Category: Restaurants

  • Biryani & Kerala vibes at Beypore Boat Restaurant, Abu Dhabi

    If you are in Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi, restaurant Beypore Boat serves traditional south Indian (Kerala) cuisine. Located near Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, Beypore Boat offers a dining experience that’s rooted in tradition, and elevated by presentation.

    The Ambience

    The restaurant Beypore Boat is a tribute to the shipbuilding heritage of Beypore, an old port town in Kerala in south India. The restaurant interiors echo a coastal charm with rustic wooden accents. There’s a welcoming vibe to it. It’s like stepping into a story that speaks through spices and flavors.

    The Food

    Let’s talk about the lunch we had there. We ordered Beef Biryani and Rasam Panipuri shots– a popular dish on their menu. 

    1. Kerala Biryani(Beef)-

    Kerala beef biryani and side dishes served on a banana leaf at Beypore Boat restaurant, Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi

    The restaurant prepares and serves(on a banana leaf) Biryanis in traditional Kerala style. Beef biryani for us arrived hot. The perfectly cooked rice(aromatic Kaima rice native to Kerala) nestled tender beef (fully cooked) chunks. The biryani emitted unique aromas and flavors from Kerala spices/masalas. It comes with these sides(all made in Kerala style): cooling Raita, tangy Coconut Chutney and sweet-tangy Beetroot ‘Pachadi’(a curry).
    You can enjoy the biryani plain, or by mixing with those side dishes for extra flavors. Each bite is a balance of heat and cool, spice and subtlety, tradition and innovation. The price of beef biryani here is only AED18.

    2. Rasam Panipuri shots-

    Rasam Panipuri shots at Beypore Boat restaurant, Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi

    To make the meal more exciting, we ordered what our waiter suggested- Rasam Panipuri Shots. It’s a Kerala style twist on the beloved Indian street food- Panipuri. We have panipuris often, but hadn’t tried Rasam panipuris before.
    This dish comes on a platter in a set of 5 shots. Each shot includes a tiny ball like puri(deep fried Indian bread) perched atop a shot glass filled with Rasam (a tangy soup popular in south India) instead of tamarind water in classic panipuris. The hollow puris come filled with garnishing Sev (fried noodles made of chickpea flour), red chutney and a hint of lime pickle. 
    A set of 5 shots costs AED 12.

    How to have these?

    Pour the rasam from a glass into a puri, and enjoy. Each bite is a burst of many different flavors in the mouth. The rasam adds a peppery kick. Also it promotes digestion, especially after big meals like Biryani. Even more, it’s funam-worthy! 

    Final Thoughts

    Dining at Beypore Boat restaurant was a sensory journey to Kerala cuisine. From the aroma rich biryani to the zing of Rasam shots, every dish is carefully crafted. And with surprisingly wallet-friendly prices, this place offers indulgence plus value.
    Whether you’re a die-hard biryani lover, or a curious foodie looking to explore south Indian cuisine, this Kerala restaurant in Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi delivers a memorable customer experience. So next time you’re in the area, drop anchor here, and let your taste buds set sail.

    Looking for authentic south Indian (Kerala) food? Head to Beypore Boat. Set sail for flavor! 🚤🍴

  • A Cozy Tea Break at Insta Nepali Restaurant, Abu Dhabi

    Sometimes, simplest outings turn into memorable moments! That’s what happened when we dropped by Insta Nepali Restaurant in Al Danah, Abu Dhabi, just for a cup of tea in the evening. That casual tea stop quickly turned into a delightful treat of Nepali street-style comfort food.

    First Impressions

    Located on Al Mouri street in Al Danah zone1, Insta Nepali Restaurant has a humble, welcoming vibe. First we thought it was a take away place with limited seating. The aroma of spices wafting through the air instantly hit us.

    The staff greeted us with genuine warmth. The place had a steady flow of regulars, always a good sign. Reading through our hesitance, the waiter mentioned seating was available upstairs. We went upstairs, and sat at a table. 

    The Tea that started it all

    We ordered masala tea. Served piping hot, it had a perfect balance of black tea, creamy milk and spices. That comforting, flavorful tea kickstarted our evening after a long journey.

    Picture of masala tea, momos(dumplings) and pakodas(fritters) at Insta Nepali restaurant, Abu Dhabi

    Steamed Buffalo Momos(dumplings)

    Then the temptation struck. We asked the waiter for some snacks to have with tea. He suggested steamed buffalo momos and pakodas(onion fritters). And there it was, we ordered both items. After a while, our food arrived. Those steamed little dumplings were packed with juicy, spiced buffalo meat. A spicy tomato-sesame chutney added the fiery kick. Soft on the outside, savory on the inside, those  momos were perfect comfort food that didn’t make us too full. In fact, I was having Nepali style buffalo momos for the first time. It just clicked instantly for me. 

    Crispy Pakodas(fritters)

    To round things off, we ordered a plate of pakodas, crispy fritters made of onion mixed with spiced chickpea batter. These crunchy red pieces go well with either the chutney, or ketchup if you want to avoid spiciness. These Asian crispy fritters can make you want to linger a little longer.

    The Bill?

    For two people to enjoy tea, momos and pakodas it cost us just AED 20. It felt like a steal. Great taste, generous portions, and value for money.

    Final Thoughts

    While dining, we observed this Nepali restaurant in Abu Dhabi isn’t just a place to eat, it’s also a hangout spot. Many people come here to unwind, connect and enjoy good food. The restaurant is popular especially among expats from Nepal. We could see a steady inflow.
    We went in for just tea, but ended up having two dishes, and left with happy moments. Yeah, we plan to dine there again. Whether you’re popping in for a quick tea, or staying for a full meal, it delivers warmth in every bite.

    Whether you’re Nepali or simply love great flavors, give Insta Nepali restaurant a try. You may want to come back!