Tucked away amid the other eateries on Cedar Ave in Cedar-Riverside is Malabari Kitchen, a restaurant dedicated to food from the far southwest coastal region of Kerala, India. Although it lacks a sign outside, Malabari Kitchen’s modern decor invites diners to explore its both unique and familiar cuisine. Of note is their chicken biriyani dish that includes heavily seasoned chicken hidden instead a mound of saffron-flavored basmati rice. This restaurant’s menu is also littered with seafood dishes like a soft shell crab curry.

This contemporary, organic, and sustainable restaurant is owned and managed by two Nepali women who grind their own spices and make their own ghee (clarified butter) on site. Their signature dish, momo or steamed dumplings, comes filled with locally-sourced turkey, yak or vegetables. A must try is also their veggie pakora, a classic South Asian snack. These crispy cabbage, onion, and jalapenos fritters are dipped in chickpea batter and fried. If you don’t crave them now, you will after trying them. Visit during lunch, between 11 am and 2 pm, for their ever-changing buffet of classic and unique South Asian fare.