Taste the spice garden of India – Kerala restaurants in Dubai

• Kerala Restaurants in Dubai
• FAQs

Dubai is home to a large population of Indian expats with many hailing from Kerala, a South Indian state. So it’s only natural that there are many excellent Kerala restaurants in Dubai that help Malayali expats battle through those inevitable pangs of homesickness.

From the best sadyas to the most delectable Kerala parottas, here are the top Malayali restaurants in Dubai serving up popular dishes from the coastal state. 

Top Kerala Restaurants in Dubai

Since a fairly large majority of the Malayali expats in Dubai live close to the older parts of the city, there is an abundance of Kerala restaurants in Bur Dubai, Al Karama, Al Nahda and Al Qusais.

If you have been wondering ‘which are the best Kerala restaurants in Dubai near me’ take a look at the top places where you can get Kerala food in Dubai. But bear in mind, that most of these restaurants have multiple branches.

Calicut Paragon

One of the most popular choices with expats from the South Indian state, Calicut Paragon has established a loyal fan following in Dubai and the rest of the UAE. This is one of the top Kerala restaurants in Dubai known for its popular Malabari dishes.

Must-try items on their menu include the succulent chicken biryani, spicy prawn fry and crispy beef fry. They also offer daily meals which come in vegetarian, pescatarian and non-vegetarian options.

When it comes to Kerala sadyas in Dubai, nothing beats the offerings at Calicut Paragon, which is also counted among the best Indian restaurants in Al Karama. 

This popular Kerala meals restaurant in Dubai has two branches in Al Karama and Al Nahda. They also offer catering services and cater to bulk orders. 

• Timings: Al Karama 07:00 am to 12:30 am | Al Nahda 07:00 pm – 12:00 am
• Average cost for two: AED 120
• Location: 
  • Shop 5, Ground Floor, Al Sharooq Building, Opposite Karama Park, Al Karama
  • Ground Floor, Al Ghanim Building, Al Nahda 2
• Contact: Al Karama +971-4-335-8700 | Al Nahda +971-4-251-2545

Aaraamam Restaurant

Another cheap Kerala restaurant in Dubai known for its filling lunch meals is Aaraamam. Their Travancore style dishes, sumptuous beef ularthiyathu (a slow-cooked beef dish roasted with Indian spices and garnished with fried coconuts) and cheap sadyas make this Malayali restaurant in Dubai, popular with expats from Kerala and a hidden gem worth exploring.

There are a couple of branches of Aaraamam restaurant in Al Karama and Bur Dubai. One of the branches is in Oud Metha, making it easily accessible for people looking for Malayali restaurants in Bur Dubai and Karama.   

• Timings: 07:00 am to 12:00 am 
• Average cost for two: AED 60
• Location: Ground Floor, Belhasa Building, Street 9 A, Al Karama
• Contact: +971-4-397-8139 | +971-4-396-0130

MotaFish Restaurant

A hidden gem in Al Barsha, this is one of the most popular Kerala restaurants in Dubai that has acquired a large fan following in a short period of time. Their seafood dishes are especially highly rated and the added bonus is that they are also reasonably priced making it one of the most sought-after Indian restaurants in Al Barsha.

The small interiors don’t reflect the culinary character of this seafood restaurant, which also has other note-worthy non-vegetarian dishes such as the Beef Nattinpuram.

• Timings: 11:00 am to 12:00 am 
• Average cost for two: AED 95
• Location:
  • Near Bin Arab Auto Trading, Street 18B, Damascus Street, Qusais
  • Ground Floor, Barsha Horizon Building, Behind Ramada Chelsea Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai
• Contact: +971-800-66-823-474

Lallumma’s Restaurant

A homegrown concept, located close to the rental apartments in Al Qusais, this Dubai Kerala restaurant has built a sound reputation for bringing homely flavours to restaurant-style dining. Apart from their great selection of combo-menus for lunch, the weekend breakfast buffet at this Indian restaurant in Al Qusais features soft string hoppers, stews, steamed rice cakes and more — something Keralites in Dubai should definitely try. 

• Timings: 08:00 am to 11:00 pm
• Average cost for two: AED 90
• Location: Grand Service Station Building, Baghdad Street, Qusais
• Contact: +971-4-262-1885 | +971-56-509-8066

Ustad Hotel 

Ustad Hotel draws inspiration from the traditional Thattukada (a street eating concept popular across Kerala, similar to a Punjabi Dhaba). The restaurant initially started with dishes served from an ‘Unthuvandi’ or cart to maintain the street-friendly vibe.

Apart from having a wide selection of popular dishes from the Malabar region, this popular Kerala restaurant in Karama Dubai has several food festivals every year, to bring lesser-known delicacies from the coastal state to Dubai. 

• Timings: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am
• Average cost for two: AED 90
• Location: Ground Floor, Al Maskan Building, Opposite Emarat Petrol Station, Al Karama
• Contact: +971-4-340-3111 | +971-50-710-4237

Malabar Paris 

Yet another Keralite restaurant in Karama,  Malabar Paris is a favourite with Malayali residents of the city. Bringing more than just the aesthetics of the southern state, this cosy restaurant boasts an impressive menu of classic Kerala dishes. Try their Appam, Thali, Fish Curry, Chicken Biryani, Malabari Biryani or Jumbo Prawns for an unforgettable dining experience. 

• Timings: 11:30 pm to 12:00 am
• Average cost for two: AED 90
• Location: Shop 1, Ground Floor, Crystal Music Building, Street 12 D, Al Karama
• Contact: +971-56-844-5510 | +971-4-357-8788

Calicut Notebook

Calicut Notebook is one of the well-established eateries, serving budget-friendly food that is especially favoured by Malayali expats in the city.

The restaurant tends to get quite busy during weekends when they serve their special lunch thalis and Malabar biryani. This is one of the famous Kerala restaurants in Al Qusais, which also has branches in Al Barsha and Hor Al Anz. 

• Timings: 11:30 am to 12:30 am
• Average cost for two: AED 115
• Location: Shop 10, Dubai Residential Oasis Building, Qusais
• Contact: +971-4-220-5599

Adaminte Chayakada

One of the latest Malayali restaurants in Al Qusais, Adaminte Chayakada is all about evoking nostalgia. Shelves upon shelves of old-time favourites line the walls of this quirky cafe, which is extremely popular for its snacks and tea.

Bringing the true essence of Moplah cuisine to Dubai, Adaminte Chayakkada has made an impression on the city’s foodies, with their retro decor and hearty flavours.

A speciality of this restaurant that you will definitely enjoy trying is the Pothi Biryani, which is wrapped in banana leaves for a unique flavour.

• Timings: 12:00 pm to 01:00 am
• Average cost for two: AED 85
• Location: Shop 1, Ground Floor, Al Naboodah Building, Beside West Zone Supermarket, Damascus Street, Qusais
• Contact: +971-4-228-4822

Nalukettu

Rounding up our list of Dubai Kerala restaurants, Naluketta is one of the few licenced options for expats from the coastal state. Their irresistible starters, lavish lunch buffets and snacks accompanied by drinks are what attract patrons to this established restaurant in Dubai. The Appams at this popular Kerala buffet restaurant in Dubai are particularly popular. 

• Timings: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am
• Average cost for two: AED 95
• Location: Dubai Grand Hotel By Fortune, Beside Emirates NBD, Opposite Sunrise Supermarket, Qusais
• Contact: +971-4-261-5688 | +971-4-263-2555

FAQ’s

Which is the best Kerala restaurant in Dubai? 

Calicut Paragon is widely considered as one of the best restaurants for Kerala meals in Dubai along with other Malabari specialities. 

Which Kerala restaurants offer catering in Dubai?

Salkara is extremely popular for catering. They have branches in Al Qusais and Al Nahda. 

Which are the Kerala restaurants in Dubai with party halls?

Many of these restaurants have party halls, but the most popular Kerala restaurant with the option in Dubai is Nellara in Karama. 

Are there Kerala restaurants in Dubai Mall? 

Currently, there is no exclusive Malayali restaurant in Dubai Mall, but Peppermill serves some popular dishes from the coastal state. 

That brings us to the end of our roundup of good Kerala restaurants in Dubai. In addition to these restaurants, Kerala Castle in Al Nahda is well known for their authentic flavours and delicious cuisine. The restaurant also offers a sumptuous sadya meal on all Fridays making it a good option if you are feeling homesick.

Other popular options in the city include Keerthi, Nellara, Kayaloram, Thakkaram, Panoor and more. Salkara restaurant, which has branches in Al Barsha and Al Nahda is particularly famous for providing catering services. Budget-friendly favourites include Manchatti and De Fish in Al Karama. 

Looking for other popular Indian food restaurants in Dubai? There is a wide variety of options across the city. If you are a professional working in the heart of the city, hit some of the Indian restaurants in Business Bay. Alternately, if you are closer to the New Dubai side of town, try the Indian restaurants in JLT or Dubai Marina. And if you want to try some of the more local flavours, check out the popular Lebanese restaurants in Dubai.