Cafe Malabar/Website
Exciting news for Victoria's culinary scene: Cafe Malabar, a beloved family-owned restaurant known for bringing the vibrant flavours of Kerala's Malabar Coast to Victoria, has found a new home downtown. After their unexpected departure from the Victoria Public Market in December last year, the team has been hard at work to continue serving the community.
The team faced an unexpected problem when Coho Commissary at the Victoria Public Market—where Cafe Malabar had been operating—announced its closure with a month’s notice. Suddenly, the restaurant, which had become a local favourite and had recently been named one of Air Canada’s top five best new restaurants in Canada, was left without a space to call home.
Despite the abrupt news, the Cafe Malabar owners had already been thinking ahead. Even before the closure, co-owners Kiran Kolathodan and Karma Tenpa knew they were outgrowing the market space. “We loved the market, but we also felt it was time to find a dedicated space where we could truly build the full experience we wanted to offer,” Kolathodan shared with Tasting Victoria.
While the news of Coho’s shutdown was disruptive, it came at a time when the team had already been considering their next move. They had planned a well-deserved trip back to India—a chance to reconnect with their roots, explore new flavours, and learn from family and local chefs. The timing, though unplanned, gave them a unique opportunity: instead of scrambling to find a space immediately, they took the moment to reset, gain inspiration, and return with fresh ideas.
After considering several options, they found the perfect spot at 407 Swift St., a waterfront space that the pair said felt like home the moment they walked through the doors. With this move, Cafe Malabar is not just reopening—it’s evolving, bringing everything they’ve learned and dreamed of into a new and exciting chapter. Co-owners and chefs Kolathodan and Tenpa have always dreamed of sharing their rich culinary heritage, and while they’ve been doing it since they first opened in the summer of 2023, they are excited to continue doing it in a different way in a new location.
They are bringing most of their original team, bringing their experience and passion with them. Many are students or recent graduates from India, drawn not just to the work but to the sense of community the restaurant fosters. “They’re not just employees—they really feel like family, and they care about the restaurant,” the team shared with Tasting Victoria.
With a larger space at Swift Street, Cafe Malabar is also looking to expand its team, hiring for both front-of-house and kitchen positions. While regulars will recognize familiar faces, new team members will be joining as well, bringing fresh energy to the space.
The new location, formerly Tug Eatery and Bar, offers an inviting atmosphere with stunning views of Victoria's Inner Harbour. The space boasts 60 indoor seats and an expansive patio that will open in the spring/summer and accommodates an additional 70 guests, perfect for enjoying waterfront dining during the warmer months.
While the menu will retain beloved staples that people have been missing over the last month while the restaurant has been closed, like their popular Kerala tasting board, dosas, parottas, and the popular Kerala fried chicken, diners can expect some new items as the restaurant gets going. Guests can look forward to an increased emphasis on fresh, local seafood.
"Being on the West Coast, we have access to an incredible variety of seafood. We’re excited to incorporate seasonal catches like halibut and sablefish into our dishes, offering our guests a true taste of coastal Kerala with a Pacific Northwest twist," says chef Kolathodan.
Cafe Malabar/Instagram
In addition to the delectable food offerings, Cafe Malabar will introduce a thoughtfully curated beverage program. Initially, guests can enjoy a selection of Island wines and beers, with plans to expand into a full cocktail menu in the near future. The focus will be on showcasing regional wineries and breweries, complementing the rich flavours of the cuisine.
For those with dietary preferences, Cafe Malabar continues to offer a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. The chefs emphasize that Kerala cuisine naturally accommodates these diets, utilizing ingredients like rice flour, coconut milk, ghee, and an array of fresh vegetables.
As they settle into their new space, the team is planning a series of special events, including intimate chef’s table dinners. These events aim to provide guests with an immersive experience, delving deeper into the rich traditions and techniques of Kerala cooking.
For those who haven't tried Café Malabar yet, Kolathodan describes the experience as “transporting you from the west coast of Victoria to the west coast of Kerala.” The menu blends the freshest local ingredients from Vancouver Island with the rich, bold flavours and traditional techniques of South India.
Expect deeply aromatic curries, flaky parottas, and perfectly spiced biriyanis, alongside fresh seafood dishes that highlight the restaurant’s coastal roots. “We cook from the heart,” Kolathodan shared. “It’s the kind of food we grew up with, and we want people to feel that warmth and authenticity in every dish.”
For those who missed out on the Victoria Public Market location or are curious about trying something new, this is the perfect opportunity. Whether you’re stopping in for a casual dinner, planning a special night out, or just craving bold, comforting flavours, Cafe Malabar is ready to welcome you into their new home.
The restaurant is soft opening from this Thursday, Feb. 20 to Sunday, Feb. 23 for lunch and dinner by reservation only. Booking is now available via OpenTable. The restaurant will be fully open to the public next week, with an official announcement coming on social media. Stay tuned.
Welcome back, Cafe Malabar!
Address:
407 Swift St.
