Kairali 2.0 — Restaurant in Maungakiekie-Tāmaki

I got the Sadhya for one person which I booked two weeks ago and confirmed day before, they were upset about that without even letting me know over phone. Okay that’s fine, i did eventually get it after waiting for more than hour. That’s fine I understand it’s busy, I DID NOT GET THE BEETROOT THORAN OR PAYSAM. There is nothing sweet in the whole meal. It’s so disappointing and I am upset, as someone not from your culture who appreciates your food and is excited to eat the food on a festival that is once a year and be a part of it all. You scam the person thinking they don’t know anything about the food (which I do a little bit apparently). I feel sad and it’s the worst experience. It’s so sad and shame on you. You don’t represent even 1% of the beauty that your culture and food is. Tried calling, nobody picking up the phone.

EDITED: after multiple calls and tries, got through. Explained to the owner, There were no apologies he just said it was busy, yes it was I understand I said, and every year it’s busier than the previous one but each time it’s as mismanaged and disorganised as ever. Anyway, he told me you can come and get the beetroot pachadi and paysam. I told him I had taken time off specifically for lunch and can only return in the evening (I really wanted the sweet dish). Went there 24 kms later, he had forgotten it was not just paysam. I told him I’m here to collect the paysam and the BEETROOT pachadi. He gave me those...

Dear Mr Aaron and the Kairali team, I’m writing to share how deeply you made my birthday feel special—thank you from the bottom of my heart! From the moment we arrived, the cozy ambiance and your team’s warm energy set the perfect mood for celebration. The food was absolutely delicious: the butter chicken was rich and flavorful, the parotta flaky and satisfying, the beef roast tender and aromatic, and the appam soft and coconutty. The kanthari prawns were a standout—bold, spicy, and so memorable! But what truly made the night unforgettable were the thoughtful touches: the robot singing “Happy Birthday” as it brought out cake had us all grinning, the “Happy Birthday” sauce art on my plate was a creative surprise, and the flowers and banner made our table feel festive. We also loved that you took beautiful photos of our group during the celebration—we can’t wait to receive them later! Mr Aaron’s kind greeting and the entire team’s attentiveness—always checking in to ensure we had everything we needed—made us feel like family. Every detail, from the delicious food to the heartfelt gestures, came together to create a birthday I’ll cherish forever. Thank you for not just serving amazing meals, but for making us feel loved and celebrated. I can’t wait to return and recommend Kairali to everyone I know—you’ve earned a loyal customer for life!...

I am a regular to Kairali restaurant at Royal Oak. Kairali has always been a name synonymous with authentic Kerala cuisine in Auckland, but their recent renovation and menu revamp have elevated the experience to an entirely new level. From the moment you walk in, the refreshed interiors welcome you with a warm, modern yet traditional charm — a perfect blend of Kerala’s cultural essence and contemporary dining comfort.

The new menu is a delightful surprise. While Kairali has retained its beloved classics ( Kozhi porichathu has been my personal favourite, now available in a different name) they have added an array of new items to the list with an enticing name given to each one of them.

What truly stands out is the consistency in flavor and the attention to detail. The staff are warm, attentive, and eager to guide you through the new additions, making sure your dining experience feels personal and memorable. Me and my wife tried the new Biriyani on their grand opening day last week, which was one of the best we ever had.

Kairali’s transformation is more than just cosmetic — it’s a celebration of Kerala’s rich culinary heritage presented in a refreshed, modern avatar. Whether you’re a long-time patron or a first-time visitor, this is one restaurant that deserves to be on your must-visit list...