Who’s Your Papadum? 5 Restaurants to Get Your Papadum Fix

Papadum is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘parpata’ which means a flattened disc and is a versatile food enjoyed in many different ways in not only India but all around the world.

It is typically served as an accompaniment to meals and is often eaten with rice, curry and other dishes – it is also commonly served as a snack or appetiser either on its own or with chutney, raita and other dipping sauce.

This beloved food has a long and rich history…however you enjoy your crunchy papadums, here are five venues to get your next Indian fix:

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; begin with zucchini chat with beetroot chutney, yoghurt bomb, tamarind sauce, tomato spheres, mint chutney and pomegranate seeds, moving onto mint and coriander-infused baby goat curry, with sides of lemon rice, Kashmiri naan and papadums.

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 starters like fire-grilled prawns with curry leaf butter and gun powder; for the main, opt for rustic smoked himachai chicken curry with sides of mixed cucumber salad, butter roti and papadums, or King prawns in curried coconut sauce with mustard. Finish sweetly with bread pudding soaked in saffron-infused syrup, thickened fragrant milk and rabri.

Every dish tells a story at new go-to Brisbane dining destination, Zaikaa on Kingston Road in Underwood. Indulge your senses at this stylish restaurant where aqua-coloured walls blend with ornate pendent lighting to set the scene for a symphony of vibrant and authentic flavours.

 

From tender slow-cooked meat served with aromatic basmati rice and seasoned with unique Middle Eastern spices to the royal flavours of Hyderabadi dum biryani, there is something on the menu to tempt all palates. Perhaps Mughlai maharaja chicken curry entices or tender slow-cooked lamb rack mandi, served over aromatic basmati rice with mixed nuts, fresh green salad, creamy yoghurt and tangy tomato sauce. 

Soak up stunning views of Ross Creek along with the flavours of Indian cuisine at Aalishan on Palmer Street in Townsville. With a name meaning ‘grand’, expect to be impressed by the ambience of this restaurant, where water views abound from large glass windows and the sounds of gurgling water from an outdoor fountain add a soothing touch.

 

Starters like deep-fried fish pakora and mint chutney are ideal to begin your Indian feast, or zingy prawns served on fluffy fried wholemeal bread; move onto classic curries such as lamb in onion and tomato base with ginger, garlic, garam masala and herbs, paired with coconut basmati rice, garlic naan and papadums. Gulab jamun and vanilla ice cream make for a sweet ending to a memorable meal.

Discover a modern Indian restaurant with gourmet and fusion dishes on the menu at Spice Mix Restaurant on Lygon Street in Brunswick East. Embark on a culinary journey through India and Nepal in stylish surrounds of hanging greenery, traditional artwork and intimate table settings, ideal for family celebrations or a romantic rendezvous with someone special; get the party started with deep-fried crispy fish pakoras, or chicken marinated in coffee, black pepper and Indo-Nepalese herbs and spices, then cooked in the tandoor oven.

 

For the main, delve into curries such as hot and spicy goat vindaloo with onion gravy, fresh coriander and sides of steamed basmati rice, cheese and garlic naan and papadums; while seafood lovers opt for masala crab cooked in onion, garlic, tomato and blended spices.