On a serene and gloomy Sunday afternoon, my family and I had a delightful lunch at Kayra Restaurant, Bangsar Village. With its promise of authentic Kerala cuisine, we were eager to indulge in the rich flavors and aromatic spices of India. As we entered the restaurant, we were immediately captivated by the leafy terrace adorned with a mural of Kerala’s backwaters, setting the tone for a truly immersive dining experience. Every dish that we ordered was truly a masterpiece of taste and tradition.
We ordered a roast chicken dish cooked with aromatic spices and onions, mango and prawn curry, mutton stew, spinach and dhal curry (my top favorite), ghee roast Paneer (cottage cheese) with onions curry, appam, chapati, Neer dosa, puffed roti, Khameer roti, Masala chai, biryani rice, and okra Poriyal.
Clockwise from top: puffed bread (hollow inside), Khameer roti, apam, and chapati.
The roast chicken, cooked with a melange of aromatic spices and caramelized onions, left us wanting more with its tender and succulent meat. The mango prawn curry infused a perfect balance of tangy and spicy notes, a delightful combination that had us craving for extra helpings.
The mutton stew, immersed in a rich and savory gravy, showcased the finesse of Kerala’s culinary heritage. The true star of the meal for me was the spinach and dhal curry, an exquisite concoction that won my heart with its comforting and wholesome taste. Paired with various bread options like chapati, dosa, puffed roti, and Khameer roti, each bite was a delightful dance of flavors and textures.
We liked the ghee roast Paneer and spinach and dhal curry so much that we ordered a portion for takeaway, along with chapatis for Alycia and Sherilyn who didn’t join us for lunch.
For our vegetarian choices, we were delighted by the ghee roast Paneer (cottage cheese), which was a delightful contrast of soft mild cheese and robust spices. The okra (lady’s fingers) Poriyal provided a unique twist to a commonly used vegetable, elevating it to a whole new level of delectability. Cass who doesn’t like okra surprisingly helped herself umpteen times to the okra dish.
To accompany our meal, we enjoyed aromatic biryani rice, perfectly cooked to enhance the already flavorful dishes. And no meal is complete without a cup of Masala chai, its warmth, and spices creating a harmonious ending to a soulful feast.
The ambiance at Kayra further heightened our dining pleasure. The moment we walked into the terrace, the feeling was one of stepping into a holiday resort with cool breeze blowing in. The leafy terrace, adorned with its picturesque mural, exuded the essence of Kerala’s landscape, while the rattan furnishings and lush greenery created a tranquil oasis in the heart of the bustling city. It was a perfect respite, allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in the flavors and atmosphere of the restaurant.
Kayra’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide 2023 and its accolade in the top 20 restaurants of the Tatler Dining Awards are well-deserved honors. The restaurant’s dedication to preserving and presenting the essence of Kerala cuisine shines through in every dish.
Our Sunday lunch at Kayra Restaurant was a beautiful experience, where the flavors of Kerala’s cuisine painted a vivid picture of its cultural richness. From the perfectly spiced dishes to the inviting ambience, Kayra delivered a culinary journey like no other. While the prices may be slightly higher than other Indian restaurants, the quality, taste, and ambiance are well worth it. As we bid adieu to Kayra, we left with hearts full of contentment and a resolve to return soon to explore more treasures from their extensive and intriguing menu.
KAYRA, BANGSAR VILLAGE
F08, 1st Floor, Bangsar Village 1,
Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar Baru,
59100 Kuala Lumpur
+60 (17) 215 7382
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