Cuisine De Malabar is a tiny little Indian restaurant in Cluster C, JLT which (as its name suggests) specialises in authentic (and rather excellent) Malabari / Keralite food. Located under the lake level stairwell of the Fortune Tower, its interior is something of a claustrophobic’s nightmare which is why my food adventurers and I have always sat outside. But with the on-set of summer heat, that’s not possible anymore – hmm. The food makes up for this shortcoming.
A view from the corridore 
A delivery guy waiting at a separate, distanced table to the one guests dine at
Few people in the world fry fish like the Malabars so start your order with any one of the seasonal fish your waiter recommends. We had Ayala (Mackerel) Fry. Also consider the Prawns Mango Curry – it’s really good. But if seafood isn’t your thing, worry not and instead try the fiery Thalassery Mutton Curry which comes in a thick dark gravy and/or the Chicken 2020. The daal’s not bad either. We enjoyed these with both paratha (parotta / porotta) and ghee rice. On weekends they serve a full on South Indian breakfast which I hear is brilliant.
Chicken 2020 
Ghee Rice 
Thalassery Mutton Curry 
Ayala Fry (Mackerel) 
Daal Tadka 
Prawns Mango Curry
Writing this review has reminded me how much I actually liked this little place…and how much I genuinely miss it. It’s one of the better Malabari restaurants on this side of town and definitely worth a visit, take away or home delivery. Note to self, breakfast at Cuisine De Malabar this weekend…
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Xerxes (pronounced Zûrk’seez) physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join his culinary journey on Instagram: @ravenousxerxes or reach out to him via email on xerxes@dellara.com.