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 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 Tuesday, 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:
Say Namaste to sharing-style fare made with love and passion at Kahaani Indian restaurant on trendy Lygon Street in Carlton. A moody vibe awaits with subdued lighting, suede walls adorned with pottery plates and exposed brick, ideal for a romantic rendezvous or catch-up with friends.
Be transported to the streets of India with an authentic menu showcasing cuisine from the varied regions; think choices like rustic goat curry, with big, bold flavours and mouth-melting meat, or King prawns in curried coconut sauce.
Serving Brighton diners since 1981, Shalimar Indian Restaurant is arguably Melbourne's longest-standing Indian restaurant. Over the years, this establishment – graced with elegant gold chandeliers, Indian pictures and ornaments - has become synonymous with warm, accommodating service and authentic North Indian cuisine.
Rich, complex curries and tandoori dishes cooked in a traditional clay oven number among Shalimar Indian Restaurant's specialties, such as Punjabi lamb curry with fresh vegetables, coriander and sides of saffron rice, raita and papadums.
Reimagining the wonders of Indian fare in a sleek and alluring space in the heart of Melbourne, ELCHI restaurant on Flinders Street delivers timeless Indian cuisine on the plate. A perfect marriage between tradition and modernity, expect a dining destination where a world of exciting contemporary Indian flavours meet in an elegant ambience of curved leather banquette seating and tantalising aromas.
Delve into signature dishes such as pistachio lamb chops, saffron mash and pomegranate, or crispy whole Amritsari fish, tamarind, roasted rice and lime, best enjoyed with a glass of Fallen Giants Riesling.
Bringing the food of India to the Great Ocean Road, head to Jashn Torquay on Bell Street for all things curry. Vibrant wall murals and traditional table settings await indoors, where the tantalising aroma of spice wafts from the kitchen; while a trendy alfresco area beckons on balmy days for soaking up sea breezes and sunshine.
An extensive menu of classic Indian dishes offers taste tempters for all diners, like lamb rogan josh, slow-cooked with black cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and herbs, or spicy chicken curry with a Bollywood twist and sides of steamed rice and garlic naan.
A modern expression of authentic Indian cuisine is on the plate at Raas Leela on Mountjoy Parade in Lorne. Take a drive along the Great Ocean Road to find this elegant restaurant, where the walls are adorned with dancing women and overhead the soft glow of statement lights adds a moody vibe to your dining experience.
Stop by the Karma Bar for a delicious cocktail to go with Tiger prawns, marinated in garam masala and tempered with curry leaves; curry on to mains like slow-cooked tender goat on the bone, with whole garlic, onions and warm spices.
For more Indian restaurants near you, click here.
