The short answer
Nalas Aappakadai, Salam Street: what visitors should know first
Good if you want aappam and Tamil Chettinad food away from the malls. The menu is mixed, so vegetarians must order carefully, and hours should be confirmed first.
Diet
What we checked
- Indian. An Indian restaurant outside India. Checked November 2026 · Source
Menus and kitchens change. If you follow a strict diet or have an allergy, confirm with the restaurant before you order.
Useful facts
Nalas Aappakadai, Salam Street facts at a glance
- Location
- Behind the NDC building, Salam Street
- Dining style
- Casual South Indian
- Price signal
- Budget, per Wikivoyage's grouping
- Signature order
- Try: aappam
- Good for
- South Indian food fans
Why it matters
Why Nalas Aappakadai, Salam Street is worth your time
Chettinad is the cuisine of the Chettiar community in Tamil Nadu, known for strong spice blends, and it is rarely found outside South Indian cities. Having it near the centre of Abu Dhabi gives South Indian travellers a taste of home, and the aappam is mild enough for older guests who prefer softer food.
We cannot vouch for current quality, as the only source is a brief guide entry with no hours or reviews. It is included because it names a specific dish and an address and nothing we saw says it has closed. Vegetarian and Jain guests should phone and ask directly rather than assume.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Aappam
Wikivoyage names aappam as the speciality.
- 02
Chettinad cooking
Described as excellent South Indian food from the Chettinad cuisine.
- 03
Wide menu
Chinese and tandoor dishes also listed.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Nalas Aappakadai is listed on Wikivoyage as a specialist in aappam and excellent South Indian food from Chettinad cuisine, behind the NDC building on Salam Street. Aappam are lacy, soft-centred rice pancakes, usually eaten with a vegetable stew or coconut milk.
The guide also lists Chinese and tandoor dishes, so the menu is wide and includes meat. Vegetarians should choose the aappam with a vegetable accompaniment and plain South Indian dishes, and ask whether the kitchen cooks vegetarian items separately. We opened no menu, so we cannot name prices or specific vegetable dishes.
The restaurant carries no diet tag beyond Indian, because nothing we saw confirms any vegetarian-only or Jain cooking.
Plan with confidence
Small checks that make a better meal.
- Confirm hours before you go
- Say you want vegetarian dishes
- Ask about separate cooking for vegetarian food
- Take a taxi to the NDC building
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Behind the NDC building, Salam Street
- Time needed
- About 1 hour
- Best time
- Breakfast or dinner; confirm hours
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- We have no information on steps or seating. Salam Street is a busy central road, so arrive by taxi and phone ahead for access.
- Tickets and access
- Wikivoyage lists no phone or hours; ask your hotel to call, or check the restaurant's map listing before going.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Nalas Aappakadai, Salam Street
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
We have no information on steps or seating. Salam Street is a busy central road, so arrive by taxi and phone ahead for access.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Nalas Aappakadai vegetarian?
Not stated. Wikivoyage lists tandoor dishes, so assume a mixed menu and ask.
What is aappam?
A soft rice and coconut pancake from South India, as the guide names it as the speciality.
Is it still open?
We saw no closure report, but the source is a brief guide entry. Phone to confirm.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
