Kayal - Nottingham

The word Kayal is used to refer to the serene backwaters of the South Indian state of Kerala, sometimes referred to as 'God's own country' because of its natural beauty. Opening in August 2008, Kayal in Nottingham was probably the first authentic South Indian seafood restaurant in the Midlands.

The popular restaurant introduces customers to the state's backwater cuisine, and with its long coastline and many inland waterways, Keralites love seafood, baked, steamed, fried or as flavoursome curries, not to forget meat and vegetarian creations.

Start your meal with a soothing drumstick soup, known for its medicinal qualities in ayurveda; erachi varattiyathu, spicy lamb cubes with onions, black pepper, ginger and green chillies, or stuffed lentil pancakes or masala dosa. Main courses of prawn; olathiyathu of stir-fried crab; meen pollichathu, pomfret in banana leaf; creamy chicken stew, duck roast, and vegetarian specials of avail and moru curry can be accompanied by biryani, coconut rice, or traditional Indian bread.

Trust a dessert of rice payasam to help you sign off in style. Wines, beer and champagne complement the food.