Gulab Jammin’ – Celebrate Indian Independence Day at These 6 Restaurants

India is known as a land of contrasts, beautiful buildings and millions of people.

Did you know it is also a country of many firsts? Many objects and concepts originated in India, from the game of chess to being the first country to mine diamonds.

Wireless communication is another, which thanks to Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose revolutionised the way we communicate by enabling us to transmit data quickly over a distance without electrical wires and cables. 

On Thursday, August 15, Indians in this country and across the globe celebrate Indian Independence Day – here are six of our favourite spots to turn up the heat:

Representing the intersection of old and new, traditional and modern, Eastern and Western, ISH Restaurant is an Indian-inspired drinking and dining experience nestled on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy. A cool, edgy ambience of exposed brick, copper accents, monochromatic artwork and intimate table settings conveys a sleek and dynamic Melbourne aesthetic, designed over two levels with bespoke fittings and furnishings from India.

 

From a menu boasting familiar and surprising flavours, start with cured kingfish ceviche, burnt eggplant, lime, rendered chicken fat, mint chiffonade and prawn crackers; move onto mains such as slow-braised lamb shank rogan josh, with housemade Kashmiri spices, chilli oil and sides of aged basmati and turmeric rice, papadums and black garlic naan.

With more than 25 years’ experience, Moti Mahal on Glenferrie Road brings the exotic flavours of traditional Indian cuisine to Malvern. This well-loved local restaurant exudes a warm and welcoming vibe of rattan furniture, Indian artwork and accents, while white-clothed tables beckon for lingering over a leisurely lunch or dinner with family and friends.

 

No matter if you are in the mood for a full gourmet experience or just a snack, there is a dish on the menu to suit all tastes; embark on your culinary adventure with tender lamb seek kebabs, or spiced onion bhaji; followed by classic dishes from the curry kitchen such as hot and tangy beef vindaloo, with steamed rice, raita and papadums, cool things down with Bome India mousse and mango purée.

Break naan with friends and family to experience fine Indian dining at Abhi’s on Concord Road in North Strathfield. This long-running Sydney restaurant welcomes guests with white-clothed tables and a paisley feature wall, along with authentic Indian accents and softly glowing bulb lighting to set the scene for celebrating special occasions or romantic rendezvous.

Say Namaste to dishes like tandoor cooked mini swordfish steaks with tamarind, charred onion, chillies, pepper and cumin; before devouring Goan fish curry with barramundi fillets cooked in a sauce of coriander seeds, cumin, turmeric powder and freshly ground coconut, or Punjabi-style slow-cooked goat curry with chillies, tomato, mace, garam masala and fresh coriander.

Expect delicious North Indian cuisine on the plate at Pint Size Indian on Adelphi Boulevard in Point Cook. This family-friendly restaurant presents a beautifully decorated vibe reminiscent of colourful Indian streets, with vibrant scarves and umbrellas hanging from the ceiling, exposed brick, polished concrete floors and a well-stocked bar.

 

Begin your Indian feast with starters like Chef’s special Mean Molly – marinated pan-fried salmon fillet, with black pepper, turmeric and coconut reduction – then delve into Southern Indian-style lamb Chettinad, with star anise, whole red chillies, fennel seed, cinnamon and cloves; seafood lovers opt for Kerala prawns, cooked in a spice and hot coconut gravy, tempered with curry leaves and mustard.

Jheel Indian on Century Circuit in Baulkham Hills is on a mission to bring classic yet creative dishes from the Indian Subcontinent to your plate. With a name translating from Hindi as ‘lake’, an elegant vibe awaits with white-clothed tables, cane chairs, plant wall murals and plush green velvet banquette seating.

 

Bi-fold doors open to let in an abundance of natural light or dine alfresco and watch the world pass by while sipping an ice-cold glass of wine; get things started with chicken Kandahar kebabs with ginger, green chilli and pomegranate molasses, moving onto slow-cooked goat on the bone, with chilli, crushed black pepper, green pepper, fresh turmeric and poppy seed paste.

Culinary excellence meets coastal charm at The Indian Street at Galleria on Ocean View Road in Ettalong Beach. A celebration of the vibrant flavours and rich traditions of Indian street food, this stylish restaurant brings an authentic taste of the subcontinent to the Central NSW Coast, served in surrounds of exposed brick, white-clothed tables and a vibrant red feature wall covered with wine racks.

 

Perhaps share a tandoori grilled street food platter with prawns, fish and chicken tikka to get your adventure started, while house special lamb Kadahi entices for the main, cooked in a tomato and onion curry sauce with capsicum and Spanish onions; vegetarians opt for palak paneer – Indian cheese cubes in homestyle spinach sauce. Finish sweetly with mango kulfi and gulab jamun.