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:
Nestled away in a cosy but refined mid-city basement in Hindmarsh Square is Adelaide's Jasmin Indian Restaurant. This intimate space is furnished with dark timber and Indian accessories, making it the perfect spot to enjoy authentic North Indian cuisine prepared with the freshest spices and ingredients.
Don’t go past local favourite hot and spicy beef vindaloo, with sides of steamed rice and raita; or delve into King prawn curry, with lemongrass, basil, ginger and coconut. Vegetarians opt for tarka dhal – lentils in thick gravy, flavoured with onion, ginger and garlic.
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.
A perfect combo for these cold Winter nights, stop in to sample everyone’s favourite butter chicken with black garlic naan and turmeric basmati rice; or homestyle, slow-cooked fragrant Kerala beef curry.
An abundance of Indian-inspired flavours and a welcoming family atmosphere are what attract Parramatta locals to Fully Flavoured Indian restaurant on Church Street. Fully Flavoured reverberates with resounding conversation, ideal for warm, inviting and relaxed dining; while a stylish fit-out with splashes of purple and vibrant paintings, add a livening spruce.
Celebrate all things Indian on Sunday with goat cooked in spicy gravy, while vegetarians opt for aloo gobi – fried potatoes and cauliflower, cooked in Chef’s special sauce.
Discerning Melbourne foodies seeking an authentic slice of India in Fairfield follow tantalising aromas along Station Street to find Everest Indian Restaurant. This well-loved local dining destination exudes an unfussy interior vibe ideal for catching up over a memorable meal with family and friends in surrounds of hanging lights, white tablecloths and traditional artwork.
Say namaste to starters of chicken tikka cooked in the tandoor, or vegetable samosas stuffed with potato and fresh peas; followed by mains like beef jalfrezi – succulent beef pieces, with capsicum and garlic in tomato gravy.
Royal food, vintage charm and an elegant ambience seamlessly blend together for the ultimate dining experience at Milan Indian Cuisine on Mount Warren Boulevard in Brisbane. This Mount Warren Park restaurant presents a beautiful interior vibe with gold accents and a crystal chandelier setting the scene for sharing good times with friends and loved ones.
Seafood lovers choose offerings like Goan prawn curry, cooked in a coconut-based gravy with hints of crushed black pepper; or delve into a classic hot and spicy beef vindaloo, with saffron rice and tandoori roti.
For more restaurants to embrace Indian culture and cuisine, click here.
