The Malabar Cafe

The Malabar Cafe brings the food traditions of Kerala and wider South India to Parramatta Park in Cairns. The menu also draws on Arabian-Malabar cooking, creating a mix of rice dishes, breads, curries, snacks and drinks shaped by the flavours of the Malabar coast. The setting suits a casual meal, a takeaway stop or a relaxed introduction to South Indian cuisine.

Rice-based dishes form a central part of the menu, with biryani prepared in the Kerala style using fragrant rice, aromatic spices and either chicken or beef. Ghee rice, basmati rice and fried rice provide further options. The biryani range includes dum cooking, a method that allows the rice and marinated ingredients to cook together with a layered spice character.

Kerala breads are another focus. Parotta is hand-layered and flaky, while appam, also known as a hopper, has a soft centre with a delicate crisp edge. Dosas offer a thinner, crispier alternative, with plain, masala and ghee versions. These breads and rice dishes can be matched with curries, including coconut-based chicken dishes, slow-cooked beef preparations, vegetable stew and paneer in a creamy tomato sauce.

The cafe also serves Kerala tea-time snacks such as banana fritters, vada, bonda and sugiyan, subject to availability. Drinks include masala chai, cardamom chai, fresh lime, mango lassi, mint lime, Boost, South Indian-style coffee and other cafe beverages. A selection of Malabar groceries adds a retail element alongside the prepared food.

Service is available for dine-in, takeaway and pre-order collection, with catering also offered. The menu has options for meat eaters, vegetarians and diners interested in coconut-based Kerala cooking, while its combination of breads, biryani, curries and chai suits anyone exploring regional Indian food beyond the usual restaurant staples. Located at 1/151 Martyn Street, The Malabar Cafe provides a focused South Indian and Malabar dining option close to central Cairns.