Spice it Up at these 6 Restaurants!

Can you guess the oldest spice in the world? That honour belongs to cardamom, which has recorded uses as a perfume, ointment and cooking ingredient, dating back more than 4000 years.

Known as the ‘Queen of Spice’, this elegant, sweet and intensely aromatic luxury spice features in dishes around the world, served up as a support act or the star of the show, cardamom can do it all.

We all love a bit of spice in our lives…here are six venues where spice is the name of the game:

Authentic flavours and a relaxing vibe await hungry Darlinghurst diners at Thai Tharee on Victoria Street. Chill out in relaxing surroundings either at a cosy table for two or join friends at a bench table with black square stools to enjoy a glass of wine and peruse a comprehensive menu of all your Thai favourites.

 

Get the party started with spicy deep-fried prawns, housemade sweet chilli sauce and mayonnaise; then delve into classic dishes such as creamy green curry with chicken, coconut milk, mixed vegetables, bamboo shoots, basil and steamed rice.

Impress your foodie soul with Indian fare with flair from Dosa Hut Dural on New Line Road. Presenting a rustic fit-out of sandstone walls, Indian statues, wooden beamed ceilings and chandelier lighting, there’s also a private dining space ideal for your next special event.

 

Known as the pioneers of bringing authentic Indian food culture to this country, expect spicy offerings like roasted puffed rice with avocado, tamarind sauce and fried battered prawns; before dosa specials such as butter chicken, or deep-fried goat strips with red chilli and peppers.

Treat tastebuds to an exotic dining experience at Paste Thai restaurant, tucked away on Kearns Crescent in the Applecross shopping and dining precinct in Ardross. Upon entering this alluring venue, diners are met with an earthy interior adorned in sophisticated aesthetics from dark timber floorboards to a brick feature wall, while warmly glowing lights are covered in fittings comparable to cray pots.

 

Embraced in a romantic vibe, take time to discover tantalising cuisine on offer, perhaps stopping to enjoy an entrée of chicken satay, with cucumber salsa and peanut sauce; then delve into aromatic and spicy Penang beef curry with red curry paste and vegetables.

The vision of homesick students from Hong Kong, the China Tea Club on Montford Crescent in Lyneham is the place to head for Asian fare with flair. This hidden Canberra gem is locally loved for its warm and welcoming vibe and an extensive menu offering everyone’s favourite Chinese dishes from spring rolls and san choy bow to roast duck and BBQ pork.

Begin a memorable meal with a cold glass of Chardonnay and a barbeque duck san choy bow, then opt for Chef favourites such as beef fillets in spicy kung po sauce, or King prawns with shredded Japanese taro in XO chilli sauce with a side of steamed rice.

Those looking for the best vegetarian street food in Sydney make their way along Lexington Drive to find Honest Indian Bella Vista. This vibrant restaurant welcomes guests with colourful red chairs, blue banquette seating and aqua walls, covered with graffiti-style artwork; setting the scene for a memorable dining experience, best shared with family and friends.

 

Expect vegetarian dishes to send the senses into overload, perhaps starting with signature spiced vegetable and potato mash, served with warm buttered pav; for the main, think deep-fried vegetable dumplings, stir-fried with Indo-Chinese spices.

Discover where spice meets splendour at Seven Spices on Burns Bay Road in Lane Cove. This modern Indian restaurant exudes a warm and welcoming vibe ideal for family celebrations or romantic rendezvous, while the menu paints edible stories where ancient recipes dance with unexpected twists, smoky whispers and global flavours.

 

Choose from extensive options from sharing feasts to street delights, dosa, curries and flame-kissed goodness from the tandoor; start with succulent chicken 65, marinated in secret spices and fried to perfection, then devour Chef’s favourite baby goat curry with steamed rice.