Kerala on a platter, in Chennai

Malayalees form a good chunk of Chennai’s demographic pie. Hence, it’s small wonder that Chennai offers good Keralite cuisine. Whether you’re a Malayalee looking for a taste of home, or just someone willing to sample Kerala’s delicious fare, Chennai’s Keralite restaurants will have something for every one.

Of all restaurants in Chennai serving Kerala fare, Ente Keralam (Alwarpet) is the most popular. With its traditional décor and sadya spread, Ente Keralam does feel like a slice of Kerala in Chennai. A restaurant that has Chechis making aapam, and food cooked in true Kerala style, Ente surely stands apart. Their prized dessert, paaniyum pazhavum, which is basically honey or hot sugar syrup poured over bananas, however disappoints us. Nevertheless, this place is definitely worth a visit.

Second in line is Kumarakom. At a slightly lower price range, this place sets your tastebuds on fire. The favourite’s here are meen fry, fish moilee, karimeen pollichathu and aappams. Plain Kerala rice with a plate of beef ulathiyathu tastes heavenly.

Another restaurant that will have your mouth watering with their simple Goan, Mangalorean and Kerala cuisine is Coconut Lagoon (Cathedral Road). Hidden within the walls of the campus containing Amaravathi and Snowfield Dessert Pub, Coconut Lagoon is famous for its Kerala dishes that do not pinch your wallet. Poricha Kozhi (fried chicken, cooked Kerala Style) is what draws the crowd. With décor to match the cuisine, one gets the feel of the coastal region like nowhere else.

All set for a delicious spread from God’s own country?