About Victoria’s Premier Coastal Indian Restaurant
ABOUT CAFE MALABAR
Cafe Malabar celebrates Kerala’s vibrant coastal cuisine, reimagined on Canada’s West Coast. Founded by chefs Kiran Kolathodan and Karma Tenpa, both raised in Southern India, the restaurant combines over 30 years of luxury kitchen experience. Its concept is rooted in authenticity, creativity, and hospitality.
Opened in June 2023 as a stall in the Victoria Public Market, Cafe Malabar’s bold, spice-driven dishes and warm hospitality quickly drew attention, ranking #5 on the Canada Top 10 list of Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2024. In March 2025, the restaurant expanded to a standalone space at 100-407 Swift Street, Victoria, BC, along the sparkling Inner Harbour.
At its heart, Cafe Malabar is about connection — between people, cultures, and ingredients. It’s not just a South Indian restaurant; it’s a seafood restaurant that highlights the ocean’s bounty alongside Kerala’s soulful, spice-rich traditions. Guests are welcomed into a warm, intimate space that feels modern yet deeply rooted in the spirit of Kerala.
Our Name and Philosophy
“Malabar” refers to Kerala’s southwestern coastline, once a thriving hub of the global spice trade. Over centuries, this region absorbed influences from Portuguese, Dutch, and Persian traders, creating a rich and diverse culinary tradition. Cafe Malabar honours that history, blending authentic Keralan recipes with the finest seasonal and sustainable ingredients from Vancouver Island. The philosophy is simple: cook from the heart, source with care, and make every guest feel like family.
ABOUT CAFE MALABAR’S CHEF OWNERS
Kiran Kolathodan and Karma Tenpa, the chefs behind Cafe Malabar in Victoria, BC, bring a wealth of culinary expertise and a love for Kerala’s flavors. Both raised in Southern India, they are dedicated to sharing the region’s rich culinary traditions.
Chef Kiran began his journey at the Institute of Hotel Management in Thiruvananthapuram before moving to Canada, where he worked at luxury hotels like Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, focusing on sustainable ingredients. His experiences at Boragó in Santiago, Chile, further refined his culinary style before returning to Canada.
Chef Karma studied hospitality at Bangalore University and started as a sushi chef at JW Marriott in Mumbai, becoming known for his precision, knife skills, and dedication to high-quality ingredients. Working with fusion cuisines, blending Japanese techniques with Indian influences, allowed him to explore complex flavours and techniques, establishing his reputation as a chef with a unique blend of tradition and innovation at various restaurants before joining Westin Bear Mountain in Canada.
Their paths crossed at Westin Bear Mountain, leading to the creation of Cafe Malabar, where they invite diners to experience authentic Kerala cuisine, showcasing their unique culinary backgrounds.