Leeds has firmly secured its place on the UK’s culinary map — and now, Kerala Canteen proudly joins the list of the Top 100 Indian Restaurants in the UK, while also achieving #3 Best Indian Restaurant in Yorkshire & Leeds.
Even more remarkable?
Kerala Canteen achieved this national ranking within its very first year of opening.
In a region dominated by long-established favourites like Prashad (Rank #1 in Yorkshire) and Tharavadu (Rank #2), Kerala Canteen has risen rapidly as a new powerhouse of South Indian cuisine, offering something completely fresh, modern, and deeply rooted in authentic Kerala flavours.
This recognition places Kerala Canteen among the very best Indian restaurants in the UK, setting a new benchmark for contemporary Indian dining in Leeds.
A Huge Achievement in the First Year — Here’s Why It Matters
To be ranked among the Top 100 Indian Restaurants in the UK is an honour in itself.
But to do it in year one? That’s almost unheard of.
It reflects:
The strength of Kerala Canteen’s concept
The skill of its culinary leadership under Chef Bobby Geetha
The enthusiasm of Leeds diners
And the restaurant’s commitment to flavour, standards, and hospitality
Opening a new restaurant in a competitive city like Leeds is no small feat.
Yet Kerala Canteen instantly stood out — not just as another Indian restaurant, but as a pioneering South Indian tapas-style dining experience.
This early achievement shows that Kerala Canteen is not just competing with the best…
It is the best.
The Power Trio of Yorkshire Indian Dining: Prashad, Tharavadu & Kerala Canteen
Yorkshire is home to some of the UK’s top Indian restaurants.
1 – Prashad (Vegetarian)
A Michelin-recommended Indian vegetarian restaurant in Drighlington, known for its Gujarati heritage, refined dishes, and loyal following.
2 – Tharavadu (Kerala Cuisine)
A Leeds institution and one of the UK’s leading Kerala restaurants, famous for its dosa, seafood, and traditional South Indian flavours.
3 – Kerala Canteen (Modern Kerala Tapas & Bar)
The new arrival that has quickly captured attention with its Kerala tapas, bold cocktails, and MasterChef-driven innovation.
While Prashad and Tharavadu are well-established culinary giants, Kerala Canteen’s meteoric rise is a testament to its fresh approach to Kerala cuisine, contemporary atmosphere, and exciting interpretation of South Indian flavours.
What Makes Kerala Canteen Stand Out in Leeds?
1. A Modern South Indian Tapas Concept — First of Its Kind in Leeds
Kerala Canteen brought something completely new to Leeds:
Kerala-inspired tapas & small plates designed for sharing.
This modern interpretation allows guests to explore multiple dishes in one sitting:
- Gunpowder Potatoes
- Duck Kothu Porotta
- Trivandrum Fried Chicken
- King Prawn Masala
- Beef & Bone Marrow Curry
- Paneer Pepper Fry
This format has made Kerala Canteen a favourite for:
Group dining
Corporate meals
Pre-theatre dinners
Weekend meetups
Cocktail + food pairings
It’s Indian food for the modern diner — adventurous, social, and flavourful.
2. Led by Chef Bobby Geetha — MasterChef & Great British Menu Chef
Kerala Canteen is guided by the creative vision of Chef Bobby Geetha, whose culinary reputation spans:
- BBC MasterChef: The Professionals
- Great British Menu
- Michelin-level training
- International restaurant leadership
His approach blends authentic Kerala traditions with global techniques, delivering a menu that feels both nostalgic and innovative.
This chef-led identity is a major reason Kerala Canteen has risen so quickly in national rankings.
3. A Bold Cocktail Bar Inspired by Kerala’s Coastal Flavours
Kerala Canteen isn’t just a restaurant — it’s also one of Leeds’ most exciting Indian cocktail bars, with drinks infused with:
- Turmeric
- Ginger & Jaggery
- Hibiscus
- Mango
- Coconut
- Chai spices
- Cardamom
Signature cocktails like the Kerala Spritz, Gunpowder Margarita, and Chai Tai pair perfectly with the food and have helped elevate the entire dining experience.
4. A Prime Location Steps From Leeds’ Cultural Quarter
Situated near:
- BBC Leeds
- The Wardrobe
- Leeds Playhouse
- First Direct Arena
- Kerala Canteen has become a top choice for pre-show dinners, business meetings, and social dining — further contributing to its rapid growth in popularity.
5. Consistent 5-Star Reviews and Loyal Community Support
Online reviews repeatedly mention:
- Exceptional flavours
- Unique dishes not found elsewhere
- Excellent vegan and gluten-free options
- Warm service
- Beautiful interiors
- Great value menus
This community love is a huge factor in Kerala Canteen earning a place among the UK’s top Indian restaurants.
Signature Dishes That Put Kerala Canteen on the Map
The restaurant’s ranking is heavily influenced by its standout dishes. Guest favourites include:
- Beef & Bone Marrow Curry — A deep, flavour-packed toddy-shop style curry
- Duck Kothu Porotta — A must-try Kerala street-food classic
- Gunpowder Potatoes — A modern twist on the South Indian staple
- Jackfruit Biryani — A vegan biryani with coconut yoghurt
- Trivandrum Fried Chicken — Crispy, aromatic, and unforgettable
- Sea Bass Pollichathu — The ultimate Kerala seafood experience
These dishes make Kerala Canteen a true culinary destination — not just in Leeds, but nationally.
What This Ranking Means for Leeds Food Lovers
Being in the Top 100 Indian Restaurants in the UK places Kerala Canteen alongside some of the best-loved Indian kitchens across London, Birmingham, Manchester, and beyond.
Being #3 in Yorkshire and Leeds confirms Kerala Canteen as:
- One of the best Indian restaurants in Leeds
- The top modern South Indian restaurant in Yorkshire
- A must-visit food destination for locals, visitors, and food critics
- A rising star with national attention
For diners in Leeds, this ranking means you have one of the UK’s best Indian restaurants right on your doorstep.
Conclusion: Kerala Canteen Has Arrived — And It’s Here to Stay
What makes this achievement even more special is that it happened within the first year of opening — a testament to:
Exceptional cooking
Innovative tapas-style dining
A strong team
Loyal customers
And the vibrant food culture of Leeds
Kerala Canteen is now firmly established as one of the best Indian restaurants in the UK, and its journey has only just begun.
