Business Details
Authentic Kerala Cuisine in Cambridge
At Rice Boat, we are dedicated to bringing the authentic, vibrant flavours of Kerala, South India, to Cambridge. Our menu showcases traditional Kerala cuisine, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced with care by our co-owners. We prioritise dietary inclusivity, offering a wide range of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan dishes that are authentic rather than substituted. Our team, led by Head Chef Jacob Abraham and Front of House Manager Rita Abraham, combines culinary expertise with a passion for hospitality to create a welcoming dining experience. We operate with transparency, ensuring guests understand ingredients and feel confident in their meal choices.Beyond in-house dining, we provide takeaway, catering, and frozen meal options to accommodate diverse needs. Our commitment to quality extends to Halal-certified meats and partnerships with trusted suppliers. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or seeking a comforting meal, we aim to make every visit memorable through our food and service. Established with a vision to share Kerala's culinary heritage, we continue to innovate while staying true to our roots. Our location in Newnham offers a convenient yet distinctive destination for locals and visitors alike.
Services
Kerala Cuisine
Vegetarian Meals
Halal Food
Group Dining
Outside Catering
Frozen Meal Delivery
Highlights and features
- We offer authentic Kerala cuisine with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
- Our team sources ingredients with expert care for quality and freshness.
- We provide flexible services including catering and frozen meal options.
- We hold Halal certification for beef, lamb, and chicken.
- Our co-owners combine culinary expertise with hospitality experience.
Associations and certifications
- Booker (Halal-certified)
Services
Kerala Cuisine
Our Kerala cuisine features traditional dishes made with fresh spices and ingredients. We focus on authentic recipes from South India, avoiding generic 'British Curry' adaptations. Meals are prepared using time-honoured techniques while maintaining modern kitchen standards, ensuring every dish delivers the true taste of Kerala's culinary heritage.
Vegetarian Meals
We offer numerous vegetarian and vegan options rooted in Kerala's agricultural traditions. Our menu includes lentil-based curries, vegetable stews, and rice dishes that reflect regional eating habits. These meals cater to dietary preferences without compromising authenticity, using natural ingredients rather than substitute products to accommodate various dietary needs.
Group Dining
We accommodate groups up to 45 people in our restaurant space. Our team assists with menu selections and seating arrangements for special occasions. This service includes dedicated attention to dietary requirements and event coordination, ensuring comfortable dining experiences for celebrations ranging from family gatherings to corporate functions.
Outside Catering
Our catering service brings Kerala cuisine to private homes, hired venues, and workplaces. We provide full menu options with advance notice, including special dietary adaptations. This service maintains the same quality standards as our restaurant, with dishes prepared fresh and transported to ensure optimal presentation and taste at your chosen location.
Frozen Meal Delivery
We offer refrigerated and frozen meal options for home consumption. These pre-prepared dishes maintain their quality when reheated, providing convenient access to authentic Kerala food. Ideal for busy households or as gifts, this service extends our culinary expertise beyond the restaurant while preserving the integrity of traditional recipes.
People
Jacob Abraham
Head Chef and co-owner
Jacob combines engineering precision with culinary passion, mastering Kerala cooking techniques. He oversees kitchen operations and recipe development, ensuring authenticity in every dish served at Rice Boat.
Rita Abraham
Front of House Manager and co-owner
Rita sources premium ingredients through early-morning market visits, prioritising quality and freshness. Her expertise in supplier relationships ensures consistent access to specialty produce for the restaurant's menus.
Questions
Does Rice Boat offer vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes, our menu includes numerous vegetarian and vegan dishes rooted in Kerala's culinary traditions, using natural ingredients rather than substitutes.
Can I book a table for a large group?
We accommodate groups up to 45 people. Please email us in advance to arrange seating and discuss menu options for your party.
Do you provide catering services for private events?
Yes, we offer catering for home, venue, or workplace events with advance notice to ensure menu preparation and delivery logistics.
Are your meat dishes Halal-certified?
Our beef, lamb, and chicken are Halal-certified by Booker, ensuring compliance with dietary requirements for Muslim customers.
Can I order takeaway meals?
Yes, we offer takeaway for collection with orders ideally placed before 4pm for same-day service via email.
Reviews (6)
M. L.
Jan 01, 2022
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Me and my friends have dined here many times and we have also celebrated my mum's birthday here. The food is always exceptional and the service is top-notch.
Naira Antoun
Oct 11, 2021
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The food and service were both absolutely amazing. The staff were kind, welcoming and accommodating. It seemed like care was put into everything, from every delicious dish we ordered (quite a few) to the lovely little bunches of flowers on each table. Couldn't recommend it more and definitely coming back
Edgar Spencer
Sep 11, 2021
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We revisited Rice Boat last evening for the first time in more than a year. We had some very delicious authentic Kerala food and had also pre-ordered a good supply of our favourite biriyanis (both lamb & chicken), fried masala fish & porottas). They serve the most delicious and authentic Kerala cuisine. Very much looking forward to our next visit.
Darren Bell
Aug 20, 2021
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Excellent Indian food with a Southern Indian twist. The prawn balls are to die for and the ingredients were fresh and of good quality. I had lemon rice which actually tasted of lemons :-) and the waitress was super friendly. Would definitely go there again.
Elizabeth Hunt
Aug 08, 2021
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Had an excellent meal here last weekend. The menu is varied, the food delicious and the price very reasonable. The waitress was helpful, friendly and informative. We had an extremely nice evening there and will definitely be returning.
Ana Maria Riquel
Nov 04, 2019
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Excellent restaurant ! Fast service and great food. I've tried several dishes, last ones being vada, prawns in mango (excellent with coconut rice) and the lamb with parotta. The pistachio dessert is a delicatessen too (recommended to have it with the dessert wine). All in all one of my favourite places in Cambridge (celebrate my anniversary here every year).
