Tucked away on the top floor of the Trinity Centre in Leeds, Uyare offers a modern take on Kerala cuisine – the coastal spice-laden cooking of South India. The interior is sleek and inviting with wood floors, marble tables and statement chairs that wouldn’t look out of place in a boutique hotel. There’s also a rooftop terrace, perfect for a warm-weather cocktail or post-dinner wind-down.

But what we are really here for… is the food. The menu itself is split into thoughtful sections: small plates to share, classic Kerala mains, and a very solid line-up of sides and breads. It reads like a love letter to the region’s rich culinary heritage – with coconut, curry leaves, mustard seeds and black pepper woven throughout - you get the sense it’s been designed with care; it shows.

And there’s a moment when you take the first bite of something and realise a meal is going to be really good. That moment came with the Lamb Pepper Fry – tender, slow-cooked lamb, expertly spiced and topped with a crunchy tangle of crispy okra. It’s the kind of dish that makes you sit back for a second, smile to yourself and quietly celebrate your excellent order.

The Flavours

We started with the Masala Fried Cauliflower – golden florets, crisp on the outside and tender in the middle, coated in a deeply savoury spice blend with a touch of sweetness that balanced beautifully with the heat. It’s the kind of dish that could easily steal the show – bold, moreish and full of flavour.

Then came the Lamb Pepper Fry – which, in truth, I’m still thinking about, even as I write this. The meat was slow-cooked and meltingly tender, then finished with a punchy black pepper and shallot masala, topped with crispy okra for texture. It packed a serious depth of flavour – warming rather than fiery – and was gone far too quickly.

For mains, we shared the Kozhi Biriyani – fragrant basmati rice layered with saffron, cashews, caramelised onions and spiced chicken. The biriyani had just the right level of richness, with the sweet and crunchy onions offsetting the spices. It came with a cooling raita that added a welcome freshness.

We also tried the Nadan Kozhi Curry, a classic homestyle chicken dish cooked in a robust tomato-based sauce with a generous hit of roasted coconut and warming spices. It was hearty, comforting and rich without being heavy – the kind of curry you want on a rainy day.

On the side, the Okra Daal was velvety and well-spiced, with a whisper of mustard seed and a touch of bitterness from the okra, while the Kerala Paratha was flaky, buttery and perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. If you’re a fan of a proper paratha, don’t miss this one.

The Experience

What impressed me most about Uyare was how carefully each dish was constructed – not just in flavour but in texture and balance. There’s a clear understanding of the building blocks of good food here: contrast, seasoning and restraint. Nothing was overpowered by chilli for the sake of it, and everything was built around layers of flavour rather than heat alone.

Service at Uyare is as warm as the dishes. Our waitress Robyn was a gem – friendly, knowledgeable and happy to talk through the menu, even suggesting wine pairings and checking in with just the right balance of attentiveness. You can tell the team are proud of what they serve– and rightly so.

The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a restaurant with such bold food – plenty of options that can stand up to spice without clashing. A chilled glass of Gewürztraminer worked beautifully with the cauliflower, and the Sancerre added a nice zing to the biriyani. For those skipping alcohol, there’s even a Provence-style 0% rosé – a classy touch.

The Verdict

Uyare is more than just a good South Indian restaurant – it’s a celebration of Kerala’s complex, fragrant cuisine, done with style and substance. Whether you’re after a light bite and a drink on the terrace or a proper sit-down feast, it delivers. The dishes feel both rooted in tradition and fresh, with a modern presentation and thoughtful service to match.

Go for the cauliflower. Stay for the lamb. And definitely order the paratha.

The Details

Where: Uyare, Trinity Centre, Leeds
Website: www.uyare.co.uk
Best for: A refined yet comforting South Indian feast in a smart, modern setting
Price: ££–£££
Go for: Masala Fried Cauliflower, Lamb Pepper Fry, Kozhi Biriyani and Kerala Paratha

Uyare, Leeds – A Taste of Kerala with a Modern Twist

The Details

Home

food

drink

Contact

Subscribe