Speaking at a special celebration for Chatti, New York City’s first high-end Kerala cuisine restaurant by Chef Regi Mathew, Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Pradhan, on March 23, 2025, highlighted Kerala’s rich history, emphasizing its ancient trade, culinary heritage, and traditions. 

Referencing William Dalrymple’s latest book, The Golden Road, Ambassador Pradhan underscored Kerala’s historical significance in the spice trade. He noted that when Rome was held for ransom, the demand included 5,000 pounds of gold and 3,000 pounds of Indian black pepper. “So, the value of Indian spices from Kerala was worth its weight in gold in the ancient world,” he remarked.

The Malayalee Feast, attended by around fifty distinguished Indian American leaders across business, finance, art, sports, entertainment, technology, and healthcare, was organized by Managing Director at Wells Fargo Bank, New York, Yakub Mathew. 

The event featured an exquisite menu curated by Chef Regi Mathew, showcasing Kerala delicacies and Chatti’s signature cocktails. Guests enjoyed a spread of Mathi, Beef Fry, Fish Curry, Kappa, Avial, Vattayappam, Biryanis, and Kerala-inspired desserts.

“I’ve always believed that breaking bread together is a great bonding, spiritual exercise,” said Mathew. “Kerala cuisine, the cuisine of my forebears, is not just food; it’s an emotion that combines flavor, aroma, and tradition. Food with spice is food with soul. And Kerala food has plenty of soul!”

Mathew praised Chef Regi Mathew for bringing Kerala’s cuisine and cultural identity into the spotlight. “As a proud Malayali, I wish Regi and Chatti every success and hope to see many more Chattis across the U.S. and the world,” he added.

A celebrated award-winning chef, Founder-Partner at Chatti, Mathew is known for pioneering India’s regional cuisines. His flagship restaurants, Kappa Chakka Kandhari in Chennai and Bangalore, have been recognized among Condé Nast Traveler India’s Top 50 Restaurants.

“My dream has always been to bring Kerala’s cuisine to the global stage and share its unique culinary heritage with a wider audience. I hope to reinforce how the world experiences the taste of Kerala cuisine. The toddy shop cuisine is a beautiful reflection of the spirit of Kerala—fostering togetherness, warmth, and a sense of celebration,” said Mathew.

Reena Ninan, entrepreneur, founder of Good Trouble Productions, TV anchor, and renowned journalist, raised a toast at the luncheon. Having reported from Baghdad, Beirut, Jerusalem, and served as a White House Correspondent for ABC News, Ninan expressed her deep connection to Kerala’s food stating, “Kerala holds a special place in my heart—its warmth, its people, and of course its incredible food.”

“The flavors of Kerala aren’t just about spice; they tell stories, carry traditions, and evoke a deep sense of home. So, stepping into Chatti, Chef Regi Mathew’s newest culinary gem in New York, felt like a homecoming. Every dish was a masterclass in authenticity, with bold spices and delicate flavors perfectly balanced,” she said.

Vice President and Senior Managing Director at Genpact New York, Charisma Glassman, praised Chef Regi’s efforts. “Kerala cuisine is a vibrant celebration of culture, heritage, and the timeless bonds people share. The rich spices, layers of flavors, and traditional cooking methods make Kerala food truly special.”

Dalia David, a Wellness Chef and Co-Founder of Heritage Space Food, shared her emotional connection to Kerala cuisine. “I’ve spent 80 percent of my life away from my home state, but I can still roll my r’s like a native Malayalee. When I ate at Chatti in NYC, it felt like I was right back in my mom’s kitchen—eating something warm and fresh that she had just made. It’s not just good—it’s real.”

Sabina Singh, a charity advocate, highlighted the healing properties of Kerala’s spice-rich food. “A pinch of spice can turn an ordinary meal into a magical feast. Spices have long been known to have curative and anti-inflammatory properties. Every distinct flavor in Kerala food results from the marriage of these healing spices and local produce perfected over millennia. It is no wonder that Kerala is said to be the home of Ayurveda, the ancient system of traditional medicine.”

For Malayalees in New York, Chatti offers more than just a taste of home—it is a space to rediscover one’s roots, celebrate Kerala’s cultural richness, and blend tradition with modern aspirations.

Chatti is located between 7th and 8th Avenues on 37th Street, near Times Square and Port Authority.

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