The Kerala in Tandridge

What a lovely evening from walking up the stairs to the end of the evening staff very attentive food and service absolutely amazing and Jake the waiter made our night thank you we will be returning.

Staff were very attentive, friendly and speedy. Food was disappointing. Everthing lacked any depth of flavour, was mild - almost sweet and although looked good, just didn’t deliver. Obviously South Indian food isn’t for us. Unfortunately, we won’t be back.

Fabulous food and great service. Can’t wait to come back. Just perfect! Beautifully presented delicious dishes. Totally recommend

Food is lovely but the service from one individual is off putting, was rather rushed by a lady who is constantly on her mobile phone and when we went early at 5.00 pm, I asked for a window table ( had pre booked too) and was advised sit anywhere but they are booked up and need the table by 7.00pm; ok, so we left by 7.00 pm and it was empty just us and one other couple. Guys were lovely the other workers but she was very cold and abrupt and as I said on her mobile all the time; not a great advert for the restaurant; don't think I'll be coming back. Shame a food is amazing but lady let them down.

I popped in for dinner last night, 23 March, the furnishings were basic, wood tables and chairs no table cloths, I was greeted by a very pleasant lady who took me to my table, I had a couple of spicy papadams with pickles, the pickles were very nice, to start I had onion pakoda for my main I had pepper chicken both dishes my very nice, the restaurant is situated on the Croydon Road very close to the train station and where the bus services terminate, it’s well worth a visit.

I went there with my family. I have eaten Kerala food at different places. The atmosphere and food taste seemed okay. It was also served quickly. However, I had mentioned to the waiter that my elder daughter is allergic to milk/dairy, eggs and nuts. I asked at least 3 times that the items ordered for her, namely (kerala style) fish curry and (kerala style) chicken curry did not have any of these ingredients. I and my daughter have eaten these above dishes in other kerala restuarants near Croydon, Sutton etc. and know that these dishes generally do not have any of these above allergens. However, despite this I asked the waiter and he assured me that there is no such ingredient. Within about 10 minutes after my daughter had plain rice along with these curries and leaving the restaurant my daughter vomitted twice and also felt very sick and like going to toilet repeatedly. We administered anti-allegen medicines and rushed home. In fact, during the meal my partner had commented that the gravy was unusually thick and I mentioned that might be merely due to addition of coconut milk (which my daughter is not allergic to). But now, after my daughter's reaction, I suspect that some cream (or some other dairy based) or crushed cashewnut was part of the ingredients. The other possibility was that some utensils were used which had been used previously for the allergen ingredients (possible contamination) This shows some degree of callousness on the part of the staff and lack of sensitivity towards allergens. The staff are not well-trained. The restuarant food taste was good for me. The service was also prompt and the staff were friendly, allthough the food was pricier than some of the other Kerala restuarants in Croydon or Sutton. Will I visit this place again with my family or friends? The answer is a firm NO.

Ordered a take away over the weekend. Such great food! Paneer butter masala and pepper chicken were my favourites!!! And the konchu prawns (battered). Ordered quite a few items from the menu and I was not dissatisfied with one dish. Family really enjoyed it too.This is completely different to your typical commercial curry like a tikka or a korma but I am converted 100%. I wish I took a picture to post... next time! Thank you :)

I wouldn’t even give it a 1 if there was an option for zero. This restaurant overcharged and denied it until I proved it, some dishes average, 1 very poor and inedible. Staff don’t wear face masks and vile attitude from the female front of house. Would think they would be grateful for the custom during these times, the reality is they don’t care at all. AVOID at all costs

Southern Indian cuisine not to be confused with other Indian dining/take always.A lovely selection of starters & specialist breads. Gluten free and vegetarian options.We have eaten at the restaurant but this month have opted for two takeouts.The first arrived some what let’s with a missing main meal:/(But our second attempt was much better for my sons birthday. It arrived early and we were offered a special price to compensate for last order.I enjoyed the Kerala prawn curry the others all had chicken . Delicately fragrances rices to compliment plenty to go round with sides.Excellent value!The staff are all lovely including the delivery chap!No complaints this time:-)

Don't hesitate on this one, tried for the first time and the collective household review was wow. Great to have dishes that don't align to the norm on the curry front. Only option was takeaway, but lovely welcome from the staff. Definitely recommend, go off piste with your selection you won't be disappointed.

During lockdown, we've been tying to support our local restaurants and takeaways by having a takeaway once a week. We ordered from the Kerala yesterday evening and were very impressed by the range of dishes available and the quality and tastiness of all the dishes. We had Kerala Lamb, Chana Masala, Chicken Calicut, and a number of side dishes - all absolutely delicious. It was easy to order and pay over the phone, the delivery came on time - left at the door by someone wearing gloves and a mask. We will definitely be ordering from The Kerala again, and look forward to when the restaurant opens again. Thoroughly recommended!

Me and the other half wanted something nice for lunch during the corona virus outbreak, what a fantastic find this was! Cannot recommend the lamb ular dish enough along with the chicken biryani. Well priced, great food and friendly service. Have recommended to family members already.

Good choice for a different type of Indian cuisine. Good food and service. Popular restaurant so suggest booking. Lots of different dishes to choose from. Would recommend a visit if in Caterham

A fantastic little restaurant! Amazing food and friendly knowledgeable service. Would highly recommend.

If you want to try more authentic Indian food and live in the surrey area, I would recommend trying here! Small restaurant, quite hidden, fairly bland decor inside but the food, both meat, fish and vegetarian is all very good and prices are reasonable.

Good food ,good service (staff were good but young and chatted alot to each other)food was good portions and tasty ,the tables did feel a bit cramped but a very enjoyable time was had,there seems to be another section of dining and bar downstairs which are acsessed by steep stairs as are the toilets

Booked the restaurant as we are a mixed family of sri lankan and british members. they accommodated us well despite the place being small and our requiring 14 places. there was a special interest in the dosas and they went down well. the service was attentive and overall the food was good. very enjoyable

There were eight of us round the table celebrating my wife’s birthday on Sunday evening, and we had a fantastic delicious meal, with first class service. The menu here at The Kerala has different and interesting dishes, and really superb quality of food. Definitely worth repeat visits!!

We have dined at the Kerala both lunchtime and evening on a few occasions after it being recommended by friends.We took two friends there last night after telling them that they must try this place and to expect a rather different curry.They were totally knocked out by the quality of service how polite and helpful the staff were and information given on various items on the menu and the overall taste of all of the food.The flavours and spices of the curries here are unbelievable and they assured me that they would defo be going back.Only problem if so many people keep going back we might find it hard to get a table!!On leaving I asked if I could thank the kitchen staff and was allowed without hesitation to meet the chefs and I thanked them for an incredible meal.Thanks again Bryan

A late decision for a night out. A very good choice too!Its a quirky little place a bit like going to dine at a friend's.Kerala southern Indian has a distinct difference from your typical curry house.The flavours are awesome. Send your taste buds wild.We sat downstairs away from the draught of the entrance door.There was plenty of space and a large party were just leaving.Excellent food we had poppadoms to start...I had a king prawn in coconut and cream sauce. Coconut and mushroom rice's.My husband had lamb cheera curry .With a side of saag aloo with a bread to mop it up! Delicious.With a beer and cider it came to £46!It was his first trip there but I've been a number of times before. It has always been consistently good quality. The service is friendly and smart.Recommend !

The Kerala is a small intimate restaurant close to the miller centre theatre , serving South Indian food which is very different from

I have been here few times with my family the food was really good, the lunch time special thaali is always my favourite. Thanks

I come from Durban in South Africa where we have some of the finest Curry restaurants in the world. The Kerala in Caterham serves a curry that would equal any of our Indian dishes. Absolutely outstanding!!

A delightful and very tasty meal for four of us visiting one evening in August. Excellent food, and absolutely delightful staff. All at very reasonable prices.

6 of us decided on lunch at Kerala and boy what a super lunch. The food was excellent, maybe the best indian I have ever had. Service was very good , friendly and effficent.

My wife and I visited for dinner. This is excellent and genuine Keralan food (we have visited the state of Kerala several times and can compare!). The service was friendly and efficient. Recommended!

My wife and I had a delightful time at the Kerala recently. The service was outstanding and the food was absolutely exceptional, plus the prices were most reasonable. I couldn't recommend it highly enough. Even though we moved away from Caterham a couple of years ago, we always make sure we visit The Kerala whenever we are back.

First visit to the Kerala restaurant and very impressed. The food was very tasty with aromatic flavours. We also didn’t feel bloated like you often do with normal curries. Will definitely be going back.

This restaurant is nicely furnished, though quite small, and the ambience Works really well. We popped in on a Sunday evening - we got a lovely friendly welcome, and the service was great for our whole visit. There is an excellent choice of dishes on the menu, and I chose the King Prawn Pepper Masala, while my wife had the Whole Sea Bass. Absolutely delicious food! Really excellent quality and taste, perfectly cooked. All very reasonably priced. Definitely a ‘must visit’!

Popped in for a quick lunch which was very nice. We had the calicut chicken and the chicken biriyani. Both were delicious and tasty. Service was good and the meal came quickly. Overall we loved it.

Popped in for a meal before visiting the Miller Centre. My friend and I shared a Marsala Dhosa and a Nadan chicken curry. The food was superb and the service was cheerful, friendly and efficient. I'd recommend The Kerala to anyone for a great Southern Indian meal.

Met with friends to try This Caterham restaurant. Service was good and food was awesome - had a mix of dishes and tried dosa for the first time - wow we’ll be back for more of that! Excellent, different and more authentic Indian food than other local Bangladeshi restaurants. We will be back!

We had heard great things. They were not wrong. Food was outstanding and the service was great. Jake our waiter was good fun and very knowledgeable.

We had been previously ordering from the Cochin which was a similar restaurant based at the same location however when this closed and was replaced with The Kerela we continued to order food here as there was no other restrauunt serving similar food from South India in close proximity.

We went tonight as a family for my birthday.

First time I've tried this restaurant and I will definitely be back. Attentive service couldn't be faulted and meal was delicious and very reasonably priced.

I have enjoyed curries for 50 years, I dined at Kerala with a friend on a Tuesday night, four other tables occupied, so not busy. The table service was excellent and the food imaginative, well prepared and very tasty. I will certainly dine here again.

This is a lovely intimate restaurant, which offers gorgeous southern Indian food. Beautifully cooked and reasonably priced. Friendly, helpful staff, too

Probably the best Indian restaurant we have in Caterham, especially if you want something a little different. Reasonably priced and excellent choice of vegetarian options (can't comment on the meat and fish, but other people seem to clear their plates!) Often go with friends and family. Try to get a table away from the door as people coming in and out don't always close it behind them.

My wife and I moved from Caterham and have missed the amazing food the Kerala provides. Over Christmas we were travelling on the m25 and made a detour to have a takeaway which we then transported 30 miles away. We were throughly impressed when we eventually got home. The standard and quality was just the same when we last frequented the restaurant. Well done to the team, this is far the best Indian food I have ever tasted.

Took a gamble on this place on a Saturday evening, after a trip up to Selhurst Park to watch a football match.

Two vegans and two omnivores go to a restaurant.... not a joke but the start of a lovely evening!

A second Sunday lunch absolutely delicious. Started with Sand island non-alcoholic cocktail. Special dosa, lamb biryani, prawn curry, vegetarian beet side, a lot to eat. Warm Keralan dessert and frozen mango icecream. £49 for two.

Pleasantly priced & tasty South Indian style food, I’m no expert (not been to that part of India) but seemed pretty authentic, especially in relation to what usually passes for Curry House in this part of the London Suburbs.

Went for a family dinner for my grandads birthday. The food was amazing! Excellent prawn curry! Highly recommend! Everyone needs to try the Nutella dosa

My husband and I visited The Kerala before going to the Miller Centre for a show. We had a slight hiccup because a new member of staff made an error with our order. It is totally understandable starting a new job and dealing with a busy restaurant. The managment couldn’t have done more to rectify the problem which we were very pleased about. When we did receive our meal the food was excellent. We are planning our next visit and will probably order the same food because we enjoyed it so much. Top marks!

Wonderful food! An interesting menu that is really different . Lovely staff and a good place to eat at lunch time and the evening.

As the Social Secretary of The Warlingham Yacht Club (…. affiliated with the RYA) I arranged a Christmas Dinner for 26 of our members and guests on Friday December 7th in their cosy basement. We had exclusive use, our own bar and two / three dedicated members of staff to look after us.....and they did a fantastic job. The food was incredibly good considering the numbers. The manager Neslihan will suggest a menu and you don't have to pre-order which saves a lot of admin if you are organising the event. PERFECT FOR LUNCH OR DINNER.

Excellent Sunday lunch dosa and vegetable boryani with mango juice for £14. Great value and delicious.

I went there last night 25 October with my dad and a good friend. Food was very fresh and tasty, service excellent and the prices very reasonable. A real original! I read another review about the food not being authentic, well I don’t know about that but it’s delicious in any case. Well done!!!

Visited last year for a meal pre exhibition and really loved the food. Went again this year with more friends and had another excellent meal. Told a colleague who is half South Indian and she was bowled over; said it is like her grandmother's cooking, her boyfriend went again the following week. Also has an area below stairs which would be ideal for a small party.

I visited yesterday lunch time with my wife after reading the reviews, very disappointing, when my wife made a comment about it not being authentic waitress came back with rude comments, like all our English customers love this food ,it was almost I like how dare you foreigners complain about our food. I am keralian by the way I rather go to those manky restaurants in west Croydon at least I be with other foreigners .

The food was brilliant. South Indian Keralan cooking features vegetarian and sea food more than meat so that's what we opted for. We have a passion for dosa and enjoyed their mini one as a starter which was perfect but still was beaten hands down by the Keralan sea soup, so tasty and rich and warming. As it was our first visit their we played safe on the mains, a lamb and tomato and a spinach dahl , both were the best we've ever had.

Fantastic night never disappoints food amazing and staff so lovely friendly and attentive thank you see you soon

Great service and excellent food Very different flavours and the best paratas I have ever eaten Thoroughly recommended

Just had dinner at this restuarant, rude and grumpy waitress. Food was under par, oversized omelette and little filling for the Doza! Otherwise great night with chums.

Great for family outings, cosy atmosphere as it is small. Food is great, ask for recommend by waitress ( charming girl) same waitress as when it was the Cochin. The menu has changed though, still great food. Thalis are usually good too.

Used to go to this restaurant when it was called Cochin and it was lovely then, but it is fantastic now. I have taken several friends there and they have ALL loved it. My favourite dish is Squid Roast and I always have it either as a starter or a main meal (large portion). It is a small, cosy restaurant with very pleasant staff and it is my favourite place for an Indian meal.

Great tasting food cooked with fresh ingredients, really excellent quality. It's not a flash upmarket restaurant, but the food was as good as any I've ever been to, and I really felt like the chef deserved a great review! We were looking at furniture in the shop next door and were recommended to go there and felt that we'd struck luckt

We ordered takeaway/delivery service on Monday Bank Holiday. What wonderful flavoursome food. It took a little long to deliver but understood it was a bank holiday and no doubt the eat-in restaurant was busy. The food was delicious.

I was recommended to dine here by a family friend. They did make me aware it’s not the biggest and fanciest restaurant but reasonable food. Food came and it was mediocre, nothing to rave about. Came at a luke warm temperature. But my main had a hair in it which was really off putting. I could have told a member of their staff but they were always doing something or not in my line of sight. So I just left it. Ruined my wife’s meal too as she was worried what was in her food. May give this place a try another time.

My wife and I have eaten at the Kerala many times and it never fails to deliver. The standard of food and service is excellent. The ingredients are always fresh and the flavours outstanding .I feel the Kerala has great potential to be recognised as a major player and compete with the higher end of the market. It is a great restaurant for the town of Caterham, definitely worth a visit, we will be back soon.

Every time we visit London, we take a trip to Caterham to the Kerala. The food is fresh tasty and delicious! This is our 6th time here and love it. Some of our favorites are the chicken ularthiyathu, chicken 65, Cochin prawn curry, bean thoran, beetroot and peas thoran, fish curry, and the lamb curry. Everything is great; we’ve never had a bad meal. They have the absolute best paratha. I’m from New York and their food rivals our best restaurants. It’s worth the trip.

Fantastic Southern Indian food friendly staff and nice atmosphere. Our 3rd visit and never been disappointed took our daughter this time to and she loved it thank you we will be back soon

Ordered a takeaway last week as I'd seen on here the restaurant is more accommodating to people with dietary restrictions. Managed to get a Lamb Malabar that was gluten and dairy free (and apparently nut and soya free too!). Lovely food with just the right amount of spice.

This is the second time back here. Totally blown away by the variety. Great staff great food. What more could you want.

Had a meal for two here, our first visit. The menu is very different here, there aren't a great deal of recognisable dishes on the menu which is great!

We really enjoyed our meal. The chicken dosa was amazing. The curries were full of fresh flavours and the saag paneer was the best that I have tasted. Highly recommend a visit

Had a fab meal here. Food is outstanding and non greasy. Only one complaint the wine was a bit pricey. But if it food you want, this is probably the best hidden gem at good prices within 5 miles !

Visited as a party of 8 people, very nice place, good food and friendly staff. Good service and was not disappointed at all, will return.

This is a little gem of Southern Indian cuisine.

I had in mind the words “Best Curry Ever” PERIOD as my trip advisor review. And as true at that remains, like any dining experience worth its salt* it merits something more than the glib.

Went for dinner after being recommended by several friends. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the food was delicious. A definite must for anyone after a curry when in Caterham.

I went here with my partner over the weekend and was blown away, the food was very fresh and delicious and the cobra ice cold cannot believe we have walked past this little gem on numerous occasions Will 💯% return.

We took our new mother in laws shortly after our wedding. The hostess was amazingly friendly and polite while the ladies umm-ed over the menu. The food was quick and delicious, well priced and the portions were just right. As the mothers were looking over the photos from the wedding the hostess came over to congratulate us and gave us a bottle of wine. It was a lovely gesture and very unexpected. We'd definitely recommend this restaurant and will be back soon.

What a great restaurant. A warm welcome, a good understanding of coeliac and other dietary requirements, and a spotlessly clean restaurant. The food was amazing, and you just appreciate how fresh it all tasted. Excellent value for money, will be back!!!

I visit this restaurant when I come to Caterham to visit my family. I really like the atmosphere, the decor of the restaurant and friendliness of the staff. They have a reasonably priced extensive wine list and nice cocktails. The food menu is really special compared to other Indian restaurants so if you are after trying somewhere different, this is a place to go. I have tried quite few dishes here and they were all very delicious and fresh. My favourite dishes are Kerala fish curry and Cochin prawn curry as I prefer seafood. Fantastic alternative to nan are Kerala paratha and kallappam bread. Also, I found the manager of the restaurant very helpful and friendly at every visit. I think the prices are reasonable for the quality. Overall it is a 5 star restaurant and I would recommend it to everyone.

Originally we were introduced by family and have now been about 5 times. We originally went when it was called Cochin, but now under The Kerala about 3 times too.

Staff very friendly. Food great different from most Indian restaurants. Really tasty dishes good selection. Staff helpful in advising which foods were best.

As a fellow South Indian and having moved to the area I could not believe my luck at stumbling across this place. My wife and I chanced it on a whim and were blown away by the ambiance, quality of food and service. The quaint atmosphere together with the front of house lady and polite young man were great but the food was the real star of the show. Fresh ingredients, lovely spices and authentic flavour - so much so that we ordered a take away as well so we could feast the next day. This place is great and we will be back!

Have eaten in this restaurant and the food is delicious. I had a party for 50 people on saturday and they supplied the food. They were soooo good, advising on what and how much to order. The food arrived on time, hot and in catering trays. It was really good food, all our guests LOVED it. They gave us poppadums and onion bahjis too. They gave us a discount and so the whole deal was very good value. I would heartily recommend this place...It is a different Indian cuisine and so menu has new flavours to try. They do a great takeaway....and a brilliant eat in too.

Lovely small restaurant with great menu & great service & great food ... just YUMMY. The men is varied and is suitable for all tastes.

Use to come when it was the Cochin. It hasn't really changed and the food is still excellent. It's not your usual curry but by far the tastiest one in the area. The restaurant is basic but who cares when the food is this good.

I often come here with my wife and family and very much enjoy the homely atmosphere and different choices of food compared to other Indians. We regularly choose the special = Seabass meal which is out of this world! And we like the selection of wines.

Polite and friendly staff. Food, the best Indian I've ever tasted... Value for money. We will go there weekly and they deliver as well.

Just decided to make a TripAdvisor account for the sole purpose of rating this restaurant (and putting my own extremely cheesy review down, apologies in advance)

I hail from Kerala and I have went to this restaurant with highest expectation. Food didn't meet my expectations. But what surprised me the most was the attitude of the lady that served us. She was so rude and at some point stayed behind the counter and made some loud comments about us. I ordered fresh lemon juice which didn't taste anything like it. Instead it tastes like lemon slices n sugar in water. Food was really bad. It was a really hot day and there was no air con. Hence they left the window open and there were flies inside the shop. The guy in the shop was really nice and polite. The woman was horrible. Not only she messed up my friends order, she was quiet mouthy towards us. I have never experienced rudeness like this before. Will never ever go back again and will advice our friends n family to stay away as well. According to my friend this place is falling apart. N my other friend who is obsessed with potatoes, after tasting the potato dish he ordered, he said he will never eat potato again. Cherry on the top we had a spider dropping on us from the ceiling lol... amazing experience. Only good thing was the prosecco and the beer..

I came here yesterday night with my husband and friend, and very much enjoyed it! The restaurant was spotless,and I am usually quite fussy with cleanliness of places where I go to eat,but I could not fault The Kerala! The staff were so lovely and welcoming, very attentive when needed which made my experience all the better.Finally the food,which definetly fulfilled my high expectations,the food was flavoured beautifully and I enjoyed everything I ordered.Hats of to the chef:) Everything here was spot on and I would definetly reccomend!

Lovely tasty food in this small restaurant. Helpful and friendly staff, good menu. You will need to book Fridays and Saturdays.

This used to be an Indian restaurant serving Keralan food before. It shut for a while and has reopened under a different name and presumably management.Popped in there for lunch. It was not good at all. Food was nothing like what was served before, and everything was bland. We had the 'thali' and every dish consisted of potatoes, potatoes and potatoes.

Every body loved the previous 'Cochin' and when it closed and remained closed for several weeks we did miss it. Then the Kerala arrived.

The new owner Mr Mony has taken over the premises of the very popular Cochin. Newly decorated and with much nicer lighting the restaurant is now warm and friendly. However the most important new addition is the brilliant chef (Shabeer) and his team who produced a spectacular feast of South Indian cuisine ..... even better than the Cochin used to serve. I'm also delighted that Neslihan, who looked after us so well at the Cochin, remains and has been promoted to manager. Great food, great team and great service.........I feel sure that the Kerala will soon be vying for the No. 1 ranking in Caterham.

I can very safely say this is the best South Indian Restaurant I have ever visited in and around London. The fish ingredients are so fresh. Must try the mussels starter. Service wise is excellent too. Cannot fault this eating place. All praise to the new ownership and the chefs

Had lovely meal last night. House wine excellent. Food extremely tasty. We used the previous La Cochin but i would say this food is better. Service excellent.

First time we have visited this restaurant and hope that it wont be our last. Service was quick and friendly and the food was so tasty and authentic south Indian. Masala dosai one of the best we've tasted. They are large so my tip is get 1 between 2 people, that way you have more room to sample their other delightful dishes. Chicken and Lamb dishes all good and vegetable dishes were plenty and varied. We hope to return when next in the area.

Formally the Cochin, this restaurant has re-opened under different management and a new chef but thankfully it is serving up largely the same South Indian cuisine. Its great to once again have this sort of restuarant on my doorstep in Caterham rather than having to travel to Croydon (Navratna and the excellent Kalpa) or even Woking for anything similar.