Derby’s thriving food scene has welcomed an exciting newcomer among restaurants in Derby city centre—the Houseboat Restaurant. Bringing authentic South Indian flavors, particularly from Kerala, to Derby, Houseboat offers a refreshing and unique dining option in the heart of the city. Situated on St Peter’s Street where the Swiss Cottage café once stood, it’s quickly becoming a restaurant that locals and visitors alike are eager to try.
What makes Houseboat stand out from other restaurants in Derby city centre is its deep commitment to authenticity and atmosphere. The interior mimics the iconic Kerala houseboats that cruise the tranquil backwaters, featuring wooden décor, soft ambient lighting, and decorative pieces imported directly from India, such as anchors and lantern-style fittings. This carefully created setting transports diners into a genuine Kerala experience amid Derby’s urban landscape.
The menu at Houseboat is a celebration of Kerala’s rich and diverse culinary heritage. Renowned for its fresh seafood, the restaurant showcases signature dishes like Meen Pollichathu—a fish marinated in tamarind and wrapped in banana leaf before being grilled—and Boatman’s Fish Curry, which is packed with fragrant indigenous spices. Meat lovers can enjoy specialties like Beef Kizhi, a steamed, marinated beef dish with bold flavors. Vegetarians are well catered for too, with dishes like Katrika Porichathu (stir-fried aubergine) and Perippu Curry made from lentils, allowing everyone to experience authentic South Indian tastes.
Houseboat also serves classic South Indian staples such as dosas—crispy, thin pancakes made from fermented rice and lentils—and thalis, which are platters featuring a variety of curries, rice, and sides. These dishes are popular choices for both lunch and dinner, and lunch offers especially good value with meal and drink deals starting around £10.99, making it an affordable option for a flavorful culinary treat in Derby city centre.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is complemented by warm and attentive staff, ensuring a welcoming dining experience that feels both genuine and relaxing. Houseboat has been steadily gaining fans and praise for its quality, authenticity, and the unique vibe it brings to Derby’s food landscape.
Located conveniently on St Peter’s Street, Houseboat operates seven days a week from 12 noon until 10 pm, providing an excellent destination whether you want a casual midday meal or a special evening out. For those searching for restaurants in Derby city centre that offer more than the usual fare, Houseboat Restaurant promises a delicious journey through Kerala’s coastal flavors without leaving the city.
If you’re eager to sample authentic South Indian cuisine in Derby, this gem on St Peter’s Street should be on your list. With its thoughtfully crafted menu highlighting traditional Kerala dishes and immersive houseboat-inspired décor, it’s a unique and memorable addition to Derby’s vibrant restaurant scene.
Restaurants in Derby city centre like Houseboat showcase the diversity and richness of the city’s dining options. Whether you are a seafood enthusiast, vegetarian, or simply curious to explore Kerala’s distinctive cuisine, Houseboat offers a truly special dining experience that brings a piece of Southern India to Derby.
Be sure to visit Houseboat and experience authentic South Indian cuisine in Derby city centre—a fresh culinary destination that has quickly earned its place among the city’s must-try restaurants.
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