Kayal: A Hidden Gem of Authentic South Indian Cuisine in Leamington Spa

Today, we visited one of our favourite Indian restaurants, Kayal. There are a few locations across the country, and we went to the one in Leamington Spa, where I've enjoyed their delicious menu for many years without fail. The staff are incredibly friendly, and there was a time when their restaurant felt like our second kitchen, as we were there almost every day.

The place is in the main center, just along the street in Leamington.

It is a little gem of an exotic restaurant—they serve quality, delicious, authentic South Indian cuisine.

As you enter, there is a bottle of hand sanitiser and also a jar of aromatic sweets to freshen your mouth.

The ambience is very nice and cosy. The lamps everywhere are very welcoming.

Their regular menu includes a variety of dishes such as dosas, curries, and Keralan seafood specialities.

They make a great crunchy snack mix, including crispy banana slices, achappam, pappadoms, etc., complemented with some tasty dips—sour, sweet, and savoury.

The seafood platter is well balanced with spices to appreciate the settled taste of the seafood.

This beef dish is very nice, cooked in coconut milk with coconut meat, fried curry leaves, and Indian spices. The slices of tomato give it a refreshing taste.

I enjoy the business lunch available on weekdays; everyone goes for this, not only because it is priced well at £5.95 but also because it highlights the quality of South Indian food.

These simple coconut chutneys are my favourite accompaniment.

Appam, a fermented rice, goes well dipped in curry sauce or chutneys.

And the puffed-up poori.

Not only is their food great, but they are also dedicated to healthy eating and traditional cooking.

I find their dishes to be very balanced in taste and spices, not overpowering, and I find it best to eat them mixed with enjoying the explosion of authentic Keralan flavours.

The place is also full of beautiful artwork and details, making it more inviting and homely.

They have some spices to take home if you want to cook with curry spices.

What I like most is their indoor grapevine, which has thrived for many years. During the renovation, they gave it a special space to grow healthily. This reflects their care for nature and their commitment to what they serve people.

I was also pleased to see the screen displayed, showing they were the regional winner of Indian Restaurant of the Year 2024, as they truly deserved it.

If you visit England, it is worth trying this restaurant.

Have a wonderful day,

Mariah 😊💗