If you thought the French had rule over desserts, you’ll be impressed to know that in India there are more than 200 type of sweets or Mithai, as it is colloquially called.
Treats in India are made largely from flour, milk, sugar, nuts, condensed milk and ghee (a type of clarified butter). Because of the Portugese influence on India, especially on the south western coast of Goa, (where Portugal ruled right through to 1961) they are responsible for having introduced sugar to the subcontinent.
If that surprised you, you will be even happier to read on to find AGFG’s roundup of 7 hatted Indian restaurants in Australia where spices, flavours and colours are dominant and Mithais are sweet.
Celebrating its 33rd anniversary Abhi’s comes in with 12 Chef hats! To celebrate they are hosting three anniversary dinners held in mid August where Chef Kumar has prepared a menu influenced by the region of Pondicherry, a former French Colony close to his hometown of Chennai. Abhi’s is best known for it’s Palak Pata Chaat; crispy spinach leaves with yogurt, dates and tamarind chutney.
Located: 163 Concord Rd, North Strathfield NSW
Coming in with both a Chef hat rating of 14 as well as the 2023 AGFG readers choice award, this is an Indian restaurant worth planning ahead for. Urban Tadka presents refined Indian food of today from diverse regions and states, remaining true to classic and authentic Indian recipes while reflecting today’s modern Indian food trends.
Located: 321 Mona Vale Road, Terrey Hills NSW
Home to 12 Chefs Hats, Atta’s ethos is simple: If food hasn’t stimulated your senses like sight, smell, touch and taste then you have not experienced food. Changing the perception, Atta!
A modern Indian restaurant bringing indigenous and classic dishes from all corners of India, where tandoori dishes are suffused with all the authentic aroma’s and secrets of traditional tandoori cooking.
Located: 159 -161 Victoria Avenue, Albert Park VIC
With an address disclosed only on booking, Enter via Laundry is currently focusing and serving Mughaliya Cuisine. Chef and founder, Helly Raichura heads up a 10 course full menu or 5 courses on short menu. Immersed in Indian culture, this 14 hatted restaurant does justice to the belief that native produce, ancient techniques and evolving recipes are the birthplace of all food.
Located: Nicholson St, Carlton North, VIC
Winner of 12 Chef hats this 2023, Manjits Wharf overlooks scenic Darling Harbour Manjits Wharf features sumptuous decor awash in the hue’s of India’s signature spices and country where the senses were meant to be indulged. Dishes range from Bombay, Delhi street fare and home style tandoori cooking, to the most sophisticated food of the royal families.
Located: Shop 10/49 Lime Street, Sydney
Hosting winemakers lunches, pop up dinners and a menu full of the vibrancy of Indian flavours with European influences and a contemporary flair. This 13 Chef Hatted Indian restaurant is worth a visit if you’re ever in Melbourne’s CBD. Celebrating a 10 year anniversary, Tonka will please with it’s Gulab jamun, a sweet dessert comprising of a saffron syrup and gold leaf.
Located: 20 Duckboard Place, Melbourne
If you’re wondering what’s in a name, Ish, is short for ‘a modern-ish taste of India’. Serving up contemporary Indian cuisine, the restaurant’s ethos is rooted in the liminal: its inspirations both traditional and modern. It serves to represent through food, the dynamism that so defines modern-day India in the form of a 12 hatted restaurant.
Located: 199 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Located: 199 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
