Kari Apla — Restaurant in Mumbai

Getting there can be a bit of a challenge as the road in front of the restaurant is dug up. No valet service available thus park in any of the alleys wherever you can get one. Can be a bit of challenge in peak hours The restaurant is small in size yet the space is optimally utilised. The menu is a single page printed on both side which makes it easier to make a choice.

I was alone and I decided to sit at the kitchen counter. Unlike a kitchen it was not hot and was completely air conditioned. Immediately on seating I was served a glass of water , a rarity these days in Mumbai. I appreciated.

I spoke to Mathew who runs this place and on his suggestion I ordered “ Banana leaf roasted fish served with scallion chilli paratha”. The fish they used was Ravas. Given that this dish takes some time prepare I ordered an Americano.

I was provided a complimentary dish prepared with paste of peanuts, garnished with curry leaves. It was quite tasty. I have a suggestion though. I would like to try this either with burnt garlic or with deep fried crispy onions. Maybe the next time around 😊

The fish was marinated with a green paste which comprises of Coriander mostly. It was soft and succulent and went well with the small paratha.

I also had a portion of Kerala friend chicken. A perfect dish to go with a drink. Although the outlet does not serve alcohol. Nevertheless I enjoyed it without it too.

I wish there are days where specific Thalis are served dedicated to one of the 5 Southern states. If it happens I will come running.

Overall I loved the homely vibe and the hospitality of the owner and staff and I wish they do well and open up other outlets...

Kari Appla, Bandra – A Hidden Gem of Flavours

What an absolute delight this place turned out to be! Kari Appla is a small, intimate restaurant that beautifully blends the cuisines of Maharashtra and Kerala. The concept is special—the husband hails from Kerala, and the wife from Maharashtra—and you can feel that personal touch in every dish.

I was attended to by Parth and later by Suresh, both of whom were warm, attentive, and made the experience even better. Even though the owners weren’t around that evening, their passion clearly shines through the food and the space.

The highlight of my visit was the Angamalai Pork Roast with Ghee Rice. Simply phenomenal! Perfectly spiced, rich, tender pork with that punch of Kerala-style masala, balanced by the subtle fragrance of ghee rice. It’s an absolute must-try if you’re here.

The restaurant itself is small but thoughtfully designed. There’s a see-through kitchen, which is neat, spotless, and such a joy to watch while the chefs work their magic. They also have a live counter setup where you can sit at the bar-style stools and enjoy your meal right in front of the action—it’s rare to find such transparency and energy in a kitchen.

The walls are lined with photos that give you a sense of warmth and homeliness, almost like walking into a family album. Combined with the intimate seating and the friendly staff, the whole vibe feels cozy yet modern.

Overall, Kari Appla is a hidden treasure in Bandra—it’s not just about food but about heart, culture, and soul on a plate. If you love exploring regional Indian flavors, this is a place you...

Absolutely DIVINE!

The food, ambiance, service, were nothing short of stellar!

The ingredients were super high quality, spices were well calibrated and paired with a deep understanding of the science of flavour, and portion sizes were just right.

We ordered: avocado with thecha and batata papad (a twist on guacamole & tostitos) sukkha / prawns with chili parotta steamed fish with chili parotta home made ladi pav (which were just precious) jackfruit & chili soda passionfruit soda banana bread with filter coffee ice cream

EVERYTHING was on point! The execution was flawless, made with the kind of finesse you can expect at a fine dining restaurant, kitchen was visible and super calm - no chaos at all!

I also really appreciate that the music was appropriate in volume and genre.

The washroom was spotless - an extremely important feature of any establishment!

An otherwise tough critic of food, hygiene, behaviour in general - and as a massive fan of Malayalee cuisine + my own native Maharashtrian food - I found Kari Apla to be exceptional in every way.

Highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates authenticity of flavours, integrity of ingredients, and food made with love.

Super happy! Thank you, Team...