6 Restaurants to Discover Variety is the Spice of Life

New and exciting experiences make life more interesting according to the phrase ‘variety is the spice of life’ – and nothing could be more true than discovering new restaurants to enjoy the spicier side of dining.

According to some estimates, there are more than 100 different spices commonly used in cooking around the world, which come from different parts of plants, such as roots, stems, seeds, fruit and flowers.

Here are six of our favourite dining destinations where spice is life:

For the best Thai in Bendigo head down Pall Mall to find Bunja Thai Restaurant. Housed in a stunning 1887 heritage-listed bank building with vaulted ceilings, a vault, wine cellar and Vahland splendour, this dining destination is a must when visiting the Goldfields region to indulge the senses in a plethora of authentic flavours.

 

Perhaps start with spicy Thai fish cakes, with cucumber and peanuts in sweet chilli sauce, or dip your spoon into prawn tom yum soup; then enjoy wok stir-fried chicken with roasted cashew nuts, sweet chilli jam, vegetables and a side of steamed rice.

A fusion of expressive flavours, traditional cooking techniques and culture come together on the plate at Gateway of India on Murrajong Road in Springwood. This stylish Brisbane restaurant seamlessly blends red-clothed table settings with vibrant artwork and a marble-topped bar to set the scene for inspired dining from a classic menu.

 

Owned and operated by a traditional Punjabi family, expect to taste entrées like lamb kebabs with coriander and yoghurt chutney; moving onto mains such as true Punjabi delicacy lamb saagwala, with spinach and herb gravy, or everyone’s favourite butter chicken and rice.

Celebrate authentic Indian cuisine the way it was meant and dine royally at The Royal Turban on Monaro Street in Queanbeyan. A large alfresco area beckons to soak up rays on balmy Queensland days; while indoors exudes a sleek vibe of marble, stacked stone, timber table settings and softly glowing cane lights, ideal for lingering over a meal with someone special.

 

From a menu designed to reflect culinary traditions centuries old, start a flavoursome adventure with chicken momos, with fresh ginger, cabbage, bamboo shoots and roasted tomato chutney; for the main try prawn Malabar curry with coconut milk and delicate spices.

Those seeking authentic Vietnamese pho head down Given Terrace in Paddington to find Pho Hung Vuong. A bright and breezy vibe awaits at this Brisbane restaurant where on balmy days, streetside tables beckon, while indoors red leather banquette seating and softly glowing cane pendent lights set the scene for leisurely dining.

 

Kickstart your culinary journey with Vietnamese-style chicken wings or sugar cane prawns before memorable mains like pan-seared barramundi, chilli lime sauce and green mango salad, paired with a Coates The Chardonnay.

Eat like a Raja (King) at Royale India restaurant on Bay Street in Brighton. Blending nostalgic dishes with fused spices and modern drinks in a relaxed yet warm vibe, this restaurant is ideal for lingering over a memorable dinner with family and friends.

 

Prepared by Chefs with more than 35 years' experience, expect a culinary adventure that takes you back to the good ol' Indian times from banquets to à la carte dining; think dishes like chicken tikka, lamb Madras and hot and spicy beef vindaloo, with steamed rice.

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 tandoori chicken to start, then delve into grilled, marinated salmon, bursting with aromatic tandoori spices.