A Taste of Mangalore in Dubai

What if you had the chance to experience the authentic flavours of Mangalore through dishes like Kori Rotti, Neer Dose, Bangude Puli Munchi, Rawa Fry, Mangalore Buns, Golibaje, and traditional snacks like Tukudi, Chikki, Sonte, and Chips? Wouldn’t that make you want to explore this coastal cuisine immediately?

For many expatriates living away from home, food is more than just a meal. It is a connection to memories, childhood, and the flavours we grew up with. Reading about these dishes might instantly take you back home or make you curious to try them for the first time.

This visit was planned as a special dinner outing. My cousin had already visited Kudla with her colleagues for a team lunch, and she couldn’t stop talking about the dishes, flavours, and the overall experience. She described the food so passionately that it immediately made us curious to visit.

The restaurant is located near Oud Metha Metro Station, around a 30-minute metro ride from Al Nahda. We visited in November, and the restaurant was already decorated for Christmas. A huge Santa greeted diners at the entrance, while beautiful lights and festive decorations created a warm holiday atmosphere.

As soon as we entered, we noticed the usual restaurant setup — a cashier counter and dining tables around us. But what immediately caught our attention was the wall design.

Unlike many restaurants, Kudla had created a very unique South Canara atmosphere. The walls displayed names of towns and villages from Dakshina Kannada and the Udupi districts. It was a beautiful personal touch because many visitors immediately start searching for their own hometown or village name when they enter.

We visited as a group of four and ordered Chicken Biryani, Chicken Manchow Soup, Kori Rotti, Kori Sukka, Neer Dose, and Prawn Fry to experience authentic Mangalorean flavours. Each dish had its own unique taste, with rich spices that reminded us of traditional coastal cooking. The staff were friendly, helping us choose dishes and adjust the spice levels. Kori Rotti and Kori Sukka were the highlights, giving us a true taste of Mangalore’s food culture. We ended the meal with passion fruit juice with popping bubbles and Kesar Falooda. The drink was refreshing and a first-time experience for me, while the falooda was enjoyable but slightly heavy with nuts. Overall, it was a memorable dinner that brought the flavours and nostalgia of coastal Karnataka to Dubai.