Nestled in the heart of the city, downtown bistro lancaster offers a culinary journey through the vibrant and diverse flavors of Kerala, the southernmost state of India. Known for its aromatic spices, fresh seafood, and rich, coconut-based curries, Kerala’s cuisine is a blend of tradition and innovation. Malabar Restaurant perfectly captures this essence, delivering a menu that showcases the best of South Indian cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Indian cuisine or a newcomer looking to explore, these top dishes at Malabar Restaurant are sure to transport you to the beautiful coastal regions of Kerala with every bite.
1. Malabar Fish Curry: A True Taste of the Coast
No visit to a Kerala-inspired restaurant would be complete without experiencing a traditional Malabar Fish Curry. This dish is a perfect example of Kerala’s love for fresh seafood and bold, tangy flavors. The curry is made with tamarind, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and a variety of other spices that create a rich and fragrant sauce. The fish, typically a delicate white variety, is simmered gently in this spiced mixture, absorbing all the flavors and becoming tender and juicy.
The beauty of this dish lies in its balance of flavors—spicy, sour, and savory—complemented by the natural sweetness of the fish. Malabar Fish Curry is typically served with steamed rice or appams (fermented rice pancakes), making it a complete and satisfying meal. It’s the ultimate dish to experience the soul of Kerala cuisine.
2. Appams and Stew: A Classic Combination
One of the most iconic dishes of Kerala, appams and stew are a must-try at Malabar Restaurant. Appams are soft, lace-like rice pancakes made from fermented rice batter. The texture is delicate, with a crisp edge and a soft, spongy center. This dish is often paired with a vegetable stew or chicken stew, which is a creamy, coconut milk-based curry that is lightly spiced but full of flavor.
The stew, made with fresh vegetables like carrots, beans, and potatoes or tender chicken, is subtly flavored with cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, allowing the natural sweetness of the coconut milk to shine. Dipping the soft appams into the stew creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience, making this dish a comforting favorite for both breakfast and dinner.
3. Kerala-style Prawns: A Seafood Lover’s Delight
For seafood enthusiasts, Kerala-style prawns are an absolute treat. Malabar Restaurant brings the coastal flavors of Kerala to life with this signature dish, which features plump prawns cooked in a spicy, tangy coconut-based gravy. The prawns are marinated with a blend of red chili, turmeric, garlic, and ginger, before being cooked in a rich coconut milk gravy along with curry leaves and mustard seeds.
The result is a dish that strikes the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The prawns are tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked, while the gravy is aromatic and creamy. Served with steamed rice or parathas, this dish provides a true taste of Kerala’s love for seafood and spice.
4. Chettinad Chicken Curry: Bold and Flavorful
While Kerala cuisine is famous for its coastal dishes, it also has rich and bold meat curries. Chettinad Chicken Curry is a perfect example of the region’s love for intense flavors. This dish comes from the neighboring Tamil Nadu region, but it is popular throughout South India, including Kerala.
Malabar Restaurant’s version of Chettinad Chicken Curry is packed with aromatic spices like black pepper, cumin, coriander, fennel seeds, and cinnamon, creating a deep, smoky flavor that will excite the palate. The chicken is slow-cooked in this spice blend, ensuring every bite is full of warmth and heat. The sauce is rich, dark, and flavorful, and it pairs beautifully with rice or parotta (flaky Indian flatbread). This dish is ideal for those who appreciate bold, intense flavors.
5. Malabar Biryani: A Fragrant, Flavorful Rice Dish
One of Kerala’s most beloved dishes is Malabar Biryani, a fragrant rice dish that has a loyal following of fans. Unlike other biryanis from different parts of India, Malabar Biryani is made with jeerakasala rice (also known as kaima rice), a small-grain variety that has a soft, tender texture when cooked. The rice is cooked with marinated meat (typically chicken, mutton, or beef), and seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
The meat is cooked to perfection and infuses the rice with rich flavors, while the final dish is garnished with fried onions, raisins, and cashews, adding texture and depth. The Malabar Biryani is often served with a raita (yogurt-based side dish) or a simple salad, making it a hearty and fulfilling meal. It’s a perfect choice for those looking for a satisfying rice dish full of flavor and tradition.
6. Payasam: A Sweet End to the Meal
To end your meal on a sweet note, payasam is the perfect dessert. A traditional Kerala dish, payasam is a creamy, rice-based pudding made with jaggery, coconut milk, cardamom, and a touch of saffron. Malabar Restaurant’s payasam is rich, comforting, and sweetened naturally with jaggery, a traditional unrefined sugar used in many Kerala desserts.
The pudding is garnished with roasted cashews and raisins, adding texture to the smooth, velvety consistency. It’s a delightful way to round off your meal, leaving you with a lingering sweetness that is both satisfying and soothing.
7. Malabar Paratha: A Flaky Indian Flatbread
A great accompaniment to any curry or stew is the Malabar paratha. This layered, flaky flatbread is crispy on the outside, yet soft and chewy on the inside. It is made with maida (refined flour), and the dough is rolled out into thin layers, which gives the paratha its signature texture.
Malabar parathas are the ideal choice to scoop up gravies, curries, or dips. Whether paired with fish curry, chicken stew, or any of the other rich, flavorful dishes on the menu, this versatile bread makes the meal even more enjoyable.
Conclusion: A Flavorful Journey Awaits
At Malabar Restaurant, every dish tells a story of Kerala’s rich culinary heritage—flavored with aromatic spices, fresh ingredients, and a love for authentic, home-cooked meals. From the tangy fish curry to the aromatic Malabar Biryani and sweet payasam, every bite is an invitation to explore the diverse flavors of South India.
Whether you’re looking to try traditional Kerala dishes or savor regional favorites, Malabar Restaurant offers a menu that highlights the very best of South Indian cuisine. So, next time you’re craving something bold, spicy, and flavorful, head to Malabar Restaurant and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you wanting more.
