When a seasoned journalist like Rajdeep Sardesai shares his love for a restaurant, it’s bound to catch the attention of food lovers across the country. Recently, Rajdeep took to X (formerly Twitter) to gush about Paragon Restaurant, Kerala’s culinary icon, calling it one of his top 10 restaurants in India. But it wasn’t just the restaurant that grabbed attention; it was his glowing praise for their signature fish in mango curry, a dish that perfectly captures the flavours of Kerala’s coastal cuisine.
Rajdeep Sardesai’s Pick From Kerala’s Iconic Paragon
Has to be in my top 10 restaurants in India. Paragon in several cities of Kerala Calicut is the original but Thiruvananthapuram is also a foodie delight. The fish in mango curry is their signature dish: don’t miss it!. ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/J2P5ZVFet3
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) September 30, 2025
In his post, he wrote, “Has to be in my top 10 restaurants in India. Paragon in several cities of Kerala — Calicut is the original, but Thiruvananthapuram is also a foodie delight. The fish in mango curry is their signature dish: don’t miss it!”
For food lovers, this was not surprising. Paragon is a name that has been celebrated for decades in Kerala. The restaurant, which started in Calicut, is known for its authentic Malabar food, especially seafood and biryanis. Over the years, it has evolved into a legendary spot, with branches in various parts of Kerala, including Thiruvananthapuram, while remaining true to its roots.
Netizens Share Their Own Favourite Picks
The comments made by netizens after Rajdeep’s post went viral revealed how much people adore Paragon. One person said that Kerala’s incredible food is what makes Malayalis “the smartest people in the country,” pointing to their success both in India and abroad. Another couldn’t stop talking about the squid fry, a dish that they said is a must-have if you visit the original shop in Calicut. Some fans even jokingly asked Rajdeep to bring back food from Paragon when he returns to Delhi!
Many comments were filled with love and nostalgia. “Paragon is not just food, it’s an emotion,” one user wrote, while another called the well-known fish in mango curry “pure heaven.” In fact, some X users were also inspired to add these dishes to their list of must-try foods.
This shower of appreciation for the legendary restaurant wasn’t just about its flavour but also about its culture and inclusivity. As one fan noted, despite Paragon’s global fame, some of the best dishes, including their renowned chicken biryani, can still be found in Calicut’s non-air-conditioned area.
Rajdeep Sardesai’s post brought back memories and reminded people why foodies hold Paragon in such high regard.
Cover Image Courtesy: Rajdeep Sardesai/X
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