A Culinary Journey to Southern India
If you’re craving authentic South Indian cuisine, Kerala Restaurant in Malton is a must-visit. Established in 2011, it’s the first Southern Indian restaurant in Yorkshire, bringing the vibrant flavours of Kerala—fondly known as ‘God’s Own Country’—straight to Malton. With a menu that caters to vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free diners, seafood lovers, and meat-eaters alike, there’s truly something for everyone.
Nestled in a quiet, relaxing corner, the atmosphere is calm and welcoming, perfect for a leisurely lunch or a special evening out. The service is attentive and friendly, making the dining experience feel personal and enjoyable.
Starters That Set the Scene
The starters at Kerala Restaurant are a delightful introduction to the spices and flavours of South India:
Pickle Tray – A homemade selection served alongside a basket of crisp poppadoms. The lime pickle dip, mixed with yoghurt, is a standout, delivering a perfect tangy, spicy balance. The vegetable dip, unfortunately, fell flat, tasting a bit like tinned soup, and the vegetables were still frozen.
Chaat Bombs – Small, crispy balls you crack open to fill with chickpeas, potatoes, yoghurt, and spices, finished with a tamarind sweet-tangy sauce. A fun, flavour-packed choice.
Sambar Vada – Deep-fried lentil doughnuts soaked in a spicy lentil stew with vegetables. Aromatic and satisfying, they reminded me of the flavours in a masala dosa, particularly the mustard seeds.
Poori Masala – A fluffy, warm, and delightfully smooth poori served with mild potato curry. Unlike usual poori, it wasn’t greasy, and the mustard seeds added a lovely depth of flavour.
Khandari Chicken Starter – The showstopper of the meal. Cooked with mild spices, herbs, and a touch of green chilli balanced by coconut cream, it was tender, fragrant, and unforgettable. The sauce reay compliments the chicken.
Mains That Transport You
For mains, I opted for the Veg Thali, a traditional platter featuring rice, roti, lentils, pickles, and a curried cabbage dish, finished with sweet treats like halwa and a type of kheer. The curried cabbage was an absolute highlight—comforting and reminiscent of my grandmother’s kitchen, with rich, nostalgic flavours.
Each dish on the thali was thoughtfully prepared and generously portioned. This wasn’t your typical British Indian meal; it had a unique, authentic touch that made every bite memorable. I also tried the Sambharam, a spicy yoghurt drink. While not something I’d enjoy on its own, it would pair beautifully poured over a biryani next time.
The Kerala Experience
quiet, relaxed atmosphere, combined with excellent service and authentic flavours, makes it a perfect spot for both newcomers and seasoned lovers of Indian cuisine. From the tangy pickle trays to the indulgent thali, each dish showcases traditional Kerala recipes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Whether you’re after traditional Kerala flavours, a comforting Veg Thali, or unforgettable starters like the Khandari Chicken, Kerala Restaurant is a little slice of Southern India right in Malton.
