5 RCA-winning Restaurants to Find Indian Flair on the Plate

India is known as a land of contrasts, beautiful buildings and millions of people. It is also known for its flavourful cuisine which has become a global favourite among foodies seeking the spicy side of life.

These five Readers’ Choice Award-winning restaurants epitomise the heart of soul of Indian cuisine and are must-visits when looking for your next Subcontinent culinary adventure:

Drop by Australia’s first eco-friendly Indian restaurant, Poppin Papadums on Old Cleveland Road in Camp Hill to care for the palate and the planet. A scrumptious tale of a female squad from culturally diverse cities of India sharing their respective food cultures; they are the best of friends, foodies and hearty eaters, who share a vision of a world as a rejuvenated recipe of authenticity.

 

Pledging to be the most carbon neutral they can, expect to devour starters of chicken tikka grilled in the clay oven, served with mint; then savour prawn masala - succulent prawns simmered in shallots, gravy and perfectly balanced spices, garnished with fresh ginger and herbs.

Find the finest in Indian cuisine and an exceptional dining experience at Royal India Restobar on Bultje Street in Dubbo. With a reputation built on careful attention to every aspect of service, food, atmosphere and wine selection, this stylish restaurant sets the scene for creative dining in surrounds of copper artwork and chandeliers, alongside a statement light fixture which snakes from the ceiling to floor.

 

Pair an icy glass of Chardonnay with a starter of garlic King prawns, garlic, capsicum, onion and chilli sauce, or tender baby lamb cutlets, cooked in the tandoor oven; moving onto classic curries such as hot and spicy beef vindaloo, with steamed rice, papadums and garlic naan.

Those looking for the best vegetarian street food in Sydney make their way along Lexington Drive to find Honest Indian Bella Vista. This vibrant restaurant welcomes guests with colourful red chairs, blue banquette seating and aqua walls, covered with graffiti-style artwork; setting the scene for a memorable dining experience, best shared with family and friends.

 

Expect vegetarian dishes to send the senses into overload, perhaps starting with street-style snacks that are crispy, spicy and full of flavour such as masala pav dry; then delve into mains of deep-fried cauliflower, simmered in an Indo-Chinese gravy, or paneer tikka masala curry.

Adding a dash of exotic spices to the lively dining scene of Canberra’s Genge Street is Blu Ginger Indian Restaurant. Featuring a vast, vibrant and contemporary interior, as well as a high standard of service and impressive wine list, Blu Ginger Canberra – like its sister restaurant in Sydney – promises a distinctly modern dining experience.

 

Blending local produce with spices imported from India, the menu is a tantalising blend of classic and contemporary creations. Sample dishes like Peshwari lamb kebabs to begin, with mint and yoghurt sauce, followed by Goan fish curry, steamed rice, raita and roti bread.

To fulfil cravings for the tantalising spices of Indian cuisine when in Bendigo, join locals heading to Food O’Clock Cafe & Indian Restaurant on Mollison Street. Diners are welcomed inside and invited to venture through a red chiffon curtain draped across an archway and into a family-friendly dining room, where artwork adorning the walls adds warmth and an extra splash of colour to a clean design.

 

Whether longing for the comfort of your favourite curry or yearning for an adventurous dish to transport you across the globe with just a bite, the menu is sure to set mouths watering at first sight. Think Chef’s specials like goat vindaloo cooked on the bone, with saffron rice, or lamb shank korma.