Alt text: Interior view of Kerala Canteen, featuring warm lighting, decorative wall art, and elegant furnishings that create a cozy dining atmosphere.

Kerala canteen

Modern Indian tapas and vibrant Kerala cuisine

Alt text: The entrance of Kerala Canteen, featuring a brick wall adorned with lush greenery and plants. A sign above the door displays the name "Kerala Canteen" in bold letters.

Kerala Canteen is a modern Indian restaurant and bar in Leeds city centre, specializing in authentic Kerala cuisine with a contemporary twist.

Located near Leeds Playhouse and the Grand Theatre, this stylish subterranean venue combines traditional South Indian flavours with locally-sourced Yorkshire ingredients, offering tapas-style plates, curries, and craft cocktails in a vibrant, foliage-adorned setting.

There are dairy free, gluten free, vegan friendly, and vegetarian friendly food options available.

Location Details

Take a look around

  • A beautifully arranged dining table at Kerala Canteen, featuring elegant green upholstered chairs, sparkling glassware, and decorative vases with flowers. The warm, inviting ambiance is enhanced by artistic wall designs and soft lighting, creating a cozy atmosphere for guests.
  • Alt text: Interior view of Kerala canteen, featuring warm lighting from stylish hanging lamps and cozy wooden booths. The walls are adorned with decorative plates, creating a welcoming atmosphere for diners.
  • A cozy corner in Kerala Canteen featuring a green wall adorned with decorative plates and plants. A plush teal sofa with colorful cushions invites relaxation, while warm lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Cozy interior of Kerala Canteen featuring warm lighting, plush seating, and decorative wall art. The restaurant has wooden tables and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for dining.
  • Cozy interior of Kerala Canteen featuring a green sofa with pink cushions, a decorative pot with a leafy plant, and warm ambient lighting. The background showcases colorful wall art and wooden accents, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
  • A bowl of flavorful curry featuring tender meat, garnished with fresh green leaves and a slice of red chili. The dish is served in a stainless steel bowl, with a decorative traditional pot in the background. This is a delicious offering from Kerala canteen.
  • A bowl of flavorful biryani topped with fresh mint leaves, coriander, and cherry tomatoes. The dish is accompanied by a small container of green sauce, set against a dark wooden background. This image represents the culinary delights at Kerala canteen.
  • A close-up of a glass filled with dark, aromatic tea, placed on a wooden surface. In the background, a blue glass bottle adds a pop of color, enhancing the cozy atmosphere. This image represents the warm and inviting experience at Kerala canteen.
  • A beautifully arranged table at Kerala canteen featuring a variety of dishes, including colorful salads, spicy appetizers, and a selection of drinks. The setting includes a bottle of wine, a cocktail garnished with fruit, and a glass of beer. The backdrop is a stylish leather booth, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for dining.
  • A vibrant spread of traditional dishes from Kerala canteen, featuring a variety of curries in metal bowls, alongside a serving of fluffy white rice. The dishes include colorful ingredients like green vegetables, spices, and garnishes, showcasing the rich flavors of Kerala cuisine.

The Food

The menu showcases authentic Kerala cuisine with a modern twist, featuring an array of tapas-style small plates and wholesome bowls.

Standout dishes include the Beef & Bone Marrow Curry, known for its rich, fragrant sauce, and the Trivandrum Fried Chicken served with fried garlic-infused yogurt.

Seafood enthusiasts can savour the Pan-seared Sea Bass Pollichathu wrapped in coconut leaf, while vegetarians have options like the Chilli & Tamarind Cauliflower and Paneer Pepper Fry.

The restaurant offers several dining experiences, including a pre-theatre menu where diners can select one plate or bowl with a side. Their signature Bollywood Bottomless Brunch, held on Sundays, includes a curry bowl and side dish. The Set Menu allows guests to mix and match their favourites by selecting from tapas plates, wholesome bowls, signature sides, and house desserts.

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The Drink

Kerala Canteen offers an extensive selection of beverages, featuring both classic and innovative options. The bar menu showcases spice-infused twists on traditional cocktails, including their signature Canteen Star Martini with premium vodka and passion fruit, and the unique Gunpowder & Turmeric Margarita.

Beer enthusiasts can enjoy Kingfisher lager on draft, alongside options like Malabar Giant IPA and Kingfisher Ultra Premium. The carefully curated wine list spans multiple regions, featuring selections from Romania, Italy, New Zealand, and France, available by both glass and bottle.

During their Bollywood Bottomless Brunch, guests can enjoy 90 minutes of unlimited selected drinks, including draft beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.

For those preferring alcohol-free alternatives, the mocktail menu presents creative options such as the Mango Tango coconut yogurt lassi, Ginger & Jaggery Nojito, and Cinnamon Berry Sour, alongside a variety of soft drinks and juices.

The Place

Kerala Canteen offers a cosy subterranean dining space that perfectly balances modern style with traditional charm. The interior features liberal applications of floral decorations throughout, creating an inviting and warm atmosphere.

The restaurant’s exterior makes a striking first impression with its foliage-covered frontage, which frames enticing imagery of their culinary offerings. The space seamlessly blends Japanese and Indian influences in its design aesthetic, creating a unique and contemporary dining environment.

The venue features a mixture of seating styles to accommodate different dining preferences, while maintaining an intimate atmosphere that’s neither cramped nor claustrophobic.

The décor creates a perfect fusion of relaxed canteen vibes with the sophistication of fine dining, making it equally suitable for casual meals or special occasions. The thoughtfully designed bar area complements the dining space, specializing in creative cocktails and carefully curated wines.

The restaurant proves to be particularly Instagram-worthy with its carefully considered design elements and attractive presentation. It’s an ideal setting for both family gatherings and romantic dates, with the ambiance striking a perfect balance between casual and refined.

The space is family-friendly while maintaining an atmosphere that appeals to those seeking a more sophisticated dining experience.

The Location

Kerala Canteen is situated in Leeds city centre, just a short distance from the bus station, making it easily accessible via public transport. The restaurant’s location places it conveniently near several of Leeds’ cultural landmarks, including Leeds Playhouse, Leeds Grand Theatre, and The Wardrobe.

The establishment is positioned next to Northern Ballet, adding to the cultural atmosphere of the immediate area. Its central position in Leeds makes it an ideal spot for those exploring the city’s entertainment district.

Where to Park

Delivery Options

Collection and delivery are available.

    Note from Discover Leeds: Where possible we suggest contacting directly and/or collecting as third party delivery companies take a large cut.

    What To Do Next

    After dining at Kerala Canteen, guests are perfectly positioned to enjoy some of Leeds’ premier cultural attractions. The Leeds Playhouse and Leeds Grand Theatre are just minutes away, making it an ideal spot for pre-theatre dining. The Wardrobe, a renowned music venue featuring live jazz and contemporary performances, stands nearby for those looking to extend their evening with live entertainment.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you eat in at Kerala canteen?

    Yes you can eat in/dine in at Kerala canteen.

    Does Kerala canteen have an outside seating area?

    No unfortunately Kerala canteen does not have an outside seating area.

    Does Kerala canteen offer takeaway?

    Yes Kerala canteen does offer takeaway for delivery. They also accept collections.

    Can I order Kerala canteen delivery in Leeds with Deliveroo?

    No, unfortunately delivery is not available for Kerala canteen through Deliveroo in Leeds.

    Can I order Kerala canteen delivery in Leeds with Just Eat?

    No, unfortunately delivery is not available for Kerala canteen through Just Eat in Leeds.

    Can I order Kerala canteen delivery in Leeds with Uber Eats?

    No, unfortunately delivery is not available for Kerala canteen through Uber Eats in Leeds.

    Is Kerala canteen delivery available near me?

    Delivery might not be available completely across Leeds. We would recommend checking their website, or with the particular service that you would be ordering from.

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