Celebrity chef Jumanah Kadri, a popular face on Malayalam television channels in India, has announced the launch of her first outlet, Jumanah Restaurant, in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Noted Malayalam actress Kavya Madhavan inaugurated the restaurant in the presence of prominent members of society from the UAE.

The restaurant, located on the second floor of Al Wahda Mall, will offer authentic Malabar cuisine of the south Indian state of Kerala, with a modern twist.

Some of Jumanah's innovative fusion dishes include Malaysian Chilli Crab, Singapore Pratta Parotha, Green Curry and German Apple Strudel in White Chocolate Soup.

Speaking at the launch, Kavya Madhavan said: "I have known Kadri for a long time as we both belong to the same town. I have tried some of her dishes and they are very delicious. Some of my friends have recommended me to try out Jumanah’s special creation made out of Kappa (Tapioca). I am surely going to try this dish."

On her first venture, Kadri said, "When I came to live in Abu Dhabi, I could not find a single restaurant offering authentic Malabar cuisine. Though there are many restaurants in the capital serving Kerala cuisine, none of them served traditional, home-style cuisine from the Malabar region. That is what inspired me to start my own restaurant."

Her menu features a wide range of starters, curries, soups, salads, side dishes, sherbet, desserts and signature dishes.

"I have selected experienced and qualified chefs from Kerala, and we were involved in fine-tuning the dishes to bring out the best flavours ahead of the opening," she stated.

"Most of the items adhere to a home-made taste. Dishes such as Coco Chemmen and Jumanah’s spicy chicken are a must-try, she added.

An engineering graduate from the Calicut University, Kadri has hosted a number of cookery shows on Malayalam channels such as Asianet, Kairali TV, Surya and Amrita TV.

She has also authored a number of cookery books, written poetry and has uploaded hundreds of original and innovative recipes online.-TradeArabia News Service