I was searching for good mandi restaurants in Kannur.
Friends shared a few recommendations.
Google Maps and Reddit showed almost the same places.
The food was good but most of it was clearly adapted to local taste.
Then I tried Google AI Mode.
I visited the first place AI suggested, and it turned out to be the most authentic mandi I’ve had in Kannur. No hype, no crowd driven bias just real, traditional flavour.
That raised an important question:
Why did AI find it when people and traditional search didn’t?
Why AI Found What Traditional Search Missed
AI doesn’t think in terms of keywords alone.
It understands intent.
For AI, “authentic” is not the same as “popular.”
Instead of simply ranking places with the most reviews, AI breaks the query into deeper signals, such as:
- Traditional Yemeni mandi in Kannur
- Reviews that specifically mention authenticity
- Cooking methods, ingredients, and preparation style
AI also pulls information from diverse sources forums, niche blogs, long form reviews, and travel content, not just Google Maps or mainstream review platforms.
And when users opt in, AI can even personalize results based on past behaviour and preferences.
This is a fundamental shift in how discovery works.
What This Means for Marketers and Local Businesses
1. Optimize for Intent, Not Just Keywords
Ranking for “best restaurant” or “top service” is no longer enough.
Users and AI are searching for authentic, traditional, and original experiences.
2. Earn Detailed, Meaningful Reviews
AI values specific language, not just star ratings.
Phrases like:
- “Authentic mandi”
- “Yemeni style”
- “Wood fired rice”
- “Traditional preparation”
carry far more weight than generic praise.
3. Be Visible Across Multiple Surfaces
AI pulls signals from everywhere:
- Your website
- Google Business Profile
- Forums and niche communities
- Blogs and long form content
4. Create Proof-Based Content
Generic marketing copy doesn’t win in AI search.
What works instead:
- Showing your process
- Highlighting ingredients or methods
- Sharing behind the scenes details
- Providing real stories and evidence
AI rewards clarity and credibility.
The Bigger Takeaway
AI search is already working.
And it rewards:
✔ Nuance
✔ Credibility
✔ Real-world signals
If your business is only optimizing for rankings and not for meaning you risk becoming invisible in AI driven discovery.
Want Your Business to Show Up in AI Search?
At SEO Bees, we help brands and local businesses adapt to:
- Google AI Mode
- Intent-based SEO
- AI-ready content strategies
- Local visibility beyond traditional search.
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