Malabar Nepalese and Indian Kitchen
+64 7-281 7011+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Mon
11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Tue
11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Wed
11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Thu
11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Fri
11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Sat
11:30 am - 9:30 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
5.0
Travellers' Choice 2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
$9.00 – $45.00
CUISINES
Indian, International, Asian, Nepalese
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
meals, features
Does this restaurant serve Romagna food?
Details
About
At The Malabar we bring to you the fine art of balancing taste, flavor and aroma. We capture the essence of traditional Indian & Nepalese cuisine and present it with contemporary flair. The result is a menu that’s authentic as well as innovative. We offer a blend of culturally rich cuisine of the Indian peninsula and the freshest New Zealand produce – prepared by our award -winning chef with a touch of his own alchemy.
PRICE RANGE
$9.00 – $45.00
CUISINES
Indian, International, Asian, Nepalese
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Cash Only, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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5.0
988 reviews
Excellent
847
Very good
90
Average
35
Poor
14
Terrible
2
Simon Johnston
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • couples
Came here for our wedding anniversary and loved our experience. We had fabulous fast and friendly service. We found this restaurant fantastic value for money and were even treated when the staff found out it was an anniversary dinner. Highly recommend the Chef's special for two - lots of variety and you won't go home hungry.
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chhatrakumal2018
Thank you very much for such a lovely review. We are so glad that you enjoy the food, it was our pleasure to serve you all. Happy Anniversary once again. We look forward to seeing you again.
Thank you
Written 23 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
envacation
Hastings54 contributions
Jul 2020 • family
If you are looking for authentic Indian food with modern twist, this is the place to go. Very reasonably priced for a family of 4 including two constantly hungry boys. Samosa, chicken popsicles, popadums, 2 x children’s butter chicken meals including rice, lamb rogan jus, black beans and dhal curry, 3 parathas and 1 soft drink for ~ $100. We visited this place 18 months ago and the same maître d greeted us. Staff are attentive and service is fast which is great for feeding kids. Updated decor makes it cosy and inviting so make sure you visit this place on your next trip!
Written 16 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chhatrakumal2018
Dear Evacation
Thank you very much for taking time to review us. It was our pleasure to serve you and very glad that you had a good experience . Please do visit again when you come down to Taupo. Looking forward to seeing you again.
Written 20 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carolyn A
Toowoomba102 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
We had a delicious dinner here tonight, three of us enjoying a selection of dishes, all cooked beautifully and served with generous portions. Absolutely delicious with the perfect amount of spice heat as per each of our (different) requests. Wait staff kept checking all was well, maybe a little too often due to us dining fairly early and them not being very busy at that stage. I loved it here and would recommend and return in a heartbeat.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chhatrakumal2018
Dear Carolyn
Thank you very much for taking time to review us. It was our pleasure to serve you and very glad that you had a good experience . Please do visit again when you come down to Taupo.
Looking forward to seeing you again.
Written 3 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dave L
6 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
We booked into Malabar following reviews on trip advisor and were not disappointed. We booked the chef's special tasting which included 5 x starters, 5 x mains, breads & dessert each for the two of us at $50 each. What a bargain & the food was outstandingly delicious. The mains were goat, chicken, lamb, seafood & vegetarian. We'll be back 👍🥂
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chhatrakumal2018
Dear Dave
Thank you very much for your lovely review and so glad you enjoyed our Chef's Special Set Menu. It was our pleasure to serve you and we look forward to seeing you again..
Written 21 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cath
Wellington22 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
This is our second visit after discovering this place last year on our holiday. Holidaying in Taupo again this summer it was a must do to eat here again. The food was again superb and the staff so friendly. One of our entrees had a small issue and they were very apologetic and offered to replace it, they also did not charge for it and went above and beyond what I’ve seen other restaurants do to remedy a matter. It is obvious the staff care about the reputation of the restaurant and that diners have a good experience.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chhatrakumal2018
Dear Androso
Thank you very much for your wonderful feedback. It was pleasure serving you and very glad that you had a nice experience with us and thank you very much for the cooperation which was very crucial to us.
It was glad to see you again and we look forward to seeing you again
Thank you
Written 4 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nancyolah
641 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
We are so glad we stopped in Taupo for lunch and were guided by the excellent reviews of Malabar on Trip Advisor. Chattra, our pleasant server, warmly greeted us and guided us through the extensive menu. We shared a vegetarian platter for two and some truly delicious tomato olive cheese naan. The food was filling and well prepared. We are not well versed in Nepalese cuisine, but we thought this was an excellent, reasonably priced place for a quiet lunch in Taupo.
Written 5 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chhatrakumal2018
Dear Nancyolah
Thank you very much for taking time to review us. It was our pleasure to serve you and very glad that you had a good experience . I really enjoyed chatting with you. Please do visit again when you come down to Taupo. Looking forward to seeing you again.
Written 29 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kiwidundee
Thames113 contributions
May 2020 • family
We were the only ones here on a Thursday night, but like all Taupo businesses they are short of customers because there are no tourists in Taupo due to Covid. We have spent time in Nepal and were keen to see how authentic these guys are. We were not disappointed! The momos are great, and the goat curry was superbly cooked and fell off the bone. I like my curry to be so hot it makes my teeth fillings sizzle, and they didnt disappoint, but they were very concerned I would find it too hot! The service was brilliant and, bless them, the waiter chased us down the street to give back the tip we left! A must-visit next time you are.in Taupo
Written 21 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chhatrakumal2018
Dear Kiwidundee
Thank you very much for taking time to review us. It was our pleasure to serve you and very glad that you had a good experience . Please do visit again when you come down to Taupo. Looking forward to seeing you again.
Written 29 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bee
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • family
Best Indian Nepales eatery my family and i have dined at. The lamb shank meat just fell off the bone and flavours were just divine. The curry dishes packed an awesome flavour and the prawns were so delish. Aside from the ambience beautiful weather and food by far best part of experience was the service. Sangita our waitress was fun lively and engaging and made the best ever cocktails.Dipak too was very attentive.
Malabar is a MUST GO TO if visiting taupo.
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chhatrakumal2018
Dear Pjbarljit
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this excellent review. We are glad that you loved our services, our dedicated front staff (Sangita & Dipak) and our kitchen staff will be pleased to learn of your high praise.
We look forward to serve you again..
Written 28 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DeeBee90
London151 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
The top 4 restaurants in Taupo are all Indian! We picked the Malabar and we were not disappointed. The goat curry was sensational and the other dishes really scrumptious. The service was really friendly and spot on. The portions were really good and we took the leftovers away with us and had them the following evening, microwaved in our accommodation at Lake Okareka near Rotorua. Yum!
Written 30 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chhatrakumal2018
Dear DeeBee
Thank you very much for taking time to review us. It was our pleasure to serve you and very glad that you had a good experience . Please do visit again when you come down to Taupo. Looking forward to seeing you again.
Written 29 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lyn A
86 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
This restuarant had been recommended by my host at my accomodation and it didnt dissapoint. Loved the flavours, the service was prompt and friendly and as a solo diner, I felt totally relaxed in the restaurant atmosphere. A great range of food to choose from, but my highlight was the drink that I finished off my meal with. I tried the Tasty Tamarind Thunder which had been recommended by the waitress and it hit the spot, tangy, refreshing, and cooling....so much so, I went back the next day for lunch and another Tamarind Drink. My new fav eating place in Taupo
Written 10 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malabar B
Dear Lyn
Thank you very much for your wonderful review, we are so glad that you had a good experience with us. We look forward to see you Thank you very much
Written 17 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Luke and Krissy S
Ho Chi Minh City39 contributions
Jun 2020 • family
A must do while visiting Taupo. Restaurant offers Nepalese and Indian inspired food. Extensive range of options to suit all tastes including vegetarian and meat lovers.
Banquet menus on offer for larger groups.
Meals very reasonably priced.
Staff and service were excellent.
Highly recommended if you're looking for great tasting traditional Asian at a good price.
Written 8 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chhatrakumal2018
Dear Luke and Krissy
Thank you very much for taking time to review us. It was our pleasure to serve you and very glad that you had a good experience . Please do visit again when you come down to Taupo. Looking forward to seeing you again.
Written 10 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Toni-Wayne
Christchurch449 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
We loved our meal here....we chose mostly Nepalese dishes to try something different. The Chicken Momo were so delicious and the Himalayan Kukkad curry was awesome too.
The staff were really attentive and friendly. We would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone coming to Taupo
Written 22 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chhatrakumal2018
Dear Toni
Thank you very much for your wonderful review, we are so glad that you had a good experience with us. We look forward to see you again Thank you very much
Written 26 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julie H
5 contributions
Jul 2020 • friends
Fabulous service. Amazing food. You must go here if you visit Taupo.
We arrived quite late on a Friday for a girls weekend and had been recommended this place. So glad we went. We wanted to take our lovely waitress home with us she was just so knowledgeable about the menu and made us great recommendations.
Written 10 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chhatrakumal2018
Dear Julie
Thank you very much for taking time to review us. It was our pleasure to serve you and very glad that you had a good experience . Please do visit again when you come down to Taupo. Looking forward to seeing you again.
Written 20 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Drallom2002
Palmerston North2479 contributions
Dec 2020 • none
This is my third review of this restaurant. As I can only eat there when staying in Taupo and it is so dam good the other places do not get a look in !!!.
The prices are amazingly low - $50 for 2 curries naan bread and a kingfisher beer !
I will not pay for a view over the lake as I have swam in & sailed on it numerous times.
Written 30 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malabar B
Dear Drallom
Thank you very much for your wonderful review, we are so glad that you had a good experience with us. We look forward to see you Thank you very much
Written 7 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
travellingbuzz
Auckland Central888 contributions
Jan 2021 • family
Just wow! Taupo was packed on Saturday night and we didn’t have a dinner reservation. The owners of our apartment had included Malabar in their recommendations so we thought we would try it out and we are so pleased we did. The food was fresh, tasty and if you chose the Nepalese options - quite different from the usual Indian fare. The warm and friendly service was exceptional. All three of us ordered starters or entrees and here was the only problem. For two of us they were so large we then struggled with our mains. We should have shared. The staff were really concerned when we left so much food so I hope they read this and know that we really meant it when we said we were full. We were moving on from Taupo the next day otherwise I would have taken up the offer for takeaway.
This is my new ‘go to’ in Taupo.
Written 23 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malabar B
Dear Travellingbuzz
Thank you very much for wonderful review, we are so glad that you enjoyed each and every food that you had it. It was really fun chatting with you guys. We look forward to seeing you again.. Thank you
Written 25 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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