Curry Favour with an Indian Meal at these 5 Restaurants

Queen Victoria is said to have had fresh curry prepared for her every day by two Indian Chefs – just in case she had an unexpected visitor from India!

Curry has taken the culinary world by storm since Westerners discovered this fragrant, spicy gravy that can be added to just about any protein or vegetable to take your senses to another level.

Did you know that vindaloo despite its reputation isn’t the hottest of curries? That honour belongs to phal, which is rarely served outside of India because of its heat, similarily korma doesn’t always mean a mild curry.

It actually refers to slow cooking or braising, containing rich ingredients that can be spicy, hot or mild.

As we celebrate the Sub-continent this week, here are five restaurants to curry favour with family and friends:

Combining tradition with contemporary touches, Pangaat Indian Restaurant & Bar on Railway Street in Mudgeeraba delivers sophisticated cooking with a simplistic style. Inspired by the Sanskrit word ‘pankit’ which represents the ritual of converging over food regardless of caste or creed, this Gold Coast dining destination exudes a bright and breezy vibe of whitewashed walls, blond wood table settings and potted greenery.

 

After a starter such as fried chicken and tamarind aioli, delve into barramundi fillets cooked in a Goan curry sauce of ground coconut, tamarind, kokum, fresh curry leaves and coconut cream; or Pangaat special chicken curry cooked with mustard oil, fresh onion, tomato and a blend of aromatic spices, best enjoyed with basmati rice, wholemeal roti and papadums.

Entertain your palate with dishes from across India at Not Just Curries on Wigram Street in Harris Park. As the name suggests, this restaurant is not ‘just about curries’ as is the normal misconception about Indian fare; housed in a cute cottage, indoors presents a warm and welcoming vibe of polished wooden floors, spice-coloured walls and an eclectic collection of artwork.

 

Embark on a flavoursome adventure with succulent lamb cutlets marinated with ginger and spices, served with fresh mint chutney; then opt for a classic North Indian homestyle goat curry, cooked on the bone, or South Indian delicacies such as Malabar prawn curry with coconut cream, tempered with mustard seeds, red chillies and curry leaves.

For more than 25 years, GurTaj Indian restaurant on Pittwater Road has been bringing the best of North Indian cuisine to Collaroy diners. Owned and operated by the same family since 1996, GurTaj exudes a vibe of polished wood floors, traditionally set tables, along with banquette seating, while potted greenery and authentic accents add to the warm and welcoming ambience.

 

Get things started with entrées of spiced minced lamb seekh kebabs, smoke-roasted on the tandoor, before pondering curry options such as chicken vindaloo, or beef Maharaja in a creamy sauce with pineapple, dried fruit, basmati rice and cheese naan; finish sweetly with mango kulfi and gulab jamun.

Quality Indian hospitality and authentic, delicious food for all occasions is on the menu at Delhi Heights Indian Restaurant & Bar on Old Northern Road in Dural. This recently renovated dining destination boasts a beautiful balcony for balmy days and nights, while indoors is light, bright and breezy with white-clothed tables, interesting wall art and a well-stocked bar promising cheeky cocktails to go with flavourful dishes.

 

Curries such as tender lamb saag are sure to entice with spinach, mint and ginger or delve into Punjab’s famous goat curry cooked in a blend of garlic, ginger, onions and pepper; seafood lovers opt for Goan prawn curry with coconut, coriander and tamarind, paired with sides such as saffron rice, tandoori roti and papadums.

Modern Indian cuisine inspired by Punjab Royalty is what Melburnians find on the plate at The Black Prince on Bourke Street in the heart of the city. Expect an evening of memories to last a lifetime at this new restaurant, where a curved wooden bar invites chilling out on high stools with a cocktail in hand, while green leather booths are ideal for after-work catchups or dinner with your someone special.

 

Start with barrah lamb chops with special Punjabi sauce, before classic curries like chicken Madras with peanut, cashew and coconut gravy, or goat rogan josh, cooked on the bone in a Kashmir-style aromatic sauce accompanied by steamed rice, garlic naan and yoghurt raita; finish sweetly with Royal falooda – a traditional dessert of rose syrup, vermicelli, sweet basil seeds, milk and ice cream.