Swantham Tharavadu — Restaurant in Kerala

recently visited Swadhu Tharavadu in Ernakulam for lunch, and overall, it was a satisfying experience, especially if you're looking for a budget-friendly and homely meal. The restaurant offers a traditional Kerala-style meal that feels authentic and flavorful.

One of the highlights of the visit was their shrimp mango curry-an absolute standout dish. The curry was rich, tangy, and full of coastal flavor, perfectly complementing the rice. It had the right balance of spices and freshness, making it one of the best shrimp preparations I've had in a local eatery.

The 100 meals (standard veg thali) is quite good for the price. It includes rice, sambar, rasam, thoran, pickle, and papadam-typical Kerala-style. The portions are generous, and the food tastes homemade, which adds to the charm. It's a great option if you want a filling and tasty lunch without spending much.

However, I was slightly disappointed with the beef fry. It lacked the depth of flavor and texture that you usually expect from a Kerala-style beef dish. It felt under-seasoned and a bit dry, which was a letdown, especially when compared to the excellence of the shrimp curry.

The ambiance is simple and functional-nothing fancy, but clean and comfortable enough for a quick meal. Service is friendly and prompt, and the staff seem genuinely committed to giving customers a good experience.

In conclusion, Swadhu Tharavadu is a good spot if you're in Ernakulam and craving traditional Kerala meals at a reasonable price. Skip the beef fry, but don't miss the shrimp mango curry. I'll definitely return to try more...

Ugh, what a disappointing experience at this place. To say the least, my meal was a far cry from enjoyable. The rice arrived cold, which is just unacceptable. Adding insult to injury, the crab curry tasted suspiciously like it had seen better days – definitely not fresh.

But the real kicker? Getting charged an exorbitant ₹420 per piece for a measly fish fry! That's highway robbery for what I received. It felt like they were trying to recoup losses from serving old food by ripping off unsuspecting customers.

Honestly, the highlight of my entire experience was the brief but illuminating conversation with the person at the bill counter. They helpfully informed me that fresh food is only available during lunchtime. While I appreciate the honesty, it unfortunately underscores the overall impression. It seems the promise of freshness has a very specific and limited window.

Honestly, I left feeling completely ripped off and thoroughly unsatisfied. Save your money and your appetite; there are plenty of other places in Ernakulam that will actually serve you fresh, properly cooked food at a reasonable price. I certainly won't be returning here and would not...

I have had the pleasure of dining at this restaurant twice, enjoying meals with fish fry and prawns on one occasion, and trying their Fish Biryani next time. The meals with prawns and fish fry were absolutely delightful. However, I must admit that I was not as impressed with the biryani compared to the meals. One of the standout features of this restaurant is its spacious seating capacity. Additionally, conveniently located opposite the restaurant is a parking area, although there is a parking fee. The great news is that after enjoying a satisfying meal, the restaurant offers a deduction on the parking fee. The staff members are not only friendly but also display excellent manners towards their customers. What truly surprised me was a heartfelt message displayed above the cash counter. It read, "Food is given by Allah for me and you. You or your family should not go hungry just because of a lack of money. If you find yourself without funds for your meal, simply inform the staff, enjoy your food, and leave worry-free." Overall, my experience at this restaurant was creatively satisfying, both in terms of the delicious food and the thoughtful...