Choonda Restaurant: Authentic Kerala Cuisine in London

Located on Barking Road in London’s vibrant East Ham, Choonda Restaurant is a true gem for lovers of authentic Kerala cuisine. Specializing in the rich, aromatic flavors of South India’s coastal region, Choonda brings a refreshing taste of Kerala right to the heart of London. From the moment you step inside, the warm and welcoming atmosphere invites you to relax and indulge in some of the finest seafood preparations and traditional Kerala dishes.

The menu at Choonda is a celebration of bold, fresh ingredients and masterful spice balancing. Fans of Uppilittathu—a quintessential Kerala salty snack—will delight in options like Mango Salted and Pineapple Salted, both priced at just £1.50, offering tangy, mouthwatering bites that tease the palate. When it comes to beverages, the restaurant features an impressive array of hot drinks, including the spiced Masala Tea (£1.99), the rare and charming Kashmiri Pink Tea (£1.99), and indulgent Jug Sulaimani Tea (£3.99), ideal for soothing the senses after a flavorful meal.

Dessert at Choonda is not to be missed, with standout creations such as the velvety Coconut Pudding (£5.99), the delicately sweet Unni Madhuram (£7.99), and the visually stunning Royal Faluda (£7.99), each crafted to provide a satisfying, authentic Kerala finale to your dining experience.

Choonda has garnered praise from a diverse group of patrons, many of whom highlight the restaurant’s exceptional seafood offerings. Soniya Akash describes the seafood as "fresh and beautifully balanced," noting how the visually appealing presentation adds to the enjoyment. Iryna Dolhaia raves about the kadal punnara, emphasizing its creamy coconut richness, and the fiery kadal kanthari, a dish that confidently wakes up the taste buds with its chili heat. The communal seafood bucket, with its mix of prawns, squid, and crab in a spicy masala, paired with soft appams, came highly recommended as a must-try feast.

The service at Choonda is equally commendable, with attentive staff like Jincy and Abhirami noted by customers for their kindness and attentiveness, enhancing the overall dining experience with their warmth and professionalism. The ambiance feels genuinely homely, described by Aleksandra Volkova as “a little piece of South India in London,” making it perfect for those seeking not only food but a cultural experience imbued with authenticity.

While one customer did mention that some dishes took a little longer to arrive and that their rice was not served piping hot, this was outweighed by the quality and deliciousness of the offerings. Such feedback underscores Choonda's focus on preparing fresh, high-quality dishes, even if it means a short wait.

In summary, Choonda Restaurant is an outstanding destination for anyone eager to explore the intricate spices and fresh seafood that define Kerala cuisine. Whether you’re craving a hearty fish curry, flavorful parotta, or a comforting masala tea, this restaurant promises a rich sensory journey into the flavors of South India—all wrapped up in a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes every visitor feel right at home.

For those interested in a truly memorable culinary adventure steeped in tradition and vibrant flavors, Choonda Restaurant is a must-visit in East Ham.

Soniya Akash

11/12/2025

At Choonda Restaurant , I enjoyed a delightful seafood experience. The freshness of the fish was evident, and the flavors were beautifully balanced. The presentation was also appealing, making the meal not just tasty but visually inviting. Overall, it was a satisfying dining experience that highlighted the best of seafood.

Gunam Erambally

19/11/2025

Very good restaurant with so many fish dishes. And it takes some time for the dishes as they informed. One issue I faced was the food is not hot when they gave the rice was not hot enough was warmed up but kept long to serve, I felt so. But food is worth and nice.

Iryna Dolhaia (Rina)

18/11/2025

Choonda is a delight for seafood lovers. The kadal punnara was rich, creamy, and full of the perfect coconut flavor, the kadal kanthari brought the heat with its fiery green chili. It will definitely light up your day (and throat) It was spicy but very nice, and the seafood bucket was amazing. It had a mix of prawns, squid, and crab in a spicy masala that paired perfectly with the soft appams. Every dish tasted fresh and bursting with flavor. Choonda is the kind of place you’d be happy to return to, I recommend

Bivin Jith

14/11/2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 – Outstanding Kerala Cuisine at Choonda, East Ham! I had a fantastic experience at Choonda Kerala Restaurant in East Ham. The service was excellent, the atmosphere was welcoming, and the food was absolutely incredible. The highlight of my visit was the Maha Samudhra Sadhya – a beautifully prepared seafood feast with amazing flavours. Every dish was fresh, authentic, and truly delicious. A big thank-you to the staff — ANSWALA, ABHIRAMI, JINCY for their warm hospitality. They were friendly, attentive, and made sure everything was perfect throughout my meal. If you’re looking for great Kerala food, exceptional seafood, and top-quality service, Choonda is definitely the place to go. I’ll absolutely be returning!

Aleksandra Volkova

13/11/2025

Absolutely loved my experience at Choonda Restaurant! Authentic Kerala flavours, fresh seafood, and beautifully presented dishes. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere felt warm and genuine, looks like a little piece of South India in London. Highly recommend for anyone looking to discover real Kerala cuisine!

Vijesh Vijay

02/11/2025

Had an amazing experience at Choonda Restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious — authentic Kerala flavours, perfectly cooked, and beautifully presented. The fish mandi, parotta, and curries were all spot on. A special mention to Jincy, who was so kind, polite, and attentive throughout our visit. She made us feel really welcome and comfortable — like dining at home. The whole staff were friendly, and the place had such a warm, homely vibe. Definitely one of the best South Indian restaurants I’ve been to. Highly recommended!

Thushanth துஷாந்

24/10/2025

I recently visited Choonda Kerala Restaurant (East Ham) in London as I love Kerala food. I ordered a seafood puttu, two sets of fish cutlets, and two masala teas. I was served by a lovely girl named Ms.Jincy, who was kind and had a warm, smiley face. The taste of the food and the high standard they maintain are simply fabulous! The fish cutlets especially reminded me of my mother, as she used to make them exactly the same way — full of authentic flavor and love. Dear food lovers, I highly recommend giving this restaurant a try — I’m sure you’ll want to revisit again and again without hesitation. (Tip: For spice levels, kindly talk to the waitress or the chef.)

Muthu Kathija

31/08/2025

Good hospitality from abhirami and ansu . Beautifully presented presentation just blew us away Everything is cooked perfectly,fresh ingredients. absolutely delicious! Two dishes we tried was bursting with tastes After long time I felt aromatic flavour. Thanks for your recommendation mates. Will come back again