Located in Temple Bar, Kasi Café does not serve your typical Indian cuisine. Kasi incorporates bold flavours and cooking styles from 3 key regions in Southern India, making it a must visit for foodies looking for culturally rich dishes, ranging from seafood to curries!
Kasi Café, 3-4 Crow St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 F884, was founded by brothers Daril Chamakkalayil Thomas and Dipin Chamakkalayil Thomas, who grew up surrounded by the the traditional cuisine of Kerala. Their vision was to share the authentic flavors of their homeland with Dublin and, eventually, the whole of Ireland.
Their goal is not just to replicate Kerala dishes but to bring the true essence of Kerala’s culinary traditions to life, blending age-old techniques with modern presentations. Kasi Café is their way of introducing the rich and varied tastes of Kerala to a new audience, creating a bridge between their homeland and their new home in Ireland.
The 3 Regions Inspiring Kasi
The name “Kasi” refers to the sacred city of Varanasi, with restaurant’s focus firmly rooted in Kerala’s traditional cooking, with deep influences from three distinct regions: Malabar, Kochi, and Venad. These regions, each with their own history and flavour profile, provide the foundation for a really unique dining experience that blends the past with the present.
Malabar Cuisine draws from the region’s historic trade with Arab merchants. This region is known for its rich, spice-infused dishes like Malabar Biryani and flaky Malabar Parotta, Malabar cuisine highlights the use of ghee, dried fruits, and rice in savory dishes, often paired with coconut-based curries.
Kochi Cuisine is a reflection of the influence of Portuguese, Dutch, and British settlers, evident in dishes like Fish Moilee, a mild coconut milk curry that balances local spices with European techniques. Seafood, of course, is at the heart of Kochi’s offerings, and dishes like Kochi Prawn Curry bring together the best of local ingredients with global ideas.
Venad Cuisine, from the southern region of Kerala is known for its rich, coconut-based gravies and slow-cooked meats, Venad dishes like Vembanadu Paal Konchu (prawns in coconut gravy) and Achayan Beef Roast are hearty, luxurious, and full of flavor. These dishes, often slow-cooked to perfection, pay homage to the royal feasts that once defined this region.
And Kasi Café really does have it all, meshing these 3 regions together so expertly in the dishes that they create, that you can be sure to have a fantastic hearty meal here, whatever you’re craving!
A Taste of Kerala at Kasi Café
When the T2I team visited Kasi, it was clear to see that the menu itself was laid out as a foodie-journey through Kerala. Signature dishes like the Golden Rawa Prawns, a crispy delight of prawns marinated in a special rawa-infused sauce, reflect the café’s commitment to authentic flavors. Meanwhile, dishes like the Kochulli Konchu Varaval, a stir-fried shrimp dish with onions and coconut, embody Kerala’s seafood traditions.
For those looking for the comfort of home-cooked Kerala meals, the café offers Kerala Paratha, a flaky, layered flatbread that pairs perfectly with the rich, coconut-based Nadan Kozhi Curry. And for an authentic Kerala dining experience, the Kasi Signature Thali brings together a variety of traditional dishes, offering a full spectrum of flavors in one meal.
The team was impressed, with every dish having been crafted with care, using the finest ingredients to capture the true essence of Kerala’s cuisine. The Café promises an unforgettable dining experience, and delivers!
Check out our reel from Kasi Café below.
