The Kerala Cafe is what it is, it's a Kerala cuisine joint and the owner is very proud of it to say the least. He is very excited to bring his culture to Kolhapur. Coming to the cafe itself I'll break it down into 3 sections, Seating, Service & Food.
Seating: It looks like he owner has converted his parking area to a cafe. It not something you would go to for pure ambiance. There are round tables with 4 chairs each l. It's not very intuitive, but like I mentioned you go there for the food, which I will get into below.
Service: We visited the place at around 10:30 am and the place was empty we were the only customer. From what I understood the food is served from the home's kitchen, there is no kitchen in sight. Service is provided by the owner himself and the food was served rather quickly. It gives you a homely atmosphere which I found interesting. Someone who's not a resident of Kolhapur will love the feeling.
Food: We ordered Idli, Wada and Masala dosa. Idli was good but the sambar and charity was nothing out of ordinary in fact I've tasted better. Dosa was okay, too much salt in the mashed potatoes. Wada was too tough to chew for which the owner's excuse was they were made early morning but I don't buy it.
Over all I give it 3/5 stars. The owner did mention some special menus for Sunday Breakfast and brunch but they don't sound promising. Price is also a bit on the higher side. Please note this is my opinion and some one looking for south indian cousin might enjoy but coming from someone who's grown up with south indian food, I'm not very impressed. I might give it another shot. I will update my...
Read moreAuthentic Kerala Flavors with a Homely Touch!
Kerala Cafe in Kolhapur is a hidden gem that offers a truly heartwarming dining experience. This family-run eatery stands out not just for its delicious food, but for the love and warmth that goes into every dish. The magic of the place comes from the grandmother’s cooking, while her husband and son serve guests with genuine hospitality, making you feel right at home.
Though the interiors are simple, the focus here is on the food, and it does not disappoint! The limited menu is thoughtfully curated, ensuring that every dish is fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. From authentic Kerala curries to soft appams, everything tastes homemade and full of rich, traditional flavors.
If you appreciate soulful, home-cooked meals and warm service, Kerala Cafe is a must-visit. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s an experience that brings you closer to the heart of Kerala’s cuisine. Highly...
Read moreWe were on our way from Mumbai to Kerala and passing Kolhapur at lunchtime. A quick Google map search led us here. Our curiosity piqued as to what would be offered and how good it would be. We were attended by Mr. Rana and his father who filled us in about the place, culture, neighborhood and the food there. We had arrived 30 minutes prior to lunchtime (12:30pm) and Mr. Rana entertained us the whole time, serving us with 'kokum sarbath' in the meantime. We opted for rice with chicken curry as well as prawn curry, and it was easy to see why this place was a local favourite. The dishes taste just like homemade Kerala food, and with our chatty restaurant owners, we felt like we were back in Kerala, even of only...
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