About
Welcome to Chatti by Regi Mathew, an exquisite gem nestled in the heart of New York City at 252 W 37th St. This restaurant offers a captivating culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Kerala, brought to life by Chef Regi Mathew's passionate and authentic approach to South Indian cuisine. From the moment you step inside, you are enveloped in a warm and inviting ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
Chatti's menu is a spectacular tribute to Kerala's rich culinary heritage, featuring dishes that are thoughtfully crafted to highlight the region’s diverse flavors and textures. Take, for instance, the delightful Mushroom Pouches 'Koon Kizhi', a beautiful blend of delicate mushrooms spiced with coconut masala and Malabar tamarind, all lovingly steamed in banana leaf pouches for just $12.00. Then there are the Idukki Potatoes Koorka, expertly tossed with garlic, chili flakes, and coconut slivers, delivering a flavorful kick at the same tempting price.
For sea lovers, the Seafood Moilee Soup stands out, presenting an assortment of seafood simmered in creamy coconut milk infused with ginger and turmeric for $29.00. The seafood selection also includes neatly grilled and marinated options like the Tawa Grilled Pomfret and King Prawn, capturing the essence of Kerala’s coastal cuisine.
A must-try is the Tapioca Mash, which diners rave about alongside dishes like the renowned Clay Pot Fish Curry and Raw Mango Prawns Curry. Pair your meal with the exquisite Coconut Pancakes or the decadent Cloud Pudding for a sweet conclusion to your culinary adventure.
The service at Chatti is equally noteworthy, as evidenced by the attentive staff who genuinely care about delivering a memorable experience. Guests commend the warmth and enthusiasm shown by servers like Mary and Akash, who are more than happy to guide you through the menu, ensuring you select dishes that resonate with your palate.
Whether you are indulging in the savory Beef Curry with soft parathas or basking in the comforting flavors of a classic Sardine Fry, every bite transports you straight to the heart of Kerala. Chatti by Regi Mathew is not just another Indian restaurant; it’s a culinary landmark in New York City where hospitality meets heritage. If you’re seeking authentic Kerala cuisine that sings with flavor and richness, Chatti is undoubtedly a must-visit destination.
“ If you’re searching for an unforgettable culinary experience in Manhattan, look no further than Chatti! From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the warm and inviting ambiance that perfectly complements the vibrant flavors of Kerala cuisine. Chef Regi Mathew has truly crafted a menu that showcases the rich heritage of Kerala. Each dish I tried was a delightful explosion of spices and textures, transporting me straight to the heart of India. The standout for me was the Tapioca Mash, Clay Pot Fish Curry, Raw Mango Prawns Curry, Sardine Fry and Toddy Shop Beef Fry which was simply divine! The service was awesome, thanks to Mary, who was not only attentive but also genuinely enthusiastic about the menu. It’s clear that the entire team, including Akash, Chef Iqbal, and Sai Kiran, is dedicated to providing an exceptional dining experience. Their passion for hospitality shines through in every detail. I can’t recommend it enough and can’t wait to return for another amazing meal! ”
“ This place offers an authentic experience of kerala/ malayali food ! There is no place like this in NY ! With their carefully curated menu and exceptional service, Chatti by Regi Mathew stands out as one of a kind ! If you want authentic kerala/ Malabari food or if want a taste of flavorful and delicious south indian cuisine, this is your safe haven. My top picks are the pidi/ ramapuram chicken curry, sardine fry and the cloud pudding!! Top notch ! The drinks were good as well ! The portions are reasonable, in my opinion. Worth every penny ! Our amazing server Akash was so attentive and caring. His service was really commendable. He explained everything so carefully and had such a warm aura. The chef himself, Mr. Reji Mathew was so kind, came to each one of the customers and had a chat. Went above and beyond to explain the dishes and his vision behind the restaurant. Chatti is not just another indian restaurant, its a true kerala/Malabari culinary experience ! MUST TRY ! ”
“ I read about this newly opened restaurant “Chatti by Regi Mathew ” in NYC and decided to give it a try. I was very pleased with the food and it was so rich in flavours, taste. Palate tasters were unique and so delicious. I never tasted anything like this before. Biriyani , mussels , Nei pathiri, fish cutlet were the key highlights . I would recommend this place to anyone. The hospitality was warm and generous, making the entire experience feel like a home away from home. If you’re craving authentic South Indian food, especially from Kerala, this place is a must-visit. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates food made with heart, heritage, and incredible skill! Please do open a restaurant in London as well. ”
“ This is a great spot for authentic Kerala cuisine. My wife and I enjoyed the delicious food and very attentive service. We were at Chatti's to celebrate her birthday. We started our dinner with the Malayali Old Fashioned which is a variation of the traditional drink but was served with toasted coconut and jaggery. We sampled a few of the appetizers - Mutton Fry, Tapioca Patties and Idukki Potatoes - all of which were right-sized, spicy but not over the top, cooked Kerala-style and delicious. We had the Beef Curry with Parathas for our main course. The curry was good and went well with the soft Parathas that almost melted in your mouth. For dessert, we ordered Coconut Pancakes, but were pleasantly surprised when along with the pancakes we were also served Palada Payasam, compliments of the chef, Regi Matthews. He stopped by our table a couple of times to inquire how we were doing and insisted that we should not leave without tasting his signature Cloud Pudding. I am glad we did. The service was excellent. Food was great. We will definitely be back. ”
“ Loved the ambience and service at Chatti. The interior is very tastefully done, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The food was very good—highly recommend the Tawa Fried Pomfret, it's a must-try! Mutton cup biriyani is worth trying. We also had the Toddy Shop Beef Fry,and Kerala Porotta, which were good, though not particularly standout. Cloud pudding( coconut souffle) was also very good. A special mention to our waitress, Petra, who was exceptional. It's clear she’s a well-trained professional in the hospitality industry. She knew every detail about the dishes and made us feel truly welcomed. She's definitely an asset to the Chatti team. Overall, a great experience with delicious food and warm service. ”
“ Wow, the food and service were incredible! Before you visit, there are a couple of things you should know. First, this is a restaurant in NYC, so prices and proportions are based on the cost of real estate. You’re not just paying for the food; you’re also paying for the service and location. Second, this restaurant is in the heart of NYC, and they’re trying to bring South Indian food to people who aren’t from there. So, the spice levels aren’t as high as standard Indian food. That being said, I’m a South Indian myself, and I’d say that 90% of the food was amazing. The 10% was average to ok , but everything was flavorful and the service was great. I think it’s a great way to showcase South Indian food to people outside the region. I hope you all give it a try and keep the two things I said in mind! ”
“ Great atmosphere, amazing Kerala cuisine, tapas style. Beautiful decor and ambience! Chef Regi went over and above to make his customers feel welcome. A special shout out to our server Camilla who was attentive to our dietary needs and provided exceptional service. ”
“ Having lived in India for 20 years, I never really explored regional cuisines — I mostly stuck to the usual heavy Punjabi fare I was used to. So I’m really glad I finally got to try Keralite cuisine at Chatti. The food was light, clean, and full of unique flavors that felt both refreshing and comforting. The food was thoughtful and beautifully presented, and while there was one dish that may not have been to my taste, the overall experience was truly impressive. What really stood out was the warm hospitality — the chef/owner personally guided us through the menu, answering our questions and helping tailor our choices. Chatti also caters to various dietary needs with vegan and gluten-free options, which is always appreciated. Don’t skip dessert — it was absolutely delicious, and the drinks were just as creative and flavorful. It’s not a cheap eat, so be prepared for NYC pricing, but if you’re looking for something different and authentic, Chatti is definitely worth a visit. ”