When one’s seafood cravings kick in, so does the thought of savouring the freshest seafood by the beach, accompanied by the calming sea breeze. This exact sea-to-plate concept has been adopted by Coast by Kayra, a new Keralan seafood restaurant that’s located in The Starhill in Kuala Lumpur. The restaurant endeavours to only bring to the table the freshest seafood, with an interior that’s designed with modern aesthetics and natural elements, paying homage to Kerala’s vibrant coastline lifestyle.
Coast by Kayra is the sister establishment to Kayra in Bangsar Village 1, which serves mostly meat and other Keralan dishes and is listed in the Michelin Guide for Kuala Lumpur. Coast by Kayra highlights the coastal food culture of Kerala, South India, where the locals feast mostly on seafood. A huge portion of the menu offers scrumptious lobsters, whole fish, crabs and shellfish, squid and plenty of other seafood options. Interestingly, there are little to no spicy dishes in the menu here.
There’s also a bar that doubles as a waiting area. The drinks menu is specially curated with Keralan flavours such as handpicked fine wines, premium whiskeys, champagne, craft gins and spritz-style cocktails that are designed especially for after one’s meal. For instance, the Spiced Peach Bellini and Whiskey Rasam, made with Keralan spices, are highly recommended.
Dining at Coast by Kayra should be centred on small plates so that you and your fellow diners can have a taste of everything. You’ll find Keralan street-food-inspired nibbles, such as Mini Apam with Tiger Prawns—or if you’re vegetarian, Mini Apam with Mushroom and Coconut fillings. There’s the must-try Dosa Tacos and Dahi Puri Shooters filled with crab meat and served with a shot of Crab Rasam. Also, the Coastal Spiced Oysters and Gunpowder Scallops, Salmon and Coconut Ceviche, Tuna Mango Pachadi Tartelettes and Crab Putu must not be left out of your order.
Nevertheless, there are big plates for those who prefer a more satisfying solo meal. I recommend trying their signature dishes, such as the Lobster Ulartiyath, a charcoal-grilled whole green lobster with dry tomato shallot masala and lobster bisque; the Portuguese-inspired Seafood Moilee; Masala Freshwater Prawns; and Alleppey Prawn Mango Curry.
Moving on to desserts, the Paradise Parfait with mango semifreddo and Cocoa-Nut caters to those who prefer more traditional sweets. The signature Cocoa-Nut is a chocolate dessert that combines Malaysian single-origin 70 per cent dark chocolate, jackfruit and calamansi.
Coast by Kayra is under the leadership of owner and third-generation Keralite-Malaysian, Meriam Alfonso, together with Executive Chef Sal Sabeel. Alfonso says that Coast by Kayra marks the next chapter for Kerala Food Sdn. Bhd., continuing their mission to showcase the rich flavours and recipes of Kerala and to change the perceptions of South Indian food in Malaysia beyond just curry and banana leaf.
The restaurant also offers an intimate dining experience for up to 80 guests across various spaces, including the main dining room and a private room that seats up to 16 guests. It operates every day from 11.30am to 11.00pm. To make a reservation, call +60321100032 or WhatsApp them at +60172157264. You can also book online with a minimum of 24-hour notice.
