Indulge in South Indian flavors at this limited-time lunch buffet

Kerala, also known as “God’s Own Country,” is a coastal paradise in South India celebrated for its lush landscapes, spice-rich history, and distinctive flavors that blend coconut, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and tamarind.

Its vibrant cuisine gets the spotlight this month with a lunch buffet (P1,688) at Joy~Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila in Ortigas CBD.

The buffet is available from Mondays to Fridays at The Nostalgia Lounge & Bar and is led by executive chef Gulshan “Gus” Mohammed, a Kerala native who honed his craft in his grandmother’s kitchen before refining his skills internationally.

“Kerala’s cuisine is a celebration of nature, culture, and spice,” chef Gus said in a press release.

“Through this buffet, we’re sharing the soul of every Malayali—where every dish tells a story, and every bite is a journey,” he added.

Guests can savor specialties like the Parotta with Beef Roast, featuring slow-cooked beef cubes infused with coconut and spices, and the Nadan Kozhi Varutathu, a bold Kerala-style fried chicken bursting with flavors of fennel, ginger, and garlic.

Other highlights include the Mussel Fry cooked in fragrant coconut oil and the Kadala Curry, featuring black garbanzos in a clove-rich sauce with coconut, dried chilis, and curry leaves.

Joy~Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila is located at 17 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig. — Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News