A South Indian bistro based in Sarnia is expanding to London this fall, taking over the former Grace restaurant space on Dundas Street.

Malabari Bistro, serving Malabari-style cuisine from the southern coast of India, is expected to open in mid-October. Grace, the upscale eatery previously at the site, closed last month.

For co-owner Sandra Jacob, the move from Sarnia marks a return home.

“London is where we first came, as immigrants, as students. This is home for us,” said Jacob, who’s from Kerala, a state in India’s Malabar coast. “We’re very excited to come back and it’s emotional because this is where we learned everything, from serving customers to growing as entrepreneurs.”

The partners behind Malabari first tested the waters in London with Masala Papad Indian Express Kitchen, a

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