Amrin & Bros - Geelong, VIC
Amrin & Bros is a culinary gem where the vibrant flavours of India come to life against a backdrop of rustic charm and colourful ambience. The restaurant's setting is an ode to Indian culture, featuring vibrant murals, recycled timber and a lush wall of greenery. As you peruse the menu, you're invited on a journey through India's diverse culinary landscape, with dishes that range from aromatic curries to sizzling tandoori specialties. The experience at Amrin & Bros is not just about dining; it's an immersive cultural journey, celebrating the rich flavours and traditions of India.
The menu at Amrin & Bros is a treasure trove of Indian culinary delights, but the standout choice for visitors is undoubtedly the Kadhai Chicken. This dish is a symphony of flavours, featuring tender chicken cooked with bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices that pay homage to the ancient Spice Route. Served in a traditional Kadhai (wok), this dish is not just a meal but an experience, offering a taste of India's rich culinary heritage. Alongside the creamy Methi Malai Paneer and other flavourful creations, the Kadhai Chicken stands out as a testament to the skill and passion behind Amrin & Bros' culinary offerings.
Street Taste - Preston, VIC
In Preston's bustling High Street, Street Taste offers a global street food experience that transports diners to the far corners of the world with every bite. The venue's moody vibe, complemented by subdued lighting, vibrant murals, exposed brick and twinkling fairy lights, sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary adventure. Here, the essence of the Spice Route comes alive through a menu that celebrates the world's most beloved street foods, from BBQ meats to gourmet tacos, each dish infused with exotic spices and flavours.
A must-try at Street Taste is their gourmet tacos, particularly the slow-cooked birria brisket with house-made adobo sauce. This dish encapsulates the spirit of the Spice Route, blending tender, slow-cooked meat with a rich, spicy adobo sauce, pickled red onions, melted mozzarella, fresh coriander and a side of consommé for dipping. The fusion of flavours and textures makes this dish a standout choice for visitors, offering a contemporary twist on traditional spice-infused cuisines.
Tian38 - Melbourne CBD, VIC
Tian38, situated on Melbourne's bustling Flinders Lane, offers a modern take on Chinese cuisine, complemented by a world-class cocktail bar. The sleek, sophisticated interior, highlighted by vibrant green subway tiles and subtle neon signage, creates a moody ambiance perfect for enjoying innovative dishes and expertly crafted cocktails. Tian38's menu, inspired by travels through Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore, presents a modern interpretation of traditional dishes, making it a culinary hotspot in Melbourne's CBD.
The Cantonese-style roast duck at Tian38 is a culinary masterpiece, capturing the essence of the Spice Route with its dry-aging process and infusion of five-spice aromatics. Served with plum sauce, this dish is a celebration of flavours, textures, and culinary traditions, offering diners a taste of Cantonese cuisine at its finest. The meticulous preparation and attention to detail make the roast duck a must-try for visitors, embodying the restaurant's commitment to delivering an exceptional dining experience.
Gurkhas Restaurant - Melbourne CBD, VIC
Gurkhas Restaurant offers diners an authentic taste of Nepal amidst the bustling cityscape. From its humble beginnings, Gurkhas has grown into a beloved dining destination, known for its warm, inviting atmosphere and stunning photography that transports diners to the Himalayan kingdom. The menu at Gurkhas is a celebration of Nepalese cuisine, featuring dishes that are both traditional and innovative, crafted with care and authentic flavours.
The signature traditional goat curry at Gurkhas is a standout choice for visitors, offering a taste of Nepal's rich culinary heritage. Cooked on the bone with fresh coriander in typical Nepali style, this dish is a testament to the flavours and cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations. The goat curry, with its blend of spices and herbs, is a heartwarming and flavourful experience, making it a must-try for anyone seeking to explore the depths of Nepalese cuisine.
Not Just Curries - Harris Park, NSW
Not Just Curries challenges the misconception of Indian cuisine being limited to curries. Housed in a charming cottage, the restaurant welcomes diners with a warm ambience, polished wooden floors, spice-coloured walls and an eclectic collection of artworks. The menu is a celebration of India's diverse culinary landscape, offering dishes that range from spicy battered fried fish to juicy lamb kebabs, all crafted with care and authentic flavours.
A highlight of the menu is the Tawa Goat, a dish that perfectly embodies the essence of the Spice Route. Cooked with bell peppers, onions and coarsely ground spices on a sizzler plate, then topped with fresh cilantro, this dish offers a burst of flavours that transport diners to the heart of India. The Tawa Goat, with its rich spices and tender meat, stands out as a testament to the restaurant's commitment to showcasing the depth and diversity of Indian cuisine beyond just curries.
The Grand Palace - Mona Vale, NSW
The Grand Palace in Mona Vale lives up to its name, offering a dining experience that is both grand and palatial. The Indian-themed décor, with carved wooden tables and chairs and a wall of trailing greenery, sets the stage for a menu that blends traditional Indian cuisine with modern twists. From succulent lamb cutlets to mesmerizing mains like chicken vindaloo and Goan fish curry, The Grand Palace offers a royal feast that is fit for a king.
The Lamb Curry at The Grand Palace is a culinary delight that captures the essence of the Spice Route. Marinated overnight with a blend of selected spices and herbs, then slowly cooked to preserve the flavours, this dish is served with baby young potatoes, offering a perfect balance of tender meat and aromatic spices. The Lamb Curry is not just a dish; it's an experience, showcasing the restaurant's ability to elevate traditional Indian cuisine with modern culinary techniques and presentation.
