Food review: Malabar Food Festival, The Marina

While Kerala cuisine as a whole offers several gastronomic opportunities, dishes from the Malabar region occupy a unique place among food connoisseurs. Malabari dishes draw inspiration from their counterparts from across the globe, including Arabic, French and Portuguese food cultures. They are also noted for the presence of coconut milk, which serves the purpose of balancing the rich spicy flavours. And what better than The Malabar Food Festival at one of Chennai’s best seafood restaurants, The Marina, to indulge in a celebration of the myriad tastes of Malabar. 

As we made our way into the premises of the warmly lit establishment in Nungambakkam, we were greeted by the strong aroma of the spices, a characteristic of Malabar food. Accompanied by the neat blend of the Malabar theme with the classy environs of the restaurant, it creates an ambience that transcends you to the shores of Malabar. But, it’s the vast display of fresh fish, prawns and lobsters at the counter, that can be prepared as per the visitors’ wish, is what actually sets your tongue wagging. 

The menu has a spread that comprises everything Malabari from the classic Fish Pallipalayam to Peerai (Seafood cooked with tamarind and coconut) to Chatti curry (choice of favourite seafood cooked in mud utensils) and more. We started our meal with Nadan soup – a clear portion of sear fish stock with small chunks of prawn and fish with the right dose of pepper and ginger – a perfect beginning suggested by SK Nasim, the restaurant manager. 

For starters, we were treated to a generous serving of spicy pepper prawns, which was simple yet delectable. For the main course, we opted for the famous Karimeen Pollichathu. The pomfrets covered with a spicy masala, wrapped in banana leaves and shallow fried thereafter, is a heavenly delight for seafood lovers. Now, no Kerala meal is complete without the appam and Malabar fish curry. The sweetness of the appam blended perfectly with the tanginess of the curry. 

We finished our meal with the elaneer payasam — a creamy concoction of tender coconut pulp and shredded coconut that we devoured in no time. So, if you’re looking for an evening of simple yet scrumptious Malabar food, look no further than The Marina’s festival.

Cuisine: Authentic Malabar food (Festival on till March 20) 

Must try: Karimeen pollichathu, nadan soup, fish stew and elaneer payasam 

Contact: 044 4203 5265, 98843 96213