Dubai is known for its dazzling skyline, luxury lifestyle, and cosmopolitan culture, but for those who grew up savouring the spicy tang of fish curry, fluffy appams, or the earthy comfort of biriyanis, one of the city’s greatest joys is discovering authentic Kerala cuisine far from home.
Thanks to a thriving Malayali community and passionate restaurateurs, Dubai offers some of the best Kerala dining experiences outside India.
From classic Malabar dishes to homestyle meals, here’s a guide to the must-try Kerala cuisine restaurants in Dubai — where spice, tradition, and nostalgia come together in every bite.
1. Calicut Paragon Restaurant LLC – A Malabar Classic
Picture Credit- foodsmenus.com
If there’s one name that almost every Malayali in Dubai nods to when talking about Kerala food, it’s Calicut Paragon.
With its roots in the legendary Paragon chain from Kerala, this restaurant brings authentic Malabar cuisine to life.
From rich, aromatic biriyanis to fish curries that strike the perfect balance between heat and tang, Paragon is a go-to for anyone craving the flavours of home.
At Paragon you’ll find everything from Malabar biryani and chicken sukka to meals featuring freshly caught seafood — all served in a casual, welcoming environment that mirrors the feel of a traditional Kerala eatery. Their Onam sadhya (feast) is also a highlight during the festival season.
Why visit? Classic Malabar recipes, generous portions, and a long-standing reputation for authentic flavour.
2. Salkara Restaurant – Nostalgic Kerala Flavours
If your palate seeks old-world Kerala tastes, then Salkara is a must-visit.
This restaurant is known for dishes inspired by the 1970s and ’80s Malabar kitchens, serving specialties like Payyoli Kozhi Porichathu, Calicut Chicken Curry, and Kingfish Mango Curry.
Salkara’s strength lies in its homestyle preparation and soulful flavours, which feel like a trip back to your grandmother’s kitchen — rich spices, slow-cooked gravies, and crispy porottas to scoop up every drop.
Why visit? A nostalgic experience that’s as close to Kerala’s traditional dining as you can find in Dubai.
3. Aaraamam Restaurant – Laid-back Local Favourite
Picture Credit- Zomato
Another beloved Kerala spot in Al Karama, Aaraamam Restaurant has long been a reliable stop for everyday Kerala meals in Dubai.
Known affectionately by locals, Aaraamam serves fish curries, spiced biriyanis, and naadan chicken fry — all staples of Kerala’s culinary heritage.
Many Malayalees appreciate Aaraamam for its consistent quality and hearty portions, making it perfect for quick lunches or casual dinners without breaking the bank.
Why visit? Authentic Kerala comfort food with a relaxed, no-frills vibe.
4. Tasty Cochin Harbour Restaurant Dubai – Seafood & Sadya Specialists
Located in Al Karama, Cochin Harbour is a standout for Kerala seafood lovers. With a diverse menu spanning classic dishes like Karimeen Pollichathu and Seafood Kizhi, this restaurant blends bold spices with homestyle comfort.
Cochin Harbour also excels during festive seasons like Onam, offering traditional sadhya feasts served on banana leaves — a culinary experience that every Kerala food enthusiast should try at least once in Dubai.
Why visit? Celebrated seafood and traditional sadhya in a warm, casual setting.
5. Kozhikode Star Restaurant – Bold, Coastal Kerala Cuisine
Picture Credit- kozhikodestarrestaurant.com
For those craving bold and spicy Malabar flavours, Kozhikode Star is a must-try. Known for its range of meat curries and seafood specialties like Hamoor Pollichathu, this restaurant captures the hearty, robust essence of Kerala coastal cooking.
It’s a good option for family dinners or group meals, thanks to its varied menu that pairs beautifully with porottas, rice, and traditional side dishes.
Why visit? Deep, rich flavours that truly reflect the coastal tastes of Kerala.
6. Curry Chatti Restaurant, Karama – Clay-Pot Kerala Classics
Picture Credit- TripAdvisor
One of Dubai’s hidden gems, Curry Chatti stands out for using traditional cooking techniques. Their dishes often come cooked or served in clay pots, which helps unlock deeper flavour profiles and richer spice blends.
Specialties include Kozhi Chatti Curry and Meen Pollichathu, both of which showcase the depth and balance of Kerala’s indigenous cooking methods.
Why visit? Authentic clay-pot dishes and deeply aromatic curries.
7. Nellara Restaurant – Casual Kerala Eatery with Variety
Picture Credit- JusDial
Nellara is another well-liked Kerala spot in Dubai, known for its wide menu featuring traditional curries, biriyanis, and snacks.
Whether it’s a quick lunch or a casual dinner, Nellara delivers good quality Kerala staples with a friendly service approach.
Why visit? Great mix of traditional Kerala dishes and affordable pricing.
8. Kerala Castle Restaurant – Budget-Friendly Kerala Fare
Picture Credit- Zomato
For those exploring Kerala cuisine on a budget without compromising taste, Kerala Castle in Al Nahda offers hearty portions and classic favourites — from spicy fish curry to beef fry and biriyanis. It’s a great casual choice for everyday meals.
Why visit? Pocket-friendly authentic Kerala dishes.
9. Ambadi Restaurant & LIZ restaurant – Why pay more – Local Gems Worth Exploring
Picture Credit- Zomato
Two more popular local picks worth trying are Ambadi and LIZ Restaurant. Both are smaller, neighborhood Kerala-style eateries that have earned loyal customers thanks to excellent value and authentic taste — perfect for everything from classic thalis to late-night dinners.
Why visit? Local favourites known for familiar Kerala flavours.
10. Hidden & Lesser-Known Spots: Discover More Flavours
Dubai’s Kerala dining scene doesn’t stop there. Other places mentioned by locals and food lovers include Malabar Express, Calicut Topform, and Kerala Swad Restaurant — each offering its own spin on Kerala classics and beloved regional dishes.
Whether you’re in Deira, Karama, Al Qusais, or Al Nahda, you’ll find a variety of spots serving up everything from puttu and kadala curry to varutharacha chicken and meals served on banana leaves.
Final Thoughts
Dubai’s food scene is a melting pot of global flavours, but the heartwarming authenticity of Kerala cuisine has carved out a special place here.
Whether you miss home-style curries, crave spicy Malabar meals, or want to introduce friends to the soulful taste of Kerala, the restaurants above deliver rich taste, cultural heritage, and a journey through spice and tradition.
So pack your appetite, gather your friends, and get ready to savour the best Kerala cuisine Dubai has to offer!
Read More: American Express Centurion (Black) Card: Travel Benefits, Privileges & Why It’s So Coveted
If you love our posts, don’t forget to like, follow, and comment in the boxes below, and share this post with your loved ones!
Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel
For Guest Posts, drop us an email at thestrongtraveller@gmail.com.
I was lucky to have visited Kerala and Dubai – as part of an India trip back in 2012. The cuisine always stuck out to me in Kerala and the cosmopolitan lifestyle from what I could observe in Dubai was something else. So interesting to see the diverse cuisines you can experience in Dubai!
That sounds like a wonderful trip! Kerala’s cuisine truly leaves a lasting impression, and Dubai’s cosmopolitan vibe is unmatched. The way Dubai brings together flavors from across the world is fascinating—there’s always something new to discover.