Kerala, a tropical state on India’s southwest Malabar Coast, is known as the Land of Spices for a reason. Tourists are drawn to its spicy, black pepper-heavy cuisine. Luckily, Clevelanders needn’t go farther than Mayfield Heights’ Taste of Kerala for an authentic sampling of owner Anil Kumar’s homeland cuisine. After years of learning recipes and techniques from his grandmother, Kumar opened his fast-casual restaurant here in the United States with an extensive menu full of South Indian flavor at affordable prices. Diners will appreciate the tender goat biryani ($8.49), lovingly served over a bed of aromatic rice and seasoned with six spices: cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, garlic and black pepper. Order it spicy if you can handle the heat — but remember, Kumar says, American spicy is nothing compared to Indian spicy. Also Try: Start with sambar ($4.99), soft potatoes and Indian spices wrapped in a pastry. The chicken curry ($5.49) boasts large pieces of tender white and dark meat simmering in a spicy sauce. 5850 Mayfield Road, Mayfield Heights, 440-461-9212, tasteofkeralam.com
