5 Abu Dhabi restaurants where Kerala comfort food feels like home: Pothu kaal, parottas and biryani

For those missing the warmth and comfort of Kerala cuisine, Abu Dhabi offers several restaurants where authentic flavors can be savored. At Taste Of Kerala in Al Dhafrah, a vast menu featuring idly, dosa, appam, puttu, and various curries, including pothichor and ghee rice, ensures a home-like dining experience. Specialized in slow-cooked dishes like beef ularthiyathu, chicken chettinadu, and duck roast, the restaurant caters to seafood lovers with its fish molee, chemmeen mango curry, and squid roast, as well as biryani enthusiasts with both chicken, mutton, beef, and prawn versions. Vegetarians, too, find their way with dishes like kadala curry, veg stew, and paneer mango curry.

Payyannur Restaurant, boasting a solid 4.3-star rating on Google, is another beloved spot. Here, patrons rave about generous portions of nool parotta and thattu dosa, served with vegetable stew, alongside succulent fish mango curry, chicken gravy, and fresh idiyappam. The attentive service adds to the inviting atmosphere, making it a reliable choice for those seeking authentic South Indian fare at reasonable prices.

Kairali Restaurant, located within the Howard Johnson hotel on Khalifa Street, blends a trendy ambience with traditional Malabar flavors. The highlight is the Kerala Sadhya, a substantial spread served on a banana leaf, complemented by prawns fry and beef fry. The menu strikes a balance between authentic regional dishes and crowd favorites, ensuring consistent quality whether dining in or taking away. Its popularity among families, couples, and solo visitors makes it a versatile and well-regarded choice.

NH47 Restaurant, situated in the Madina Zayed Shopping Center, offers a lively blend of Indian and Chinese cuisine with a buffet, family-style, and private dining options. The Special Sadhya receives high praise for its generous portions and excellent hospitality, with reviewers describing the flavors as authentic and delicious. The comfortable atmosphere is perfect for casual hangouts or intimate gatherings, featuring amenities such as valet parking, credit card payment, and flexible dining hours.

Lastly, Thalassery Thattukada, nestled near the Big Mart Hypermarket in Al Khalidiya, provides a quieter, more intimate setting. Though small, the restaurant offers a serene dining experience with simple, well-prepared dishes. The emphasis on silence between bites mirrors the close relationships of family and friends, with standout items like kadak tea, parottas, sizzling beef curry, and the unique potthu kaal leaving a lasting impression.