★★★★★
When you think of Madikeri, the first images that come to mind are misty hills, sprawling coffee plantations, and the unique Kodava cuisine. But hidden among the scenic beauty of this hill town is a culinary surprise that brings the flavors of the Malabar coast alive -- Paris Restaurant. Located conveniently in the heart of Madikeri, Paris Restaurant is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike who crave authentic Kerala flavors, especially the famed Thalassery-style biriyani.
As you step into Paris Restaurant, you are greeted by a warm and bustling atmosphere. The interiors are simple, functional, and focus on what matters most -- good food. Despite the no-frills setup, the place exudes a certain charm, with the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked spices lingering in the air.
The Star of the Menu: Thalassery Biriyani
Paris Restaurant's claim to fame is undoubtedly its Kerala Thalassery-style biriyani. Unlike the usual heavy, greasy versions found elsewhere, Thalassery biriyani is lighter yet immensely flavorful. Paris has captured this style beautifully, making it one of the best places outside Kerala to savor this traditional dish.
Thalassery biriyani is a culinary art that relies heavily on the quality of rice, the perfect blend of spices, and the method of cooking. At Paris, they use jeerakasala rice (a small-grained aromatic rice native to Kerala) instead of basmati, giving the biriyani a distinct texture and a delightful fragrance. The grains are perfectly cooked -- fluffy, non-sticky, and aromatic, each bite offering a burst of flavors.
The meat, whether you choose chicken, mutton, or beef, is tender and juicy. It's marinated well with traditional Malabar spices, slow-cooked to perfection, and then layered with rice in the classic dum method. Every spoonful delivers a symphony of flavors -- the sweet notes of caramelized onions, the freshness of mint and coriander, the richness of the meat, and the subtle heat of green chilies.
One thing that sets Paris Restaurant's biriyani apart is its authenticity. They resist the temptation to overuse oil or overpower the dish with heavy masalas. Instead, they stay true to the original Thalassery recipe -- simple, balanced, and incredibly satisfying.
The biriyani is usually served with a side of refreshing raita, a spicy pickle, and a portion of kurma (a mildly spiced vegetable curry). But honestly, the biriyani is so well-crafted that it barely needs any accompaniments.
Other Highlights on the Menu
While the biriyani is the hero of Paris Restaurant, their menu is quite extensive. They offer a range of Kerala and South Indian dishes including Malabar parottas, chicken curry, beef roast, fish fry, and various vegetarian options. Their beef fry, cooked with coconut slivers and black pepper, deserves a special mention for its bold flavors and perfect texture.
Seafood lovers will also be pleased with their offerings -- fresh prawns, seer fish, and squid, all cooked in authentic Kerala styles, are part of the specials depending on the season.
Their chaya (tea) is the perfect way to end a meal -- strong, slightly sweet, and brewed Kerala-style.
Service and Hospitality
The service at Paris Restaurant is quick and efficient. The staff, though busy, are always courteous and helpful, ready to recommend dishes or customize spice levels according to your preference. During peak hours, there might be a small wait, but the turnover is fast, and the food is absolutely worth the wait.
The restaurant is clean and well-maintained, and while it might not offer luxurious seating, it more than makes up for it with the quality and authenticity of its food.
Pricing
One of the best aspects of Paris Restaurant is that it's very reasonably priced. A hearty plate of biriyani that can satisfy even a large appetite comes at a very pocket-friendly rate. Given the portion
★★★★
Paris Hotel is situated on college road madok near Rama temple. One of the oldest resturents of Madikeri it serves a number of different dishes. For onam they have a Onam package with variety of items that are served traditionally in sadya.
Usually crowded especially during lunch time....they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and snacks
Popular items are the non veg meals, biriyani, parota, shavarma, lime tea, lassi, juices etc
Very noisy place..... but a good place to have a delicious meal and move on.... service is quick with very minimal wait time.
Write up by Viswas Menon
Photos by Viswas Menon
