Looking for a South Indian Restaurant in London, Ontario? Here's Why Malabari Bistro Should Be Your First Stop

If you've been searching for a genuine South Indian restaurant in London, Ontario, you've probably noticed most local options lean toward the richer, North Indian style of cooking — think butter chicken, naan, and cream-based curries. Malabari Bistro offers something different: the spice-layered flavors of Kerala and the Malabar coast, served right in downtown London.

Located at 215 Dundas St, Malabari Bistro has become a destination for diners craving real South Indian food — crispy dosas, slow-simmered curries, and spice blends rooted in generations of Kerala cooking traditions.

What Makes South Indian Food Different

South Indian cuisine, and Malabar cuisine specifically, stands apart from the North Indian dishes most Londoners are used to. A few defining traits:

• Curry leaves and tamarind form part of the flavor base, rather than heavy cream or butter

• Rice-based staples like dosa take the place of wheat breads

• Seafood-forward dishes, reflecting Kerala's coastal roots

• Layered spicing — mustard seeds, fenugreek, and black pepper, used with precision rather than overwhelming heat

For anyone in London who's mostly experienced Punjabi-style Indian food, Malabari Bistro is a genuinely different — and often surprising — introduction to Indian cuisine.

What to Order at Malabari Bistro

New to Malabar food? Start with these menu staples:

Dosas – Thin, crispy fermented rice-and-lentil crepes served with sambar and chutneys, and one of the most recognizable South Indian dishes.

Kerala Porotta – Flaky, layered flatbread built for scooping up rich curry.

Malabar Biryani – Fragrant short-grain rice layered with marinated meat and whole spices, a signature dish of the Malabar coast.

Nadan Chicken Curry – A slow-simmered, spice-forward chicken curry made in the traditional Kerala style, best paired with porotta or rice.

Fish Curry – A tangy, tamarind-based curry that captures Kerala's coastal cooking traditions.

Happy Hour and Everyday Deals

Malabari Bistro isn't reserved for special occasions. Check the Daily Deals page for current happy hour specials on select food and drinks — an easy way to sample the menu without committing to a full dinner.

Hours and Location

Malabari Bistro – London 215 Dundas St, London, ON N6A 1G4 Phone: 519-432-9090 Mon–Thu: 4 PM – 12 AM Fri–Sat: 4 PM – 2 AM Sun: 12 PM – 12 AM

Whether it's a weeknight dinner, a weekend outing, or a celebration, the London location offers online ordering so you can enjoy the flavors of Kerala at the restaurant or at home.

Perfect for Private Events and Catering

Beyond the regular menu, Malabari Bistro caters birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestone celebrations, with a menu and ambiance customized to the occasion. If you're planning an event in London and want something more memorable than typical banquet food, South Indian catering is a standout option.

A Second Location in Sarnia

Malabari Bistro also has a location at 117 Christina St N in Sarnia, so the same authentic Malabar flavors are available whether you're in London or Sarnia.

Ready to Try London's South Indian Restaurant?

If you're craving something different from the usual Indian restaurant menu, Malabari Bistro is worth the visit. From crispy dosas to rich Malabar biryani, it's a genuine taste of Kerala right in downtown London.

📍 215 Dundas St, London, ON 📞 519-432-9090 🕓 Open daily — hours vary by day, see above

Order online or explore Daily Deals today.