Kuttanadan Indian Restaurant

- 257-05 Union Tpke, Queens, NY 11004

Introduction / Overview

New York City's dining landscape is a tapestry of global flavors, and for New Yorkers seeking an authentic and distinct taste of India, Kuttanadan Indian Restaurant in Queens stands out as a true culinary gem. Moving beyond the commonly found North Indian dishes, Kuttanadan specializes in the rich, coconut-infused, and spice-forward cuisine of Kerala, a coastal state in Southern India. This region's food is renowned for its diverse use of spices like black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon, its abundance of fresh seafood, and unique staple ingredients like rice and tapioca (Kappa). For those nostalgic for the tastes of Kerala, or for any local eager to explore a new, vibrant dimension of Indian food, this restaurant offers an unparalleled and authentic experience.

Kuttanadan Indian Restaurant, which a previous customer notes was formerly known as Santoor, has carved a niche for itself by focusing on the unique regional dishes often hard to find outside of India. The cuisine draws heavily from the state's geography, blending the culinary traditions of the Hindu, Christian, and Malabar Muslim communities, resulting in an exciting menu of meat, seafood, and robust vegetarian preparations. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming individuals, groups, and families—it's a great spot for both a quick lunch and a memorable dinner. The restaurant prides itself on delivering a wide variety of authentic dishes and has been noted by customers for its high-quality, tender beef preparations and its impressive selection of Kerala specialties.

Location and Accessibility

Kuttanadan Indian Restaurant is conveniently situated in the Queens area, making it an accessible destination for locals and those traveling from different boroughs. The restaurant’s address is a major thoroughfare, offering straightforward access for drivers and local transit users alike.

The precise address is: 257-05 Union Tpke, Queens, NY 11004, USA.

Accessibility is a key convenience for all patrons. The establishment features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all New Yorkers can comfortably visit. For those traveling by car, the restaurant thoughtfully provides a free parking lot, a notable advantage in a dense city environment like Queens.

Services Offered

Kuttanadan Indian Restaurant offers a comprehensive range of services to accommodate every dining need, whether you are planning an intimate meal or a large event. They have adapted to modern demands by providing multiple convenient ways to enjoy their authentic cuisine.

• Dine-in: Enjoy the casual and family-friendly atmosphere with comfortable seating and table service for a full dining experience.
• Takeout: Place an order and pick it up at your convenience, perfect for a high-quality meal at home or on the go.
• Delivery: The restaurant offers both standard and no-contact delivery options, ensuring your food arrives safely and fresh at your door in Queens and the surrounding area.
• Curbside Pickup: A quick and easy option for drivers who prefer to have their order brought directly to their vehicle.
• Catering: Specialized service for events, meetings, and parties, allowing you to bring the exotic flavors of Kerala to any large gathering.
• Accepts Reservations: Planning a meal for a group? Reservations are accepted to help guarantee seating.

Features / Highlights

The experience at Kuttanadan Indian Restaurant is defined by its commitment to regional authenticity, diverse menu, and customer-focused services. Several highlights make this establishment a favorite among local Indian food enthusiasts.

• Authentic Kerala Cuisine Focus: Unlike many Indian restaurants, Kuttanadan specializes in the distinctive food of Kerala, featuring regional dishes that are hard to find elsewhere in New York, such as Yucca (Kappa) and various regional curries like Avial, Thoran, Moru Curry, and Theeyal.
• Diverse Meat and Seafood Selection: The menu offers an extensive variety of non-vegetarian options, including rare finds like Duck Curry and Duck Roast, along with a full section dedicated to Goat, Lamb, Beef, and Seafood entrees, including Fish Cutlets, Shrimp Fry, and Kerala Fish Curry.
• Halal Options: The restaurant offers Halal food, catering to patrons seeking this preparation standard.
• Extensive Vegetarian and Vegan Options: The menu is inclusive, featuring multiple meat-free choices under its Vegetarian Entrees section and designated options for Vegan and Vegetarian diners, ensuring healthy and delicious choices for all.
• Bar Onsite: For those looking to enjoy a drink with their meal, the restaurant is equipped with a bar serving alcohol.
• Fast Service: Customers have specifically highlighted the efficiency of the service, making it a great choice for lunch or when you are short on time.
• Free Parking Lot: A major convenience in the Queens area, the availability of a dedicated free parking lot makes dining hassle-free for drivers.
• Popular for Lunch and Dinner: The restaurant is a popular spot for both midday meals and evening dining, accommodating solo diners, families, and groups.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers looking to reach Kuttanadan Indian Restaurant for reservations, orders, or general inquiries, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 257-05 Union Tpke, Queens, NY 11004, USA

Phone: (718) 343-3939

Hours of Operation (Note: Hours are subject to change, so calling ahead is recommended):

• Monday - Thursday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Lunch) & 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Dinner)
• Friday - Saturday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Lunch) & 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Dinner)
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM (Lunch) & 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Dinner)

What is Worth Choosing

Kuttanadan Indian Restaurant's primary draw is its authentic representation of Kerala cuisine, setting it apart from standard Indian fare in New York. While the menu is extensive, the true value lies in the regional specialties, particularly the rich, slow-cooked meat and fish dishes.

For adventurous diners, the Beef Entrees are a major highlight. Dishes like the classic, deeply flavorful Beef Fry, the slow-cooked Beef Ularthu (dry roast), and the extra spicy Bdf (Beef Dry Fry) are noted by customers for their quality and tender cuts. These preparations are central to the Keralite culinary tradition and represent a unique find for the local food scene. Similarly, the Duck Entrees, including Duck Curry and Duck Roast, offer a rare and exciting protein option not often seen on Indian menus.

Seafood lovers will appreciate the coastal influence with items like Kerala Fish Curry and King Fish Mango Curry, which utilize the region's signature use of coconut milk and souring agents to create a tangy, rich gravy. The Yucca Biriyani is another highly recommended regional item, a flavorful rice dish made with tapioca, which is a staple crop in Kerala.

Beyond the regional stars, the restaurant caters to all tastes with popular Northern and Southern Indian classics. Their Biriyani section is extensive, featuring Goat, Lamb, Beef, and various vegetarian options. For bread, the flaky, layered Malabar Parota is the essential accompaniment to any Keralite curry. Vegetarians have a robust selection, but should look specifically for Kerala Specialties like Avial (mixed vegetable in coconut sauce) and Thoran (vegetable stir-fry with coconut) to experience the true regional flavors.

While some customers have noted that popular pan-Indian dishes like Dal Makhani might have a texture deviation from their preference, the overall consensus highlights the delicious and authentic nature of the Kerala-style food. If you are a New Yorker seeking to satisfy a craving for high-quality, authentic Kerala food—or simply looking for a new flavor profile beyond typical Indian restaurant offerings—Kuttanadan Indian Restaurant is definitively the place to visit in Queens. It's a genuine slice of 'God's Own Country' right here in New York.

Kuttanadan Indian Restaurant

257-05 Union Tpke, Queens, NY 11004, USA