Dot In - Progressive Kerala Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Amsterdam

As someone from Kerala, I’ve long hoped for an authentic Kerala restaurant in Amsterdam. So when I heard about The Dot through social media, I was genuinely excited. Finally, a place that promised the flavors of home! Along with my family and a friend, we visited the restaurant for dinner with high expectations.

First impressions were great. The location is excellent, with nearby parking available—a big plus in Amsterdam. The ambiance is warm and inviting. For that, I’d give 5 stars.

However, when it came to the food, we left disappointed. We had travelled a long way with the hope of enjoying authentic Kerala cuisine, but what we got fell short. While the presentation of the dishes was impressive, the taste lacked the depth, spice, and distinctiveness of Kerala food. It felt more like a generic Indian restaurant adjusting flavors—perhaps to cater to a broader audience less familiar with or tolerant of the bold spices Kerala cuisine is known for. Sadly, this compromises the very identity of the cuisine. Based on taste alone, I would rate the food 2 stars, especially given our desire for authenticity.

Dishes we tried: Harbor Chemmeen Ularthu Kerala Crispy Fried Chicken Batter-fried Plantain with Beef Roast Curry Leaf Grilled Tawa Fish Legacy Salmon Molly Coco Spiced Chicken High Range Pothu Roast with Porotta Kerala Porotta Kallappam Palm Toddy Mango Lassi

The pricing also felt off. The portion sizes didn’t justify the cost, especially with add-ons like Kallappam and Porotta, where the size and quality didn’t align with the premium pricing.

In the end, none of the dishes gave us that “wow” factor or the nostalgic craving that makes you want to return. While we truly hoped this would become our go-to place for a taste of home, the experience left us more homesick...

“So it’s Monday, and guess what? got a day off! No orders, no stress—just me, my appetite, and a mission. So, I hit up The Dot In restaurant in Amsterdam, because why not turn a day off into an all-you-can-eat adventure, right? First, I got some palm toddy—you know, to hydrate. One sip in, and I was like, ‘Wow, this stuff could turn me into a supervillain!’ Then came the prawn shashlik—basically prawns wearing spicy suits. They could start drama on reality TV. One bite and I was ready to make them the new main character in my life. Next was the Kerala crispy fried chicken—so crispy, I thought my teeth were getting a standing ovation. Even my diet plan was like, “You know what, do your thing!” And then, fish pollichathu—fish wrapped in banana leaves like a surprise gift. I unwrapped it like a kid on Christmas morning, and honestly, it was a spiritual experience. But wait, there was more! Chicken korma and salmon moilee showed up like a tag team, hitting my taste buds left and right. I had to stop for a moment just to understand what was happening! And the carbs? Oh, I went all in with Idiyappam, Kal Appam, and Malabar Parotta. Because who can say no to bread, right? I said ‘no carbs’ and then ate three kinds—no regrets! Safe to say, my day off turned into a full-on food adventure. No...

A Hidden Gem in Amsterdam – A Taste of Kerala at Dot In

We had the absolute pleasure of dining at Dot In today, and it was an experience to remember! We tried the beef with porotta, beef with kallappam, chicken stew with rice, payasam, Panam kallu, and Kerala-style fried chicken—and every single dish was outstanding. Each bite was a burst of authentic flavor, perfectly balanced and beautifully prepared.

What really sets this place apart is their thoughtful, curated menu. Unlike many Indian restaurants that try to offer everything under the sun, Dot In focuses on a small selection of dishes and absolutely nails each one. It’s quality over quantity in the best possible way.

The ambiance is warm and inviting, with a very positive vibe that makes you feel at home. Special thanks to Shinoj and Abhishek, who were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and helpful throughout our visit.

I love the whole concept of this restaurant, and I only wish we had more time in Amsterdam to visit again. If you’re looking for an authentic Kerala culinary experience in the city, Dot In is an...