India is known as a land of contrasts, beautiful buildings and millions of people.
But did you know it is also a country of many firsts? Many objects and concepts originated in India, from the game of snakes and ladders, to buttons, shampooing, the number pi, diamond mining, algebra and finding the presence of water on the moon.
It’s home to not only the most post offices in the world, India has its very own floating post office, perched on a houseboat on Dal Lake in Srinagar.
On Sunday, August 15, Indians in this country and across the globe celebrate Indian Independence Day – here are five of our favourite spots to turn up the heat:
Sydney may be in lockdown but you can still indulge in your favourite dishes from Delhi Palace Indian Cuisine on Concord Road in North Strathfield. Order your pick-up meals from Saturday, August 14 to Monday, August 16 and get 15% off delicious curries, biryani and tandoori barbeque temptations, to be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. There’s even vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.
Order your favourite dishes from Delhi Palace next weekend and get 15% off pick-up meals.
Canberra foodies looking to add a dash of exotic spice to their dining experience head to Blu Ginger on Genge Street. A vibrant and contemporary interior, as well as a high standard of service and an impressive wine list, makes this the ideal place to celebrate all things Indian on Sunday; perhaps sharing dishes like a Chef’s tandoori platter of chicken tikka, chapli kebab and lamb cutlets, with mint sauce.
Try the Chef’s tandoori platter at Blu Ginger in Canberra.
Head to Bollywood Grill on Alexa Road in North Haven for breath-taking marina views and Indian spices at this Adelaide fine diner. Specialising in Bollywood-style celebrations, this colourful restaurant embraces earthy tones of red and yellow, along with eye-catching wall murals, to set the scene for delving into the likes of must-try home-style goat masala, with sides of Bombay potatoes, cheese and garlic naan.
Colourful food and surroundings await at Bollywood Grill in Adelaide.
Order your roast lamb shoulder with potatoes, yellow daal, rice, naan and coleslaw from award-winning Manjit’s Wharf on Lime Street in the heart of Sydney and feast away at home on Sunday, or any day. A creative menu and magical views make this restaurant one of the Harbour City’s finest Indian experiences - while lockdown means no dining in, Manjit’s has plenty of takeaway and delivery options.
Whole roasted chicken from Manjit’s Wharf.
Expect recipes inspired by age-old Indian culinary practices with modern twists at Masala Bar & Grill on Clyde Road in Berwick. This well-loved Melbourne dining destination is offering a wide range of delectable curries, rice dishes and sides to be delivered, or picked up to celebrate Independence Day; think classic butter chicken through to Kashmiri-style lamb, slow-cooked in yoghurt and aromatic spices.
Fish curry from Masala Bar & Grill in Berwick.
For more Indian restaurants near you, click here.
