Pakka - Cambridge — Restaurant in Cambridge

My visit to Restaurant Pakka, boasting of authentic Kerala cuisine, was an unfortunate letdown. I eagerly ordered a variety of dishes, hoping to savor the rich flavors of Kerala. To start, the masala dosa lacked a basic seasoning – it was shockingly saltless, rendering it bland and unappealing. As if that wasn't disappointing enough, the accompanying chutney was served at a frigid temperature, making me wonder if it had been taken straight from the fridge. This chilly condiment further detracted from the dining experience.

I also tried the gobi 65, which, to my dismay, was inexplicably tasteless. The spices and flavors that are expected to burst in your mouth were notably absent, leaving me unsatisfied.

The most distressing part of the meal was the Kerala fish curry. It not only failed to impress but was also marred by an unpleasant, lingering odor. This issue was an immediate appetite-killer.

Even the South Indian coffee, was far from authentic. It was exceptionally thin and lacked the rich, aromatic quality one associates with this beverage. The coffee was indeed a disappointment.

In summary, my dining experience at Restaurant Pakka was a far cry from the authentic Kerala food I had hoped for. The absence of basic seasonings, the unappetizing gobi 65, the pungent fish curry, and the thin, tasteless coffee left me with a strong desire to seek out a better representation of Kerala...

A Culinary Gem on Castle Street: Pakka Cambridge

During a leisurely morning stroll on Castle Street, a savoury aroma wafted through the air, steering my senses to the source of culinary enchantment. There stood Pakka, a resplendent South Indian restaurant that beckoned me inside. It was like stumbling upon the culinary crown jewel of Cambridge—a beacon of traditional, authentic South Indian cuisine shining brightly amid the rustic charm of the downtown strip.

The warmth of the welcome by Binu, the steward of this gastronomic treasure, was matched only by the rich, aromatic flavors that define the place. From the moment I walked in, Binu’s hospitality illuminated my visit, ensuring that my experience was as delightful as the food was delicious.

The traditional South Indian paratha and Kerala Fried Chicken (KFC) were revelations, transporting me to the heart of Kerala with every bite. Fellow diners, Greg and Rekha, recommended the lamb chops and chicken biryani for next time, which I eagerly anticipate trying.

Pakka isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a culinary odyssey that offers the best of South India, right here in Cambridge. For those who haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Kerala, Pakka serves as an authentic local haven of South Indian cuisine. I left filled with the light of joy from an incredible meal, promising Binu and his team that I would return soon for another round of...

What a shame I have to give at least one star to write a review. This place do not reserve any star. First of all customer service does not exist at all. I have been eating in a lot of places around the world but was never treated this way. When we walked in it was no tables available and we tried to find out if we should wait. When I tried to ask the question the guy raised his hand to my face and said , and I'm quoting 'im not talking to you , I'm talking to him' and he pointed at my partner who is originally from India. I wanted to walk out immediately but my partner asked me to ignore it. Then he found the table and what ever we ordered came almost 1h later, my food supposed to be not to spicy and he wanted extra spicy ... My food arrived so spicy that I could not eat it at all and his food was sweet. 3 pashawar nan (my absolutely favourite) with no filling inside , I barely could taste coconut flakes and all 3 of them burned totally burned. I eat nothing and when we went to counter to pay I nearly faint. 40 ponds for terrible customer service and the worst Indian food ever and no thank you to us as customers. Do yourself a favour and never ever go there !!!!! Ah! And let me add very poor hygiene of...