Namaste Kerala Southampton (from Scene South)

Namaste Kerala, Southampton MANY curry houses in Southampton serve up the usual popular dishes such as karahis, tandooris and masalas but there is only one which reigns supreme when it comes to south Indian cuisine - Namaste Kerala.

Having visited India on a number of occasions my favourite dish by far is the popular masala dosa. It is a light crispy rice pancake which is filled with curried potatoes and folded and accompanied with a sauce called a sambhar and a coconut chutney.

The masala dosa is served at virtually every restaurant the length and breadth of India and is also a popular choice for street food stalls.

Since moving to Southampton some 18 months ago I have often craved a masala dosa but have not found anywhere that serves it apart from Poppadom Express and Namaste Kerala and as the latter specialises in south Indian cuisine I thought I would see just how authentic they were.

Nameste Kerela is tucked away between a row of shops on Civic Centre Road and the glass doorway leads up to the restaurant on the first floor.

The newly-refurbished restaurant boasts quite a simple but elegant décor but it is the food the wow factor is really reserved for.

Although the menu is full of predominantly traditional south Indian dishes there are the odd few dishes synonymous with curry houses but if you are coming to Namaste you have to try some of its traditional dishes from the native Kerala.

For a starter we opted for the vegetarian Kerala platter which is made up of lentil dumplings, samosas, mini pastries filled with spiced mashed pumpkin and potatoes and mashed potatoes in a spicy batter, all served with freshly-made coconut and coriander chutneys. This usually serves two but you can ask for portions for three or more and there is also a non-vegetarian option.

For my main I had to order the Masala Dosa and I was not disappointed. It was true to the authentic south Indian recipes I had sampled in India and I struggled to finish it, which was a shame.

My friend ordered a ginger chicken dish and curried spinach which were equally delightful and just as filling and unfortunately neither of us had room for dessert.

Curry lovers who stick to their usual should definitely give Namaste Kerala's south Indian menu a try - they will not be disappointed, I promise.

I've eaten her twice and both times the food was fantastic with portion sizes being incredibly generous. Having tried many Indian restaurants this is by far one of the most enjoyable. There was not a drop of oil to be found floating on the surface of the curry and despite feeling incredibly full by the end of the meal there was not that bloated sick feeling that many curry houses leave due to the rich oil they use. The staff are efficient, friendly and tend to your every need. Anyone who has contemplated going here... stop thinking and get in and experience it. And I completely agree about the masala dosa, they are incredible!

I've eaten her twice and both times the food was fantastic with portion sizes being incredibly generous.

Having tried many Indian restaurants this is by far one of the most enjoyable.

There was not a drop of oil to be found floating on the surface of the curry and despite feeling incredibly full by the end of the meal there was not that bloated sick feeling that many curry houses leave due to the rich oil they use.

The staff are efficient, friendly and tend to your every need.

Anyone who has contemplated going here... stop thinking and get in and experience it.

And I completely agree about the masala dosa, they are incredible!

I recently ate there with my partner and his parents, we had a really lovely time. The atmosphere is relaxing and friendly a much more enjoyable place to eat then most indian resturants. the food was fresh and had lots of helathy options, we all chose different meals and enjoyed all of them equally! I would recomend this place to anyone that thinks Indian food is fatty and heavy. it can be so much more then that!

I recently ate there with my partner and his parents, we had a really lovely time.
The atmosphere is relaxing and friendly a much more enjoyable place to eat then most indian resturants.
the food was fresh and had lots of helathy options, we all chose different meals and enjoyed all of them equally!
I would recomend this place to anyone that thinks Indian food is fatty and heavy. it can be so much more then that!

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