Malabar plaza hotel has its own name among the taste giants in kochi city.They have been here since years and their success has urged them to expand to more parts of the city.Located at Edappally,Vazhakkala,kakkanad,Ernakulam North etc Malabar plaza group boasts thier expertise on malabar tastes.Snacks in the evenings usually comprise,unnakkaya,kaaypola,chicken samosas,kallumekas etc which are quite impressive with their typical malabar tastes.
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| View from outside... |
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| Interiors |
Have been there several times and last day was one such instance.We had actually opted for the Punjabi dhaba at Kalamassery but had to end up in Malabar because the dhaba was closed for some reason.The rain was taking a toll and had to run in to the hotel from the parking space.The service was quick and we had ordered a mixed fried rice,3 peices of chiratta puttu,chicken chettinaad (quarter),Beef dry fry,Koonthal fry and a quater thandoori (3 peices).Puttu and chicken was served in no time and the "food vanishing act "came to play.Chicken chettinad, though a bit oily was too tasty with the puttu.Beef dry fry was a big let down and went in as hard as rubber.
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| Puttu Chicken Chettinad koonathal fry |
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| Koonathal fry |
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| Puttu and Chicken Chettinad |
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| Beef Dry Fry |
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| Mixed Fried Rice and Tandoori |
Koonthal fry was at its spicy best and gave in good company for the remaining puttu and the fried rice that followed.Fried rice could be at best rated ok.By the time tandoori was served the tummies were almost full ,but they looked good to be gulped in.Though nothing exceptional it felt good to be had in with the green colored mayonnaise mix they gave.The interiors are pretty decent and good for families to drop into.A/c separation exists and they charge for the same.They also serve shavarmas and grilled chicken.
An issue that has been observed with Malabar plaza over our last 3-4 years in kochi, is their inconsistency.At times their tastes go below average.Have observed this with the biriyanis,the chicken grills and some curries.So they MAY not always return the value for your money!
Whats hot????
- Malabar dishes in the likes of pathiri,unnkkaya,kaaypola,chicken dishes can be tried out here.
-Pretty decent interiors for what you pay.
-Meals have been consistently good here.
-Ample parking space on most of the locations (Vaazhakkala,north etc might be a bit troublesome)
Whats not???
-Lack of consistency in maintaining the tastes.
-Costs are slightly on the higher side.
Potbelly's picks - Kaaypola,Unnakaya,koonthal fry!
Rating - 2.75/5
Verdict: Meals, Malabar recipes can be tried out here.
