the good news is that you don’t have to hop on the flight; all you need to do is simply head to one of these dining venues. They are some of the best Kerala restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
About Kerala Food
Kerala is called the “Land of Spices,” and food signifies one of its traditional identities. Not to mention, its vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes burst with flavors. However, these dishes’ cooking styles and tastes vary from region to region. Apart from the generous use of coconut, curry leaves, tamarind, spices, etc., you will notice strong Arabian and French influences in its distinct flavor (depending on your preferred Kerala cuisine). Sadya, rice served in a banana leaf with a variety of scrumptious vegetarian dishes and sweet desserts known as payasam, is one of the staple foods of most cultural celebrations in Kerala, especially Onam and Vishu. The best thing is that you get to taste all these and more in their bonafide versions when you’re in Abu Dhabi.
Best Kerala Restaurants In Abu Dhabi
The capital city has no shortage of distinctly unique attractions and experiences to enjoy, from the most surreal experiences like skydive Abu Dhabi to jaw-dropping Instagrammable spots like the Louvre Museum and Long Salt Lake in Abu Dhabi. Adding one or more of the following dining choices to your program will surely spice up your Arabian holiday.
1. Calicut Notebook
It is one of the first names that come to mind when one thinks about Kerala or Malayalee food in Abu Dhabi. With its branches in different parts of the UAE, it serves both traditional Kerala foods and a fusion of Arabic, French, Thai, and Japanese cuisines. The ambiance is pleasant, and the menu is impressive, with an exclusive section for kids’ delights (including crunch-munchy prawns, nutty noodles, and naughty nuggets) and nostalgic foods.
Location: Level 2, Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre
Must-Taste: Angel Honey Wings (for kids), Pineapple and Mango Uppilittathu, Kanthari Cheriyaulli Chammanthi (a traditional food that is a combination of coconut, shallots, and bird’s eye chillies), Idicha Beef, Broccoli on Heaven, and Malabar Corn Salsa
Average Price for Two: AED 110
Timing: 8:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs
Contact Information: +971 2 627 8644 and +971 52 645 9075
2. Ruchi
This restaurant is a hidden gem where you can devour Kerala meals served traditional style in a banana leaf. It is also famous for its biryanis, beef and chicken specialties, and seafood varieties. Add to this its laid-back vibe and attentive staff.
Location: Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street (Hamdan Street) – Al Danah – Zone 1 – Abu Dhabi
Must-Taste: Thattukada Chicken, Nutty Cauliflower, Chemmeen (Prawn) Kizhi, Alleppey Fish Curry, Beef Mappas, Lamb Chops, Malabar Dum Biryani, and Mixed Fried Rice
Average Price for Two: AED 90
Timing: 07:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs
Contact Information: +971 2 679 2679
3. Taste of Kerala
The authentic foods from the kitchen of Taste of Kerala are a crowd favorite for their deliciousness, incredible variety, and courteous services. Its menu is packed with a vast selection of soups, appetizers, salads, biryanis, mutton and beef specialties, and desserts.
Location: Al Dhafra area, Abu Dhabi
Must-Taste: Nadan Mutton Soup, Honey Chicken, Chicken Dum Biryani, Mutton Pothi Biryani, Payyoli Chicken Fry, Nadan Chicken Roast, Beef Thenga Kothu, Angamali Beef, Fish Tawa, Chemmeen Kanthari, Meen (Fish) Mulakittathu, Fish Mango Curry, and Kadai Chicken
Average Price for Two: AED 45
Timing: 06:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs
Contact Information: +971 2 641 2498
4. Nalukettu
Nalukettu is a Kerala-themed restaurant located within the Al Ain Palace Hotel, adjacent to the magnificent Abu Dhabi Corniche. You can look forward to enjoying here a pleasant blend of sumptuous Kerala-style dining, a relaxed atmosphere, impressive views, and friendly staff. When it comes to its menu, you’ll be spoiled for choices with a huge assortment of appetizers, tandoor specials, traditional Kerala foods, and desserts.
Location: Al Ain Palace Hotel, Al Markaziya, Abu Dhabi
Must-Taste: Konju (Prawn) Porichathu, Chicken Biryani, Fish Biryani, Kerala Style Roast, Neychoru (Ghee Rice) with Nadan Kozhi (Chicken) Curry, Chemmeen Mango Curry, Fish Molly, Kerala Meen Porichathu, Kerala Mappas, and Nalukettu Beef Coconut Fry
Average Price for Two: AED 145
Timing: 12:00 hrs to 02:00 hrs (next day)
Contact Information: +971 50 368 1368
5. Thalassery Thattukada
Thalassery, a town in northern Kerala, is a haven for foodies, with its unique preparation styles inspired by Kerala, Arabian, European, and Persian flavors. True to its name, this restaurant will delight you with the real taste of Thalassery. Needless to say, a world of traditional Kerala snacks, biryanis, and spicy curries awaits you in one of the best Kerala restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
Location: Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi
Must-Taste: Kerala Poratta, Pothichoru, Mutton Pothi Biryani, Neychoru (Ghee Rice) with Beef Varattiyath, Bamboo Biryani, Beef Green Cashew, Mutton Mappas, Thalassery Chicken, Chicken Idich Polichath, Squid Roast, Fish Chattiyil Vattichath, and Kizhi Poratta
Average Price for Two: AED 40
Timing: 06:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs
Contact Information: +971 2 665 5212
6. Kismat Restaurant and Grill
Kismat is another dining venue where you can get the genuine taste of Kerala food. They offer an array of starters, soups, salads, beef specialties, chicken dishes, mutton delights, seafood, and vegetarian items. Grilled foods are also available in tempting flavors, including Afghan, garlic butter, cheese, pepper, and peri peri.
Location: Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi
Must-Taste: Pothichoru, Malabar Dum Biryani, Bamboo Biryani, Seafood Bucket, Kismat Fried Rice, Green Chicken Charcoal with Hummus, Thattukada Beef, Chicken Mushroom, Kismat Chicken Curry, Chicken Stew, Angamali Mango Curry, Paal Poratta Beef, and Paal Kappa
Average Price for Two: AED 60
Timing: 11:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs
Contact Information: +971 2 671 7170
7. Payyannur Restaurant
From exceptional ambiance and amazing food to incredible dish varieties, Payyannur Restaurant easily checks all the boxes that you look for in a quality Kerala restaurant. The menu includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods, complete with salads, soups, starters, and seafood. In addition, make sure that you don’t miss out on the Payyannur specials such as Kappa (Tapioca) and Beef Curry, Puttu Biryani Beef, and Kothu Poratta with beef or chicken.
Location: Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi
Must-Taste: Beef Pothichoru, Uruliyiloottu, Nadan Mutton Soup, Thai Mango Salad, Seafood Soup, Tawa Grilled Prawns, Kanthari Fish, Golden Fried Squid, Payyannur Chicken Fry, Fish Mango Curry, Crab Dry Fry, Paneer Mango Curry, and Alleppey Vegetable Stew
Average Price for Two: AED 80
Timing: 06:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs
Contact Information: +971 2 671 7176
8. Mint Garden
This casual restaurant comes with an affordable menu that will satisfy every Kerala food lover. Its menu is broad-ranging, with dishes as varied as biryanis, seafood, dosas, parottos, soups, meat items, and vegetarian foods. You also get to taste the hot rice porridge, traditionally known as kanji in Malayalam, every morning, apart from several fresh juices, tea, and coffee.
Location: Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi
Must-Taste: Beef Coconut Fry, Kappa Biryani, Puttu Biryani, Squid Masala, Beef Dry Fry, Kumarakom Chicken Curry, Nadan Mutton Curry, and Fish Mango Curry
Average Price for Two: AED 50
Timing: 06:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs
Contact Information: +971 2 622 9050
9. Pathayapura Restaurant
It is another restaurant in the capital city where you can head for reasonably-priced Kerala foods. It serves all Keralite staples, along with a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and charcoal specialties.
Location: Al Markaziya, Abu Dhabi
Must-Taste: Nadan Kozhi (Chicken) Soup, Pathaya Kozhi (Chicken), Chilly Chicken, Vegetable Korma, Chicken Chatty Poratta, Beef Kothu Poratta, Nadan Beef Chili Fry, Fish Nirvana, Meen (Fish) Mulakittathu, Mutton Vindaloo, Meen Vazhayilayil Pollichathu, Prawns Roast, Periperi Chicken, Jamaican Spicy Charcoal Chicken.
Average Price for Two: AED 55
Timing: 06:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs
Contact Information: +971 55 304 5174
10. Karikku Restaurant
Last but not least on our list is Karikku Restaurant! This spot in the Al Khalidiya region has a four-star rating on Talabat, with a special demand for its classic seafood, beef, and chicken dishes.
Location: Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi
Must-Taste: Kizhi Poratta with Beef or Chicken, Paal Poratta Beef, Karikku Special Chicken Fry, Ney Pathal, Beef Chutty Curry, Ghee Rice Combo with Chicken or Beef, and Karikku Special Tender Coconut Mix Drink
Average Price for Two: AED 50
Timing: 06:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs
Contact Information: +971 52 334 9699
FAQs
1. Which is the best restaurant for Kerala foods in Abu Dhabi?
Each restaurant mentioned on this list serves some of the most authentic and tastiest Kerala cuisines.
2. Where should I go to sample traditional Sadya?
Most of the restaurants on this list, especially Calicut Notebook and Nalukettu, offer Sadya during special Keralite occasions, such as Onam (August or September) and Vishu (April). Apart from these, you can get the feel of savoring a Sadya at Ruchi Restaurant, as the meals are served here in banana leaves.
3. Which family restaurant is best to enjoy Kerala foods in Abu Dhabi?
With its relaxed ambiance, separate family rooms, and kid-exclusive menu, Calicut Notebook is one of the most recommended Kerala restaurants in Abu Dhabi for a quality dining experience with your family.
4. What are the top Kerala restaurants close to Sheikh Zayed Mosque?
There are many Kerala restaurants within an easy access of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, mainly Kerala Village Restaurant, Nalukettu, etc.
5. Do Kerala restaurants in Abu Dhabi offer an exclusive Iftar menu and Christmas-special dishes?
Kerala is where every event and festival is celebrated with the utmost fervor and vigor. It’s reflected in its dining scene too. Apparently, depending on the time of your visit, you can expect to tantalize your tastebuds with a vast spectrum of delightful Iftar treats, Christmas specials, etc., in a Kerala restaurant in Abu Dhabi.
Conclusion
There are plenty of things to do in Abu Dhabi, from visiting Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one of the UAE’s largest mosques, to exploring its stunning islands and untouched mangroves. And the above Kerala restaurants in the city serve as a perfect stop to refuel your energy and give a delicious twist to your Abu Dhabi holiday. They are sure to delight your taste-buds with the most classic and flavorful dishes.
