7 Indian Restaurants to Celebrate Diwali

It’s time for vibrant colours, eye-popping fireworks, twinkling lights and delicious food – put on your sari and get ready to celebrate Diwali on Thursday, October 31 and Friday, November 1.

This important religious festival, originating in India, takes place annually and can last for five days marking the start of the Hindu New Year. The exact dates change each year determined by the positions of the moon – but it usually falls between October and November.

It symbolises the spiritual ‘victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance'. Here are seven of our favourite restaurants to get your Indian on:

An authentic Indian dining experience like no other awaits at Curry Vault Restaurant & Bar on Bank Place in the heart of Melbourne. Whether it's a long lunch, intimate dinner or private function, Curry Vault offers a spacious and relaxed vibe for chilling out in stylish surrounds of dark wood, white-clothed tables and an eclectic mix of artwork.

 

Celebrate Diwali in style with starters like chicken lollipops served with chutney, or tender lamb cutlets cooked with ginger, garlic, pepper and special spices, roasted in the tandoor; for a memorable main opt for Goan prawn curry with ginger, garlic, onion, tomato and fresh coriander, with sides of steamed basmati rice, garlic roti and papadums.

Embark on a voyage through India’s rich culinary landscape, where tradition meets innovation to create modern twists on classic flavours at Tikka Take on Genge Street in Canberra CBD. Experience a vibrant tapestry of tastes, textures and aromas as you relax in rustic surrounds of recycled timber on the walls, bar and tables, along with polished concrete floors and glowing pendent lights.

 

Perhaps take a seat at the floor-to-ceiling windows as you discover a world where each visit offers new lights to explore and savour, starting with tikka skewers like zesty prawn and succulent chicken; journey to the mountains with Himalayan dumplings and dipping sauce, before classic curries such as spicy and tangy lamb vindaloo, or everyone’s favourite butter chicken, with steamed rice on the side.

Live life with a little spice at Chatkazz Indian restaurant on Hibberson Street in Canberra. Located in The Market Place Gungahlin Shopping Centre, journey through the heart of India without stepping foot outside of the city as you peruse a menu where every dish is a celebration of rich aromas and vibrant tastes, designed to evoke memories of the homeland along with a unique gastronomic adventure.

 

Stop in for a weekend Diwali breakfast of savoury chickpea cakes with sweet and spicy chutney, or devour Mumbai roadside specials like stir-fried rice with paneer, vegetables, onion salad, raita and a papadum. Move onto paneer butter masala curry in a rich and creamy butter and tomato gravy, with steamed rice, garlic and cheese naan; or tandoori pizza with cottage cheese, vegetables, herbs and spices.

Those seeking Indian-style burgers and authentic biryani head down Railway Road in Subiaco to Burgers and Biryani (B&B). A rustic, warm and inviting vibe awaits with well-worn brick, neon signage, a bright red counter and hanging greenery creating a chic space for delving into all your favourites with a twist; stop in early for a caffeine hit and an Indian breaky of stuffed potato naan, served with pickle and yoghurt, or garlic mushrooms and spinach, scrambled eggs and toast.

 

The later crowd kicks off a memorable Diwali celebration with garlic chicken tikka or stuffed mushrooms and mint chutney before chowing down on a butter chicken burger in a potato bun with a side of chips. Don’t go past traditional goat biryani, or classic curries like lamb rogan josh with steamed rice, best enjoyed with a glass of Devil’s Corner Pinot Noir.

Mezbaan Modern Indian Dining on S Pine Road in Everton Park brings discerning foodies contemporary, gourmet-style Indian fare like never before. Highly regarded for its unconventional menu and friendly service, Mezbaan delivers a sleek vibe of black table settings with sparkling glassware or slide into a booth with friends as pendent light fittings glow overhead. 

 

Begin your Diwali meal with a Golgappa shot of vodka, jaljeera, potatoes and chickpea, before small plates of tandoori chicken in a bao bun with peppers and tandoori mayo; for the main, delve into classic curries like lamb Madras with tempered mustard, curry leaves, coconut and tomato gravy. Seafood lovers salivate over mango coconut prawns, or scallop and King prawn moilee, paired with sides of steamed basmati rice, cheese naan and papadums.

Feel like you are coming home when dining at Delhi to Canberra restaurant on Chinner Crescent in Melba. This Canberra dining destination celebrates Indian cuisine and the global migration of spices that lace every dish on the menu; take in the aromas and sensory experiences from the by-lanes of Delhi to the heart of the nation’s capital in a warm and inviting ambience ideal for lingering over an exquisite meal with family and friends.

 

Jump right in with tender lamb cutlets marinated in yoghurt, ginger and garlic cooked in the tandoor, or chilli prawns with garlic, capsicum, onion and shallots; before mesmerising mains such as chicken jalfrezi – a flavourful curry with juicy tandoori chicken in spicy tomato sauce studded with stir-fried peppers and onions. Those who like a hit of heat opt for beef vindaloo with steamed rice, garlic naan and papadums.

Indulge in a tantalising array of dishes that capture the essence of Indian gastronomy at Delhi 6 Authentic Indian Restaurant on Amherst Road in Canning Vale. Expect a sophisticated fine dining experience in surrounds of exposed brick walls adorned with Indian artwork, polished wood floors and the tantalising aroma of spice wafting from the kitchen.

 

From a menu celebrating diverse methods of cooking using fresh ingredients, think starters like Tiger prawn pakoras and tender char-grilled tandoori lamb cutlets; continue your Diwali celebration with a main of chicken tawa masala – overnight marinated and roasted tandoori chicken pieces cooked in tangy and spicy gravy – best enjoyed with steamed rice and butter naan.