1980's A Nostalgic Restaurant (Kalpetta) — Restaurant in Kerala

My recent dining experience at 1980 left me pleasantly surprised with its delectable dishes and charming, old-world ambiance. As a lover of good food and a penchant for nostalgic settings, this restaurant managed to capture my heart and taste buds.

Let's start with the star of the show—the food. I had the pleasure of trying two standout dishes: the beef ullathu and the chicken 65. The beef ullathu was a true masterpiece. The tender, succulent beef cooked to perfection in a blend of aromatic spices created a flavor explosion that delighted my taste buds. It was a harmonious combination of bold and subtle flavors that left me craving for more.

The chicken 65, another signature dish was equally impressive. The juicy, marinated chicken pieces were coated in a tantalizing blend of spices and deep-fried to perfection. Each bite was a burst of flavor, with the right balance of heat and tanginess. It was undeniably a crowd-pleaser, and I can see why it is such a popular choice among diners.

Beyond the culinary delights, the restaurant's ambiance exuded a charming, old-world feel that instantly transported me to a bygone era. The decor, with its vintage-inspired elements and warm lighting, created a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The attentive and friendly staff added to the overall pleasant dining experience, making me feel welcomed and well-cared for throughout my visit.

While some may perceive the restaurant's aged appearance as a drawback, I found it to be a part of its charm. The vintage ambiance added character and authenticity to the dining experience, taking me back to a time when simplicity and flavors took center stage.

In summary, my visit was a delightful culinary journey, filled with mouthwatering dishes and a nostalgic ambiance that transported me to another time. The beef ullathu and chicken 65 were exceptional, showcasing the chef's expertise in creating memorable flavors. The old-world charm of the restaurant added a unique touch to the overall experience, making it a truly enjoyable and memorable dining destination.

I highly recommend 1980 to all food enthusiasts who appreciate a taste of nostalgia and crave exceptional flavors. Prepare to be delighted by the exquisite dishes and the warm, inviting ambiance that will make your dining experience truly special.

As someone hailing from Kochi, I have been on the hunt for a place that serves a robust special tea with just the right amount of sweetness, but unfortunately, I have come up empty-handed, only team 1980 could somewhat matched my...

I went there with family on 24th Dec, 2024. Reached at 1 pm. Not so crowded. Ofcourse I went there because I have heard a lot through friends and travel blogs/influencers. People keep it in their itinerary as a place to must visit. So there I was. Veg options are limited. The usual paneer and mushroom related and one Veg korma. Ordered paneer chilly, paneer 65, Kerala porotta, Veg fried rice. The vegetables in Paneer chilly were almost uncooked, gravy tasted worthless. Fried rice had a tingy smell/after taste which I have never experienced. It was yuck feeling. They just added some veggies in boiled rice that's all. That's nowhere near to fried rice. Interesting was paneer 65. Literally they just dipped it in some bater and deep fried it with some curry leaves and served. Literally it was just paneer pakoda. We were stunned. Kerala porotta was really very good. Must try. In non-veg, we Ordered chicken biryani, prawn ghee roast, chicken ghee roast, ghee rice. Biryani was with small and fat sized rice and no way worth our taste. May be Kerala people like it. But for our pallette it was below avg. All the ghee roast items did not smell anywhere near to ghee. It was just curry. Prawn was a little better. Ghee rice?don't ask me. I don't know how to explain. They gave me a bill which was not for my table. I didn't see it and just paid. Just minutes later they called us. We were still at the restaurant area. They explained me in broken English that it's not my bill. Reprinted my table bill and it was 150 lesser. Believe me I was so disappointed that I didn't ask for a refund. I just wanted to go away from that restaurant. Also when the bill came out lesser the cashier just said it's okay u have paid correct bill, u can go. But from the side of my eyes I saw it was 150 lesser. So this is a kind of fraud. First they gave me different bill, then they called me thinking that I paid less than what I ate, then correct bill was actually lesser than I paid and then they say u can go u have paid correct bill.

The problem is not with the taste of the food, For me it's the extreme hype made in social media and then actually for me it turned out completely opposite. A disaster.

Summary: This was one of the worst food I had for a place which is this highly rated. Probably beef related items are very famous which is not...

Now, let me tell y’all about a little place that’s got more charm than a grandpa telling stories on a porch swing. Tucked away just off the main highway in Kalpetta, there’s this gem of a spot called 1980’s, a restaurant that feels like a warm hug from the past. And the best part? It’s owned by none other than Abu Salim. Yep, the very same Malayalam actor who’s graced our screens in classics like Kireedam, Commissioner, Aaraam Thampuran, and Narasimham. If you’ve ever seen him in action, you know the man’s got presence. And guess what? So does his restaurant.

Now, getting here ain’t exactly a straight shot. You gotta take a little detour from the main road. But hey, life’s all about the journey, right? And this one’s worth every extra turn. As soon as you pull up, you’ll notice something special. Right at the entrance, there’s a little nod to the stars of Mollywood. A reminder that this isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a slice of Kerala’s cinematic soul.

And the food? Oh, buddy, let me tell ya. It’s the real deal. No fancy frills, no over-the-top plating. Just good, honest, soul-warming Kerala cuisine the way it’s meant to be. The kind that makes you close your eyes and do that little happy sigh after every bite. Maybe it’s the spices. Maybe it’s the fresh ingredients. Or maybe it’s just that bit of old-school magic sprinkled into every dish.

But here’s what really gets you: the vibe. Picture this. Wooden tables, the scent of fresh curry leaves in the air, and the kind of easygoing charm that makes you want to stay a little longer than you planned. It’s the Kerala outdoors at its best. Simple, beautiful, and full of stories.

So, if you ever find yourself cruising down the Kalpetta bypass, do yourself a favor. Take that turn. Because 1980’s isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a trip down memory lane, a love letter to Malayalam cinema, and a reminder that sometimes, the best places are the ones that make you feel like you’ve been there before. Even if it’s your first time.

Should be on every traveler’s bucket list? Oh, absolutely. Heck, I’d even say it should have its own starring role.

#1980 #abusalim #actor #kalpetta #kerala #malayalamfilm...