Award-Winning South Indian Restaurant: Kayal at the Welsh & Midlands Curry Awards 2025
Ask ten people in the Midlands where to find proper South Indian food and you will probably get ten different answers, and a few blank looks. That is exactly why a trophy shelf matters to us. Being recognised at the Welsh & Midlands Curry Awards 2025 told us that the people who eat out here, and the people who judge the food, are ready for a Kerala-style plate. If you have been hunting for the best south indian restaurant midlands has to offer, this is our story from the night. Our Achievements page has the full record.
Kerala cooking is built on rice, coconut, fresh curry leaves, black pepper and a coastline's worth of seafood. It is bright, aromatic and layered rather than heavy, and that is what we serve every day.
About the award
The awards recognise the passion, creativity and dedication of local curry businesses that continue to share the rich flavours of Indian cuisine throughout Wales and the Midlands. Nominees are judged on what actually reaches the table: flavour, freshness, service and how reliably a kitchen delivers.
South Indian restaurants are still a minority on lists like this, so a place at the ceremony felt significant. It suggests diners are looking beyond the familiar menu and asking what the best south indian restaurant of the year might look like. To see how this fits alongside our other milestones, visit our awards and recognition page.
What the judges recognised
We cannot speak for the panel, but we can tell you what our kitchen is proudest of.
Cooking with a clear address. Every dish traces back to a real Kerala tradition, from the sour-and-spicy fish curries of the coast to the gentle stews of the hills. Nothing is watered down to feel "safe".
Spices handled with patience. Whole spices are toasted and ground in small batches, and tempering happens at the last moment, so the aroma hits you before the first bite.
A menu you can actually navigate. First time with Kerala food? Staff will walk you through textures, heat and sharing portions without any fuss.
Fair prices for a full meal. Anyone searching for a restaurant in UK towns that gives real portions and real flavour will find that balance here. Browse the whole range on our cuisine page.
Signature dishes to try
Here is where we would point a friend who walked in hungry:
- Appam and stew: a bowl-shaped rice pancake, fluffy in the middle and lacy at the rim, made for dunking in a mellow coconut stew.
- Karimeen pollichathu: a whole pearl spot fish coated in a fiery masala and wrapped in banana leaf before cooking.
- Meen curry: a ruby-red fish curry with a tamarind tang that wakes up the whole table.
- Masala dosa: a paper-thin, crisp rice and lentil crepe folded around soft spiced potato, with sambar and chutney on the side.
- Malabar biryani: fragrant rice cooked in layers, rich but never greasy.
- Payasam: a milky, cardamom-scented dessert in the style of a Kerala feast.
Plant-based diners have plenty to enjoy, since many Kerala staples need no adaptation. Coming with colleagues, family or a birthday crowd? Take a look at our group dining options and plan a sharing feast.
Where to find Kayal
Choose the branch that suits you:
- Leicester, where it all began
- Nottingham, right in the city centre
- Birmingham, on Newhall Street
For opening hours and online reservations across every site, start at our homepage. If you are comparing the best restaurant in UK cities for a weekend meal, book early, because tables fill fast.
FAQs
Where was the award presented?
The Welsh & Midlands Curry Awards 2025. Kayal's recognition is listed on the Achievements page.
How does South Indian cuisine differ from the curries most people know?
It leans on coconut, tamarind, rice and lentils instead of cream and butter, so the flavours feel lighter and tangier, with plenty of seafood.
Can vegans eat well here?
Yes. Dosa, idli, sambar, rasam and several vegetable dishes are plant-based. Let the restaurant know about any allergies or dietary preferences when placing your order.
Is there somewhere to book for a large party?
Yes, our group dining page explains how to enquire.
What is the quickest way to reserve?
Open your nearest location page or the homepage and book online.
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