Malabari is closed. There's a Persian restaurant now. Very disappointed when we arrived. Should have posted they are out of business.
Lan Nguyễn
Every course is good especially the desserts, Wow! Price was reasonable for the location and quality and amount of food in the set menu.
Hussein
Love the baked goods, amazing service, felt very authentic and welcoming.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pal P.
The place could be easily 4 star for the food quality but the wait time is miserable. They claim the food is made from scratch but that doesn't justify a wait time for 1 hour and 20 minutes for 1 Biryani order. There were 2 tables with 5 people when we - party of 2 walked in. We enquired about wait time and was given a range of 30 minutes. Finally the biryani arrived after 1 hour 20 minutes.
Kristine K.
This is one of my all-time favorite restaurants. The biryani is the BEST I've ever had. The food is south Indian, so a little different than typical food at an Indian buffet (better in my opinion!), but there are still familiar items on the menu. The owner is also fantastic! Seriously worth going to.
Torki A.
Don't be fooled by the simple furniture. This is one of the best biryani in the U.S. if not the world . and the gentleman In the cashier is welcoming and informative . It was a good dinner . And am sure going back for the biryani
Kara L.
Malabari is nestled next to the Cedar Cultural Center in a cozy little space that turns out flavor packed food and a unique twist on Indian cusine. I've mostly been exposed to Northern Indian foods that happen to be the mainstay in the metro area. This food is prevalent in South India where the population is more Muslim instead of Hindu. Regardless of religious beliefs the food moved me to have a revelation that I've been visiting India Palace more than I should when there is such a place that exists like Malabari. The menu items tasted more potent, less heavy, and exuded a zippy freshness that I unknowingly missed from my strip mall joints. The Biriyani was a powerful dish that I've looked over previously as mere "spiced rice"on other menus. I mistakenly thought I was best served by ordering curries and such to heap over plain basmati. Lies! The Biriyani had layers of spice, moisture, and magic that led to total satisfaction. I've never heard of palappam before and it's difficult to describe. It's not a bread or a crepe but an airy, light, thin dough that is slightly toasted with a neutral flavor. I picked up on a slight coconut type toastiness, but it was very mild. Everything we ordered was more elevated in complexity and intensity than what I've found in other local Indian fare. The only weak spot was the mini samosas. They were dry and lacked filling. They looked enticing and delicious but skip em as the rest of the menu we tried was unparalleled and a delightful adventure.
Matthew H.
What a great little restaurant. Really, the restaurant space is quite small. It's a little cramped or a little cozy depending on how you want to look at things. I enjoyed the setting. As you often get wit smaller restaurants, the service is fantastic and food is very fresh. The menu is relatively small, which says to me that the chef has selected a fewer number of dishes that they can execute very well. My curry was excellent. I highly recommend Malabari Kitchen as a dinner spot.
Anila Y.
This place is more of a 3.5 star than a 4, but I will round up since 3 feels too low. I have been here a couple of times, but think I just had the misfortune of ordering the wrong thing. I am also South Indian (not from Kerala), so my perspective is probably much pickier than others'.It is a small hole-in-the wall restaurant, and a short walk from where I live, which is exciting for me when I crave south Indian food. If you order take out, it could take a while--the first time I ordered a rice dish and samosas and I waited an additional 30 minutes (on top of the 30 minutes before going to pick my food up). I didn't face any issues when I dined in. I have tried the tomato rice, mini samosas, chilly pakoda, and eggplant curry. The tomato rice was great, but I am unsure if the samosas are made in house, or reheated. They were pretty dry. I liked the chilly pakoda as well, but they didn't use spicy chillies. I didn't enjoy the eggplant curry, but I was ordering with other people, so it wouldn't have been my first choice anyway. I definitely want to come back to try the yogurt rice and yogurt curry.
Elyse F.
Heavenly food with rich flavors and heaping portions. Service is super friendly, knowledgeable, and generous. Can't wait to come back and work our way through the menu! This was our first time having southwestern Indian cuisine and the spices, textures, and awesome service definitely mean a return trip is in order.
Nice cozy , chef owned restaurant with amazing exotic South Indian recipes. The chef and the server were very friendly. I ordered the king fish fry and Goat Biryani and they both reminded me of the best I had in India. Try the food and you won't be disappointed. Talk to the chef if you have any questions as he is a super helpful and accommodates small customization_
Wes B.
Excellent excellent Kerala food which is apparently a rarity in the TC. Portions are more than good plentiful with family style being encouraged. Among the appetizers we got that really stood out included the Onion pakoda, fish pakoda, and Mini Samosas. Our group had to run back the onion pakoda bc it was so good. For my entree I had the Shrimp Biryani which was incredible. Meal had great flavor and spice to it (spice levels made to order) and the shrimp packed a good bite to it. I also sampled the beef masala (yum) and the Arabian Sea Dinner (piece of fish was the star of this dish). Huge rice portions for he table and I recommend the Naan.Small restaurant with 1 server who was very knowledgeable and helpful (Roger). Hours are limited here and the parking in Cedar-Riverside is miserable , but make the time to check this small business out !!!
Jayahasan B.
This place serves most authentic Kerala food. Palappam and vegetarian curry was delicious. Fish fry and curry was spicy and yummy. Shadad was helpful and pleasant. Chai = excellent.
Adnan T.
The goat biryani is very delicious and the owner explain every detail about food when you ask.
TinaMarie B.
I popped in after the lunch crowd to what looked like a small space and was greeted by a friendly server. Little did I know how authentic this places was and they serve all their food fresh with no msg's or food coloring. I would definitely come back next time I'm in town.
Malabari is closed. There's a Persian restaurant now. Very disappointed when we arrived. Should have posted they are out of business.
Every course is good especially the desserts, Wow! Price was reasonable for the location and quality and amount of food in the set menu.
Love the baked goods, amazing service, felt very authentic and welcoming.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The place could be easily 4 star for the food quality but the wait time is miserable. They claim the food is made from scratch but that doesn't justify a wait time for 1 hour and 20 minutes for 1 Biryani order. There were 2 tables with 5 people when we - party of 2 walked in. We enquired about wait time and was given a range of 30 minutes. Finally the biryani arrived after 1 hour 20 minutes.
This is one of my all-time favorite restaurants. The biryani is the BEST I've ever had. The food is south Indian, so a little different than typical food at an Indian buffet (better in my opinion!), but there are still familiar items on the menu. The owner is also fantastic! Seriously worth going to.
Don't be fooled by the simple furniture. This is one of the best biryani in the U.S. if not the world . and the gentleman In the cashier is welcoming and informative . It was a good dinner . And am sure going back for the biryani
Malabari is nestled next to the Cedar Cultural Center in a cozy little space that turns out flavor packed food and a unique twist on Indian cusine. I've mostly been exposed to Northern Indian foods that happen to be the mainstay in the metro area. This food is prevalent in South India where the population is more Muslim instead of Hindu. Regardless of religious beliefs the food moved me to have a revelation that I've been visiting India Palace more than I should when there is such a place that exists like Malabari. The menu items tasted more potent, less heavy, and exuded a zippy freshness that I unknowingly missed from my strip mall joints. The Biriyani was a powerful dish that I've looked over previously as mere "spiced rice"on other menus. I mistakenly thought I was best served by ordering curries and such to heap over plain basmati. Lies! The Biriyani had layers of spice, moisture, and magic that led to total satisfaction. I've never heard of palappam before and it's difficult to describe. It's not a bread or a crepe but an airy, light, thin dough that is slightly toasted with a neutral flavor. I picked up on a slight coconut type toastiness, but it was very mild. Everything we ordered was more elevated in complexity and intensity than what I've found in other local Indian fare. The only weak spot was the mini samosas. They were dry and lacked filling. They looked enticing and delicious but skip em as the rest of the menu we tried was unparalleled and a delightful adventure.
What a great little restaurant. Really, the restaurant space is quite small. It's a little cramped or a little cozy depending on how you want to look at things. I enjoyed the setting. As you often get wit smaller restaurants, the service is fantastic and food is very fresh. The menu is relatively small, which says to me that the chef has selected a fewer number of dishes that they can execute very well. My curry was excellent. I highly recommend Malabari Kitchen as a dinner spot.
This place is more of a 3.5 star than a 4, but I will round up since 3 feels too low. I have been here a couple of times, but think I just had the misfortune of ordering the wrong thing. I am also South Indian (not from Kerala), so my perspective is probably much pickier than others'.It is a small hole-in-the wall restaurant, and a short walk from where I live, which is exciting for me when I crave south Indian food. If you order take out, it could take a while--the first time I ordered a rice dish and samosas and I waited an additional 30 minutes (on top of the 30 minutes before going to pick my food up). I didn't face any issues when I dined in. I have tried the tomato rice, mini samosas, chilly pakoda, and eggplant curry. The tomato rice was great, but I am unsure if the samosas are made in house, or reheated. They were pretty dry. I liked the chilly pakoda as well, but they didn't use spicy chillies. I didn't enjoy the eggplant curry, but I was ordering with other people, so it wouldn't have been my first choice anyway. I definitely want to come back to try the yogurt rice and yogurt curry.
Heavenly food with rich flavors and heaping portions. Service is super friendly, knowledgeable, and generous. Can't wait to come back and work our way through the menu! This was our first time having southwestern Indian cuisine and the spices, textures, and awesome service definitely mean a return trip is in order.
Restaurantji Recommends
Nice cozy , chef owned restaurant with amazing exotic South Indian recipes. The chef and the server were very friendly. I ordered the king fish fry and Goat Biryani and they both reminded me of the best I had in India. Try the food and you won't be disappointed. Talk to the chef if you have any questions as he is a super helpful and accommodates small customization_
Excellent excellent Kerala food which is apparently a rarity in the TC. Portions are more than good plentiful with family style being encouraged. Among the appetizers we got that really stood out included the Onion pakoda, fish pakoda, and Mini Samosas. Our group had to run back the onion pakoda bc it was so good. For my entree I had the Shrimp Biryani which was incredible. Meal had great flavor and spice to it (spice levels made to order) and the shrimp packed a good bite to it. I also sampled the beef masala (yum) and the Arabian Sea Dinner (piece of fish was the star of this dish). Huge rice portions for he table and I recommend the Naan.Small restaurant with 1 server who was very knowledgeable and helpful (Roger). Hours are limited here and the parking in Cedar-Riverside is miserable , but make the time to check this small business out !!!
This place serves most authentic Kerala food. Palappam and vegetarian curry was delicious. Fish fry and curry was spicy and yummy. Shadad was helpful and pleasant. Chai = excellent.
The goat biryani is very delicious and the owner explain every detail about food when you ask.
I popped in after the lunch crowd to what looked like a small space and was greeted by a friendly server. Little did I know how authentic this places was and they serve all their food fresh with no msg's or food coloring. I would definitely come back next time I'm in town.