Nestled against the mountains of Queenstown, a cosy home in Lake Hayes has quietly been earning its fan base.
Kerala Feast, one of the few spots in the region serving Kerala-style cuisine, is the dream venture of Simi and Jayesh Menoth, who have been winning hearts with authentic South Indian flavours, homely warmth, and a dash of nostalgia.
A recent Instagram reel by a traveller, who goes by the handle @sgculturedboi, put the eatery on the map after he drove 30 minutes just to satisfy a dosa craving at their home kitchen.
“It is the most beautiful Indian food shop I have ever been to,” he said, as Simi welcomed him inside and began preparing his meal — grinding dosa batter, cooking curries, and serving him a plate of comfort straight from the heart.
It’s easy to see why Kerala Feast has captured hearts.
“Food connects people, especially when it’s made with love,” say Simi and Jayesh, who founded Kerala Feast four months ago.
The couple, who moved to Queenstown in 2010, say the initiative grew from their desire to give back to New Zealand’s multicultural community.
Simi, the creative force behind the kitchen, and Jayesh, a Programme Manager and Tutor at the Southern Institute of
“Food means family, celebration, and love,” they say, a sentiment that flows through every dish they serve.
“Kerala Feast is built on values, ethics, and genuine care for people. We want every plate we serve to reflect the same honesty that defines us,” the couple say.
Each ingredient is sourced with care from trusted suppliers, and every meal is freshly cooked, free from preservatives and artificial colours.
“Despite rising costs, we keep prices as low as possible, because we want everyone — students, families, and workers — to be able to enjoy real food,” they explain.
The menu features about 20 dishes, including dosa, idli, vada, appam, Kerala-style curries, and traditional desserts. Their signature items — Chicken Mandhi, Podi Dosa, and Podi Idli — are firm favourites among regulars.
“We also accommodate customer preferences, like adjusting spice levels, preparing vegetarian or vegan options, and even personalising dishes for kids and families,” the couple told The Indian Weekender.
What started with Simi cooking for friends and neighbours gradually evolved into a community-driven food venture.
“It came from a mix of love, nostalgia, and passion. We missed the comfort of Kerala’s flavours — coconut, curry leaves, and freshly ground spices,” Simi said.
Photo: Supplied
Now, she recreates those memories in her Queenstown kitchen.
“We often invite regular customers, friends, and neighbours to try new dishes or festival specials,” Simi shared.
Running the eatery from home allows the couple to maintain their standards without compromising affordability.
“We maintain full control over freshness and cleanliness while keeping our prices fair,” they said.
The couple said the Kerala Feast operates under a verified Food Control Plan approved by the Queenstown Lakes District Council and the Ministry for
“Our kitchen is set up professionally but still feels like home — warm, aromatic, and full of life,” Jayesh told The Indian Weekender.
The couple manages orders through Facebook, Instagram, and phone calls. Simi personally handles every order from confirmation to preparation, while Jayesh oversees marketing, logistics, and communication.
Photo: Supplied
While opening a restaurant remains a long-term dream, the couple is content keeping things personal for now.
“Every dosa, every curry, every smile that walks through our door reminds us why we started — to share love through food.”
Kerala Feast can be found on Instagram at @keralafeast777, where the couple shares weekly menus and festival specials. They can also be reached at 022 645 0939 or via Facebook and Instagram.