Kerala cuisine is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a flavorful and budget-friendly dining experience. Known for its balance of flavors, sustainability, and affordability, it offers a culinary adventure without straining your wallet. One such place that embodies this is the Kerala Hotel at INA Market.

Recently, while exploring the area, we decided to try the Kerala Hotel. The restaurant, though basic, is neat, air-conditioned, and enjoys a steady stream of diners, which speaks volumes about its popularity. Here’s a breakdown of our delightful dinner experience.

A Perfect Start with Tea

We began with a full glass of tea. It was light, pale pink, and had a mild but satisfying kick, likely from various tea leaves unfamiliar to us. It set the tone for a comforting and authentic meal.

The Star of the Meal: Appams and Chicken Stew

For the main course, we had the classic Appams with Chicken Stew. The stew was a fragrant coconut milk-based broth, enriched with Kerala’s signature spices like curry leaves, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and a generous touch of star anise. What stood out was the perfect balance of flavors, with each ingredient shining through without being overpowering. The stew also featured a mix of julienned vegetables, making it a hearty and wholesome dish.

The appams were soft, mildly sour from the fermentation process, and paired perfectly with the stew. We also tried a Kerala parotta, a flaky and slightly crispy flatbread that wasn’t overly oily—a pleasant surprise. This dish would taste equally delicious with rice.

The Perfect Ending: South Indian Filter Coffee

Despite being full, we couldn’t resist ending our meal with South Indian filter coffee, a rich, hot brew that’s hard to beat. The entire experience, from the flavors to the ambiance, was satisfying, and to top it all off, the meal for two cost us less than ₹300.

Taste of Kerala-Indulge in Authentic Flavors

Why Kerala Hotel Deserves a Visit

Kerala Hotel at INA Market is now on our list of top budget-friendly dining spots. If you’re craving authentic Kerala cuisine in Delhi, this hidden gem is a must-visit. Whether it’s for the flavors or the unbeatable prices, this place will not disappoint.

Also Read: 7 Types Of Accommodations In Kerala