Taste of Kerala Kitchen

- 267-05 Hillside Ave., Queens, NY 11004

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers craving a journey to the heart of South Indian cuisine, Taste of Kerala Kitchen in Queens, NY, offers an unparalleled authentic experience. This acclaimed Indian restaurant specializes in the distinctive, vibrant, and complex flavors of Kerala, a region on India’s southwest coast affectionately known as 'God’s Own Country.' Unlike other Indian restaurants that focus on North Indian or generalized curry house fare, Taste of Kerala Kitchen is dedicated to the traditional cooking methods and abundant use of spices, coconut, and fresh produce characteristic of Keralan cooking.

Patrons are consistently drawn to this establishment for its commitment to authenticity and its wide range of dishes that perfectly balance aromatic spices with a hint of heat. The menu is a comprehensive exploration of Keralan specialties, featuring everything from hearty non-vegetarian delights like Beef Ularth, Duck Roast, and a variety of fresh seafood, to numerous unique vegetarian and vegan-friendly options such as Avial and Thoran.

The restaurant operates as a casual dining destination, welcoming individuals and Groups for Lunch and Dinner. It is highly popular for solo dining as well. A major highlight is their well-regarded buffet service, which is frequently restocked and praised for offering an extensive selection of dishes, often including festival classics like those served during Onam, without compromising quality or inflating prices. For those seeking healthy options, comfort food, or simply a quick, flavorful bite, Taste of Kerala Kitchen delivers an authentic slice of South India right to the borough of Queens.

The cuisine of Kerala is celebrated for its use of coconut milk, cream, and kernel, which not only imparts a unique flavor but also naturally reduces the need for excessive oil or ghee. This results in dishes that are flavorful, aromatic, and distinctly different from other regional Indian styles, making Taste of Kerala Kitchen a must-visit for New York foodies.

Location and Accessibility

Taste of Kerala Kitchen is conveniently situated in Queens, New York, making it a central point for residents throughout the city and Long Island to access authentic South Indian cuisine.

Address: 267-05 Hillside Ave., Queens, NY 11004, USA

The location in the Floral Park/Glen Oaks area of Queens is easily reachable via local roads and provides a welcoming environment for all visitors. The restaurant is well-equipped to serve a diverse clientele with excellent physical accessibility features, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone:

• Wheelchair Accessibility: The facility offers a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating.
• Parking: Guests benefit from the availability of Free street parking, which is a significant amenity in the busy Queens area.
• Child-Friendly Amenities: Recognized as Good for kids, the restaurant provides High chairs, making it an excellent choice for family dining.

The hours of operation typically run from approximately 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM, seven days a week, offering flexibility for both lunch and dinner visits, though pickup and delivery times may vary slightly.

Services Offered

Taste of Kerala Kitchen offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the needs of the dynamic New York consumer:

• Dine-in: The restaurant provides comfortable Seating and Table service in a Casual atmosphere, ideal for Groups and Solo dining.
• Takeout and Delivery: Full menu is available for convenient pickup and quick delivery across the local New York service area.
• All You Can Eat Buffet: A popular feature, especially on weekends, providing an All you can eat experience with a continuously refilled selection of the restaurant's most famous dishes, including both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices.
• Catering: The restaurant offers catering services for all occasions, both large and small parties, with inquiries directed to the owner, Mr. Wilson, for specialized needs.
• Specialized Lunch Meals: Includes the Pothi Chore—a traditional meal packed in a box with parboiled rice, a combination of meat, fish, vegetables, and pulissery—and the standard Lunch Box.
• Reservation Acceptance: The restaurant Accepts reservations, which is advisable for large groups or during special events to ensure timely seating.
• Dietary Options: A full array of Vegan options, Vegetarian options, and Healthy options are prominently featured throughout the menu.

Features / Highlights

Taste of Kerala Kitchen is distinguished by several key features that solidify its status as a top choice for Indian cuisine in New York:

• Truly Authentic Keralan Cuisine: The core strength is its focus on South Indian restaurant cooking, using generations-old recipes and traditional methods, setting it apart from more generalized Indian eateries. Specialties include unique dishes like Beef Ularth ($38.00), Duck Roast ($35.00), and Kappa Biriyani ($24.00).
• Diverse Non-Vegetarian Offerings: The menu is robust with meat and seafood, featuring Mutton (Baby Goat) Roast ($47.00), various preparations of Beef (Piralan, Chilly, Curry), Pork (Fry, Vindaloo), and fresh Fish Curry ($40.80) and Fish Fry 10pc ($30.00). The Clam Meat Ularth ($18.00) is a particular rarity.
• Specialty Lunch Boxes: The Pothi Chore ($28.00) and Lunch Box ($20.00) are highly rated for providing a convenient, traditional, and complete Keralan meal for a quick bite or solo dining.
• Strong Vegetarian Selection: The restaurant is an excellent source for vegetarian and vegan diets, offering a wide array of vegetable-focused dishes and sides such as Avial (Mixed Vegetables) ($14.00), Thoran ($14.00), and regional curries like Pulissery ($12.00).
• Commitment to Fair Pricing: Customer reviews highlight that the restaurant avoids price-gouging, even during high-demand cultural festivals like Onam, demonstrating a focus on community and value.

Contact Information

To place an order, make a reservation, or inquire about catering for your next event, New York locals can contact Taste of Kerala Kitchen using the details below:

Address: 267-05 Hillside Ave., Queens, NY 11004, USA

Phone: (718) 470-1702

Catering Inquiries: Call Mr. Wilson (Owner) at (516) 205-9386

What is Worth Choosing

Taste of Kerala Kitchen is unequivocally worth choosing for any New Yorker seeking authentic, traditional South Indian (Keralan) cuisine. This is not a generic Indian restaurant; it is a specialist that provides a menu reflective of 'God's Own Country,' a unique culinary region rarely showcased with such dedication in the US.

The primary reason to choose Taste of Kerala Kitchen is the unmatched food quality and authenticity. Regular patrons confirm they have "never once had a bad meal," praising the aromatic, perfectly spiced bites that offer a pleasant heat without being overwhelming. The ability to find regional favorites like Beef Deep Fry, Kappa Biriyani, and Mutton Stew confirms its status as an authentic destination for the Keralan diaspora and adventurous local foodies alike.

Furthermore, the value proposition is exceptional. The highly praised All You Can Eat Buffet (available on weekends) offers an array of dishes, ensuring that guests can sample the depth of the menu, from Red spicy fish curry to various vegetable classics, all for a competitive price. Customers specifically appreciate that the buffet items are constantly refilled and that the restaurant does not "jack up their prices" during special cultural feasts like Onam.

While some reviews mention that the customer service experience is casual and not always highly attentive—a common feature in some authentic, high-volume ethnic eateries—it should not be a deal-breaker. The outstanding quality of the food consistently trumps any minor service shortcomings.

In summary, if you are looking for a reliable, comfortable, and accessible venue in Queens that offers the absolute best in traditional, home-style Keralan food, whether you want a full Pothi Chore to go, a hearty Beef Piralan for dinner, or a feast of vegetarian options, Taste of Kerala Kitchen is the premier and most authentic choice in the New York area.

Taste of Kerala Kitchen

267-05 Hillside Ave., Queens, NY 11004, USA