REVIEW: a brand new family-run Indian cafe in Marsascala

The Keema Indian Cafe & Bar sprung its doors open exactly two weeks ago and let me start by saying that it certainly offers something different.

The Keema is located in the heart of Marsascala, replacing the former bar and grill, The Mad Hatter. This eatery is run by the North Indian family who decided to leave their home in Uttarakhand and set up shop in Malta.

Keema is not a restaurant per se. Do not expect it to be, it is a humble hole-in-the-wall cafe, think of it as the Indian equivalent of a typical Maltese snack bar. In fact, it's the kind of cafe you might actually come across in India. I advise to eat outside!

The menu is short and sweet. It reminds me of when I used to go to dinner at my Indian friend's house after school. The mother was not a professional chef but cooked dishes from her country made with love. This is what can be expected here, do not expect perfect restaurant style cuisine. I tell you what you can expect though... flavours and authenticity.

We started with the dal (lentil) soup which is usually a favourite of mine. Keema's included the husk. The consistency was not as thick as I thought... but it was delicious, flavourful and fresh. 




I asked if I could try their Indian chapli on its own (as it usually comes as a meal with fries and salad) and they accommodated.

These came in the form of two completely homemade (you can tell by the texture and taste) pounded grounded chicken, coupled with a melange of whole and ground spices. You don't find chapli in a lot of restaurants here and these were very palate-pleasing.




Since they sold out of the fish curry, I decided to have a chicken curry (7.50) instead (both have different sauces) and I wasn't disappointed.

This no-fuss concoction had a gravy-like consistency and tasted of India on a plate. It came with whole pieces of chicken that were fall-of-the-bone. 




The pièce de résistance was definitely the mutton biryani (9.50). I highly recommend you order it should you visit the cafe.

This heavily-portioned Indian staple involves fluffy rice deeply-coated with exotic spices and  slowly cooked pieces of meat. I love biryani so much and this one hit the spot. We ordered the chicken version which came with chopped pieces, bone-in.




The other main of choice was the mutton Nihari. This hearty stew-like curry involved exceptionally soft pieces of mutton with the bone marrow and garam masala. A tiny little bit on the oily side but there was definitely an explosion of flavours and the portion size was very generous. It felt like a warm hug from a relative.

They also cater for vegans and vegetarians (such as the Ramja, Chloe and Sabzi) and have a keema roll I must try. 

The prices are more than decent, the food is appetising, simple yet delicious, and the service is done with a smile. What's not to love?

The Keema Indian Bar & Cafe
Mifsud Bonnici Square
Marsascala
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