Kerala flavours
Reviews highlight authentic, homely Kerala cooking, including balanced biryani masalas and traditional nadan flavours.
Tasty Notes - Qusais
Al Qusais
Tasty Notes is a Kerala-focused non-vegetarian restaurant in Al Qusais, known in reviews for homely nadan food at approachable prices. Customers come for dishes such as Kunji Kozhi and biryani, with a comfortable dining room that suits both quick meals and relaxed family visits.
Reputation Score
3.8
★★★★☆
1,494 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Standout dishes
Kunjukozhi fry is described as crispy, spicy and aromatic, while beef and mutton chops pair well with appam or porotta.
Good value
Several diners found the food affordable and satisfying, including a reported AED 8 meal served with a generous spread of sides.
Comfortable setting
Reviews describe the restaurant as spacious, clean and relaxing, with comfortable seating and a pleasant atmosphere.
Fresh portions
Some customers reported fresh food, generous portions and dishes that felt worth the price.
What to Eat at Tasty Notes - Qusais How we choose these items We use AI to find praise and criticism of specific foods and drinks in a selection of Google reviews. For Tasty Notes - Qusais, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. The score is positive reviews minus negative reviews. For example, two positive reviews and one negative review give +1. Each review counts once per item; neutral comments do not change the score. A zero score is not a positive recommendation. “Only neutral feedback” means there are no positive or negative votes. “Mixed feedback” means equal numbers of positive and negative votes. The quotes are examples of what people said, not every comment we counted. We use different reviews where we can. We normally show up to 10 foods and 5 drinks with non-negative scores. Items with the same score stay together. If a tied group would go past the limit, that group and the lower non-negative scores go into Honorable mentions. If an overflowing positive top tie would leave the list empty, we show up to 10 items from that tie and keep the rest in Honorable mentions. Foods and drinks with a negative score are under What to Avoid. Use this as a guide to what reviewers liked, not a guarantee that you will like it too.
These items at Tasty Notes - Qusais got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 3
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Kunji kozhi Net +3
“Their special dish, Kunji Kozhi, is a must-try — perfectly cooked, deliciously spiced, and full of flavor.”
Positive 3Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Their special dish, Kunji Kozhi, is a must-try — perfectly cooked, deliciously spiced, and full of flavor.”May 2026
“The food was absolutely delicious, especially the kunjikkozhi — it was full of flavor and perfectly cooked.”May 2026
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Beef chops Net +2
“The "Chops": Both the Beef and Mutton Chops featured a rich, thick gravy that paired beautifully with Appam or Porotta”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The "Chops": Both the Beef and Mutton Chops featured a rich, thick gravy that paired beautifully with Appam or Porotta”May 2026
“Kallappam so soft it surrendered at the slightest touch. Chicken 65 that announced itself with confidence but never arrogance. Fragrant ghee rice. Beef chaps so rich and beautifully cooked that conversation between Gopi and me became increasingly optional. And finally, a comforting cup of tea that served as the perfect epilogue to a memorable meal.”July 2026
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Mutton biryani Net +2
“Oldest female kingdom in kerala which ruled areas of Kannur and lakshwdeep also the ARAKKAL family the restaurant is made like the old dow ship , we went for a getogther , tried out the biriyani mutton and added soda sharbath, food is great it was Sunday and heavy rush”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Oldest female kingdom in kerala which ruled areas of Kannur and lakshwdeep also the ARAKKAL family the restaurant is made like the old dow ship , we went for a getogther , tried out the biriyani mutton and added soda sharbath, food is great it was Sunday and heavy rush”April 2025
“*Mutton & Beef Biryani: The meat was fall-off-the-bone tender, and the masala was perfectly balanced—not too oily, just pure flavor .”May 2026
Honorable mentions (16)
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Beef biriyani Net +1
“The best beef biriyani in town now, very tasty and economical, but the biggest letdown is the staff and servicing, the manager on the floor is trying so hard to control the staff but they are very rude and irresponsive.”
Positive 2Negative 1
Review excerpts
“The best beef biriyani in town now, very tasty and economical, but the biggest letdown is the staff and servicing, the manager on the floor is trying so hard to control the staff but they are very rude and irresponsive.”March 2026
“*Mutton & Beef Biryani: The meat was fall-off-the-bone tender, and the masala was perfectly balanced—not too oily, just pure flavor .”May 2026
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Chicken 65 Net +1
“Kallappam so soft it surrendered at the slightest touch. Chicken 65 that announced itself with confidence but never arrogance. Fragrant ghee rice. Beef chaps so rich and beautifully cooked that conversation between Gopi and me became increasingly optional. And finally, a comforting cup of tea that served as the perfect epilogue to a memorable meal.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Kallappam so soft it surrendered at the slightest touch. Chicken 65 that announced itself with confidence but never arrogance. Fragrant ghee rice. Beef chaps so rich and beautifully cooked that conversation between Gopi and me became increasingly optional. And finally, a comforting cup of tea that served as the perfect epilogue to a memorable meal.”July 2026
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Chicken biryani Net +1
“Chicken Biryani: A classic done right with fragrant short-grain rice and authentic spices.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Chicken Biryani: A classic done right with fragrant short-grain rice and authentic spices.”May 2026
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Chicken curry Net +1
“Tried Kalludosa, Kunji Kozhi, and Chicken Curry from Tasty Notes, Qusais, and it was absolutely delicious. The flavors were authentic and perfectly balanced.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Tried Kalludosa, Kunji Kozhi, and Chicken Curry from Tasty Notes, Qusais, and it was absolutely delicious. The flavors were authentic and perfectly balanced.”June 2026
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Fish egg fry Net +1
“Tried the CB, meals, and the fish egg fry, which was a standout dish and was served along with sambar. The food was tasty, satisfying, and definitely worth the price.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Tried the CB, meals, and the fish egg fry, which was a standout dish and was served along with sambar. The food was tasty, satisfying, and definitely worth the price.”June 2026
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Fish fry Net +1
“What appeared before me was a generous meal accompanied by an impressive spread of side dishes, with fish fry that was beautifully prepared and priced with refreshing honesty. Every bite carried the unmistakable signature of a kitchen that respects both its craft and its customers.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“What appeared before me was a generous meal accompanied by an impressive spread of side dishes, with fish fry that was beautifully prepared and priced with refreshing honesty. Every bite carried the unmistakable signature of a kitchen that respects both its craft and its customers.”July 2026
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Fish mango curry Net +1
“Seafood Selection: The Fish Mango Curry provided that perfect tangy kick, while the Fish Moilee was creamy and delicate. The Fish Roast is a spice-lover's dream.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Seafood Selection: The Fish Mango Curry provided that perfect tangy kick, while the Fish Moilee was creamy and delicate. The Fish Roast is a spice-lover's dream.”May 2026
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Fish moilee Net +1
“Seafood Selection: The Fish Mango Curry provided that perfect tangy kick, while the Fish Moilee was creamy and delicate. The Fish Roast is a spice-lover's dream.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Seafood Selection: The Fish Mango Curry provided that perfect tangy kick, while the Fish Moilee was creamy and delicate. The Fish Roast is a spice-lover's dream.”May 2026
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Fish roast Net +1
“Seafood Selection: The Fish Mango Curry provided that perfect tangy kick, while the Fish Moilee was creamy and delicate. The Fish Roast is a spice-lover's dream.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Seafood Selection: The Fish Mango Curry provided that perfect tangy kick, while the Fish Moilee was creamy and delicate. The Fish Roast is a spice-lover's dream.”May 2026
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Ghee rice Net +1
“Kallappam so soft it surrendered at the slightest touch. Chicken 65 that announced itself with confidence but never arrogance. Fragrant ghee rice. Beef chaps so rich and beautifully cooked that conversation between Gopi and me became increasingly optional. And finally, a comforting cup of tea that served as the perfect epilogue to a memorable meal.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Kallappam so soft it surrendered at the slightest touch. Chicken 65 that announced itself with confidence but never arrogance. Fragrant ghee rice. Beef chaps so rich and beautifully cooked that conversation between Gopi and me became increasingly optional. And finally, a comforting cup of tea that served as the perfect epilogue to a memorable meal.”July 2026
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Kallappam Net +1
“Kallappam so soft it surrendered at the slightest touch. Chicken 65 that announced itself with confidence but never arrogance. Fragrant ghee rice. Beef chaps so rich and beautifully cooked that conversation between Gopi and me became increasingly optional. And finally, a comforting cup of tea that served as the perfect epilogue to a memorable meal.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Kallappam so soft it surrendered at the slightest touch. Chicken 65 that announced itself with confidence but never arrogance. Fragrant ghee rice. Beef chaps so rich and beautifully cooked that conversation between Gopi and me became increasingly optional. And finally, a comforting cup of tea that served as the perfect epilogue to a memorable meal.”July 2026
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Kalludosa Net +1
“Tried Kalludosa, Kunji Kozhi, and Chicken Curry from Tasty Notes, Qusais, and it was absolutely delicious. The flavors were authentic and perfectly balanced.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Tried Kalludosa, Kunji Kozhi, and Chicken Curry from Tasty Notes, Qusais, and it was absolutely delicious. The flavors were authentic and perfectly balanced.”June 2026
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Kunjukozhi fry Net +1
“Kunjukozhi fry : Both the Fry and the Varattiyathu were spectacular—crispy, spicy, and packed with traditional Malabar aromatics.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Kunjukozhi fry : Both the Fry and the Varattiyathu were spectacular—crispy, spicy, and packed with traditional Malabar aromatics.”May 2026
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Kunjukozhi varattiyathu Net +1
“Kunjukozhi fry : Both the Fry and the Varattiyathu were spectacular—crispy, spicy, and packed with traditional Malabar aromatics.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Kunjukozhi fry : Both the Fry and the Varattiyathu were spectacular—crispy, spicy, and packed with traditional Malabar aromatics.”May 2026
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Lagoon biryani Net +1
“Prawns & Lagoon Biryani: A must-try for seafood lovers. The Lagoon Biryani, in particular, has a unique, deep flavor profile that is hard to find elsewhere.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Prawns & Lagoon Biryani: A must-try for seafood lovers. The Lagoon Biryani, in particular, has a unique, deep flavor profile that is hard to find elsewhere.”May 2026
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Mutton chops Net +1
“The "Chops": Both the Beef and Mutton Chops featured a rich, thick gravy that paired beautifully with Appam or Porotta”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The "Chops": Both the Beef and Mutton Chops featured a rich, thick gravy that paired beautifully with Appam or Porotta”May 2026
What to Avoid (2)
Food 2
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Payasam Net −1
“I had to ask for payasam that comes along with the meals.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“I had to ask for payasam that comes along with the meals.”May 2026
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Putt Net −1
“I initially ordered putt, but it was served half-cooked, so I had to ask for it to be replaced with chemba putt.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“I initially ordered putt, but it was served half-cooked, so I had to ask for it to be replaced with chemba putt.”July 2026
Tips for a Better Visit
Confirm prices. Ask for the exact price before ordering; one review says menu amounts were per person and larger curry pots applied for more diners.
Check availability. Before settling on a dish, confirm it is still available; one diner was told several previously confirmed items had finished.
Allow time. Build in extra time for service, especially for tea and meal accompaniments, as several reviews mention delays and repeated requests.
Plan parking. Factor in paid or nearby parking arrangements because a review reports no dedicated free parking close to the restaurant.
Check sides. When ordering biryani or meals, check that plates, salad, pickle and dessert have arrived rather than assuming all accompaniments come together.
Plan the visit
Practical details
167 Al Nahda St
Al Qusais 2, Dubai
| Mon | 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Tue | 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Wed | 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Thu | 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Fri | 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Sat | 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Sun | 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
Common Concerns
Service delays
Multiple reviews report long waits, including 45 minutes for three teas and delayed food or sides.
Inconsistent food
Food quality is not consistently reliable: one diner received half-cooked putt, while others criticised chicken and beef dishes.
Limited availability
One customer said several dishes were confirmed and then reported finished shortly afterwards, making ordering frustrating.
Small portions
Some diners found portions limited, including a complaint about very little biryani rice and mostly bones in a beef biryani.
Parking access
A review reports no dedicated free parking nearby and no specific parking or entrance for people of determination.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Tasty Notes in Al Qusais is a Kerala-style non-vegetarian restaurant built around affordable, homely food. Reviews point to a broad choice of comforting dishes rather than a formal dining experience: Kunjukozhi fry, Lagoon Biryani, beef biryani, fish egg fry, appam and porotta all receive individual mentions. The nadan flavours and reasonable pricing are the main reasons diners return.
The strongest food feedback is specific. One diner praised tender meat and balanced masala in the biryanis, while another found the Kunjukozhi dishes crispy and packed with Malabar aromatics. The setting is another plus, with comments about spacious, neat interiors, comfortable seating and a quiet atmosphere suitable for family meals or conversation.
Service is the important caveat. Several customers describe friendly, attentive visits, but others report missing accompaniments, slow orders and staff who were difficult to reach. One review records a 45-minute wait for three teas.
Food quality also varies, from fresh and generous to half-cooked putt, disappointing chicken and very limited biryani rice. Check availability and exact prices before ordering, and allow extra time at busy periods. Parking may require planning: one review mentions no dedicated free parking nearby and limited accessibility provisions.