5 Saint Peter's Place, Leeds, LS9 8AQ
Owner's description
Kerala Canteen is an award-winning independent restaurant in Leeds city centre that celebrates the vibrant food culture of Kerala, one of India's most celebrated culinary regions. Inspired by the street food, toddy shops, family kitchens and coastal traditions of South India, we have created a unique Kerala tapas dining experience that encourages guests to explore, share and discover authentic regional flavours in a modern and welcoming setting.
Our philosophy is simple: Authentic Kerala Recipes. Proudly Yorkshire Sourced. We combine traditional Kerala cooking techniques, spices and recipes with some of the finest produce available in Yorkshire. From our signature Beef & Bone Marrow Curry and Trivandrum Fried Chicken to our Green Pepper Lamb Chop and Slow-Cooked Beef Biriyani, every dish tells a story of two regions connected by a shared passion for hospitality, craftsmanship and great food.
Led by chefs with experience from MasterChef UK, Great British Menu, Michelin-trained kitchens and international hospitality brands, Kerala Canteen aims to challenge perceptions of Indian dining. Rather than offering a traditional curry house experience, we invite guests to enjoy a selection of smaller plates, curry bowls, biriyanis and seasonal specials designed to be shared around the table.
Since opening, Kerala Canteen has been recognised among the Top 100 Indian Restaurants in the United Kingdom and has become one of Yorkshire's most talked-about independent dining destinations. We are proud to represent a new generation of Indian restaurants that celebrate regional authenticity, local sourcing and chef-led hospitality.
Whether guests join us for a pre-theatre dinner before a show at Leeds Playhouse, a tasting menu with friends, a private celebration, a corporate event or simply a relaxed evening exploring Kerala flavours, our goal remains the same: to offer warm hospitality, memorable food and an experience that feels both authentically Kerala and proudly Yorkshire.
From God's Own Country to God's Own County, Kerala Canteen is our tribute to the people, produce and culinary traditions that inspire us every day.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinner | £36.95 |  |
 |
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| SundayLunch | £32.95 | |
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| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 36.95 | Always available | 4 |
Tapas / Dim Sum
| Main | Pudding |
|---|---|
| £10.00 | £9.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £29.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
The chef
Chef Bobby Geetha
Chef Bobby Geetha is an internationally experienced chef, restaurateur and hospitality consultant known for championing regional Indian cuisine in modern dining environments. His career includes experience with luxury hospitality brands, international restaurant groups and culinary projects across the UK and overseas. Bobby has appeared on MasterChef UK and has been associated with chefs and kitchens featured on Great British Menu, helping bring authentic Indian flavours to wider audiences. Through Kerala Canteen, his vision is to showcase the diversity of Kerala cuisine while celebrating the finest Yorkshire produce. His philosophy is simple: authentic recipes, modern presentation and memorable hospitality.
Chef Abdulla Khader Allingal Siddique
Chef Abdulla Khader Allingal Siddique is a specialist in authentic Kerala cuisine with extensive experience across premium restaurants and luxury hospitality operations. Born and raised in Kerala, his cooking is deeply rooted in regional traditions, family recipes and the rich culinary heritage of South India. Known for his expertise in Kerala seafood, toddy shop cooking, biriyanis and spice-led curries, Chef Abdulla brings authenticity and craftsmanship to every dish. At Kerala Canteen, he works closely with local Yorkshire suppliers to create menus that honour Kerala's culinary traditions while embracing seasonal British ingredients. His cooking reflects the soul of Kerala — bold, vibrant and full of character.
Kerala Canteen Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Having travelled extensively and dined at some of the finest South Indian restaurants across India and beyond, Kerala Canteen stands out as one of the most exciting and original interpretations of Kerala cuisine I have experienced. The bold flavours, attention to detail, and innovative tapas concept make it a restaurant worthy of international recognition. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Kerala Canteen ranked among the Top 10 South Indian restaurants in the world."
"Having dined at many Indian restaurants across the UK, Kerala Canteen was one of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve had in Leeds. The concept feels fresh, modern and genuinely different. Instead of the usual curry house menu, the Kerala tapas approach allows you to explore a variety of dishes and flavours in one meal. The standout dishes for me were the Beef & Bone Marrow Curry, Fried Idli with Sambhar and Trivandrum Fried Chicken, each showcasing incredible depth of flavour and attention to detail. The quality of ingredients was obvious throughout, and the service was warm, knowledgeable and passionate about the food. What impressed me most was how Kerala Canteen manages to feel both authentic and innovative at the same time. It is rare to find a restaurant with such a strong identity and sense of place. If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Leeds, not just one of the best Indian restaurants, Kerala Canteen deserves a place at the very top of your list."
"Beautiful restaurant with outstanding food and service. Definitely worth a visit."
"During our family holiday in the UK, we were craving authentic South Indian food and decided to visit Kerala Canteen. It turned out to be one of the best dining experiences of our trip! From the moment we entered, we were impressed by the warm atmosphere, clean environment, and welcoming ambiance. The food was absolutely delicious—full of authentic South Indian flavors that reminded us of home in India. Every dish was fresh, well-prepared, and beautifully presented. What made the experience even more special was the kindness and professionalism of the staff. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and made us feel genuinely welcome throughout our visit. Their hospitality truly reflects the spirit of Kerala. The quality of the food, excellent service, pleasant atmosphere, and overall dining experience exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend Kerala Canteen to anyone looking for authentic South Indian cuisine in the UK. Thank you for making our family holiday even more memorable. We will definitely visit again whenever we're back in the UK!"
"During our family holiday in the UK, we were craving authentic South Indian food and decided to visit Kerala Canteen. It turned out to be one of the best dining experiences of our trip! From the moment we entered, we were impressed by the warm atmosphere, clean environment, and welcoming ambiance. The food was absolutely delicious—full of authentic South Indian flavors that reminded us of home in India. Every dish was fresh, well-prepared, and beautifully presented. What made the experience even more special was the kindness and professionalism of the staff. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and made us feel genuinely welcome throughout our visit. Their hospitality truly reflects the spirit of Kerala. The quality of the food, excellent service, pleasant atmosphere, and overall dining experience exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend Kerala Canteen to anyone looking for authentic South Indian cuisine in the UK. Thank you for making our family holiday even more memorable. We will definitely visit again whenever we're back in the UK!"
"Great addition to the Leeds curry scene. Three of us ordered several tapas dishes to share and a couple mains. The food was delicious and super tasty. It’s definitely not your average Indian restaurant and well worth a try"
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5 Saint Peter's Place, Leeds, LS9 8AQ
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑8 pm |
