Kerala fare takes root in Johor
Ahmad Fairuz Othman
2009/11/09
HALF a century of serving banana leaf rice and thosai to Johor Baru folk has made Kerala more than a restaurant. It is a veritable institution in the state.
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| The lunchtime banana leaf set combines rice, three types of vegetables, ’pappadom’ and a choice of fish, chicken or mutton. |
Its customers swear by the restaurant's menu of southern Indian cuisine, proclaiming it to be among the finest, if not the finest, in town.
Lunchtime is the busiest hour at the restaurant, said owner V. V. Joseph, who took over its management from his brother-in-law in 1982.
Joseph, 82, said the restaurant opened on March 1, 1949, downtown at No 33, Jalan Ibrahim.
His late father-in-law, M. J. Francis, introduced food from the Kerala region of India.
"My father-in-law was from Kerala, and that is why the restaurant is thus named.
"From the beginning, they sold many types of thosai, and masala thosai. Much of the menu has not changed over the years," said Joseph, who was previously a clerk with the British Army in Jalan Bellamy, Kuala Lumpur.
"Egg onions and rava dosa were the specialities of those days. We had customers from all walks of life, including dignitaries and royalty."
When Francis died in 1965, his wife took over the business until 1975 when their son, also named Joseph, became owner.
Joseph said a new pedestrian walkway, built in front of the shop in Jalan Ibrahim, had an ill impact on business.
"Many customers said they could not get parking space to eat at the restaurant. Consequently, sales were down."
Joseph decided to shift to Jalan Storey after scouting around town. "I know I am lucky to get a spot here."
Among its bestsellers are banana leaf rice with chicken, mutton or fish curry.
A combination of rice, vegetables with fish, chicken or mutton curry, or fried fish costs between RM7 and RM9 per serving.
A la carte orders are available for all rice dishes. Fried fish or curry fish is priced at RM4.50 per piece; fish cutlets at RM1.60 per piece; prawns at RM8 each; and squid at RM6 per piece.
Kerala is also popular for its affordable and delicious breakfasts. Thosai, which comes with egg, or egg and onion, and masala thosai, top the list of favourites.
The breakfast menu also offers apam, puri, chapati, and idli.
Kerala Restaurant is at No 77, Jalan Storey, Johor Baru.
It is open from 6.30am to 7pm from Mondays to Fridays, and 6.30am to 4pm on Saturdays.
It is closed on Sundays.
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