Air Canada has officially revealed its 2024 ‘Top 10 Best New Restaurants in Canada’ today and one eatery from right here in Victoria not only made the list, but came in fifth place.
Café Malabar was the sole representative of Victoria on Air Canada’s longlist released in September, which included 32 restaurants across the country.
This eatery is a humble food stall, located in the Victoria Public Market. They serve food which features the authentically vibrant flavours of the Kerala state of India.
Café Malabar uses fresh ingredients from the Pacific Northwest to emulate the flavours of the Southern Indian region.
Some highlights from Café Malabar’s menu are their Spicy Prawn Fried Rice (KAYAL CHEMEEN), Crispy Fried King Fish aka (PORICHA NEYMEEN), rice and coconut rolls (PUTTU) and of course, their rice pancakes (APPAM).
They have a myriad of authentic Keralan curries and biryanis as well.
(More below.)
“Press the button for service at a kitchen stall in Victoria Public Market and moments later a parade of coastal Keralan dishes arrives at communal tables, from clay pots of fish chatty choru to flaky egg puffs and lacy rice hoppers,” wrote Tara O’Brady, the award-winning cookbook author and culinary journalist who compiled this year’s top 10 list.
This was Air Canada’s 23rd year putting together their esteemed list of best new restaurants in Canada.
New restaurants are judged by a single, anonymous reviewer—this year O’Brady took on the role.
She judged each eatery on all aspects of the dining experience, including culinary vision, quality of ingredients, service and overall team spirit.
“Every restaurant I visited told an eloquent story about its community, championing local ingredients and diverse culinary traditions,” said O’Brady.
“Notably, this year is the ‘year of the couple,’ with five of the Top 10 (and each of the top three spots) run by restaurateurs who are partners in both life and business.”
The top three restaurants this year were Sabayon in Montreal, QC, Mhel in Toronto, ON and Maison de Soma in Mont-Tremblant, QC.
See the full 2024 Top 10 Best New Restaurants in Canada online here.
