Where to see the Indian cricket team dining in Adelaide ahead of the Second Test at Adelaide Oval
India’s cricket superstars and their partners have arrived in Adelaide for the Second Test, but where will they go for a taste of home? Here are their favourite spots around town.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Since arriving in town earlier this week, India’s cricketing superstars and their partners have been busy acclimatising to Adelaide.
Several of their big names have been spotted relaxing at Hindley St cafe, Peter Rabbit, including first Test century-maker Yashasvi Jaiswal, who posted this selfie with teammates on Instagram.
Sanjana Ganesan, the wife of Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, and Indian actress Athiya Shetty, the better half of wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul, have shared social media snaps from the trendy West End eatery.
Ms Ganesan, a sports journalist, also posted a photo of herself getting up close-and-personal with some local fauna at Cleland Wildlife Park on Wednesday.
But where do India’s biggest names go when they’re in need of a feed and want a taste of home?
Jasmin Indian Restaurant has long been a favourite with touring Indian cricketers, drawn by its authentic cuisine and homestyle service.
More recently, British Raj in Torrensville has become a popular dining location for the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and their squad of players and partners.
So with that in mind, here are some of the hotspots most likely to attract a hungry Indian cricketer, plus a couple of new venues that might come under consideration, ahead of Friday’s Second Test at Adelaide Oval.
Jasmin
Hindmarsh Square, city
This acclaimed eatery has played host to some of the world’s most famous celebrities – yet for cricket fans, there are none bigger than India’s touring megastars.
Since matriarch Anant Singh-Sandhu and her son Amrik Singh opened Jasmin in 1980, it’s been the restaurant of choice for hungry cricketers, including big names such as Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev and Virat Kohli, who often pop by unannounced for dinner before their big match.
Mr Singh said this year’s team have yet to visit ahead of Friday’s Second Test, but that could change at any moment.
“They keep their cards close to their chest,” he said.
“But they’re all so down to earth, not pretentious at all. They are very generous with their time and they’re very easy to look after.”
One of their regular guests is the legendary ‘King Kohli’, the master blaster with 30 Test and 50 ODI centuries to his name.
Mr Singh admitted he was initially nervous about serving Kohli, given his on-field intensity but said the superstar turned out to be “just lovely”.
“He was actually the nicest one of the team, he was such a nice guy. He blew me away, he was so easy going,” he said.
The award-winning restaurant has also fed everyone from prime ministers, premiers, musicians, to Hollywood actors and celebrity chefs across almost 45 years.
These include Billy Connolly, Gough Whitlam, John Howard, Sir Elton John, Dev Patel and British culinary icon Marco Pierre White, who described his dining experience at Jasmin as “the best Indian meal” of his life.
Mr Singh said India’s cricketers had simple tastes, with many vegetarians among the squad. Fresh bread and dishes with minimal spice were preferred by most of the touring party.
“They just want tasty, home style food – that’s what they miss the most while on tour,” he said. “The simpler the better.”
British Raj
Henley Beach Road
Indian superstar Virat Kohli caused a stir when he joined several teammates for a players bonding dinner at the Raj ahead of their T20 World Cup semi-final against England in 2020.
Passionate fans chanted Kohli’s name outside the venue as the touring squad dined inside, tucking into some of the eatery’s famous chicken tikka, Kashmiri pilau and lamb rogan josh.
Since opening in 2010, India’s cricketers have been regular visitors to the Henley Beach Rd establishment with former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said to be particularly fond of their butter chicken dish.
It’s not just the Indian team either, with the visiting Pakistanis, including coach Jason Gillespie, popping in for dinner in early November ahead of their T20 clash with Australia at Adelaide Oval.
North Indian Cuisine
Jetty Rd, Glenelg
India’s cricketers might not usually venture this far for a feed, but if you ask music superstar The Kid Laroi, it’d be well worth the trip – or at least an Uber Eats order to their InterContinental hotel suite.
The Aussie artist, who spent some time studying at Sacred Heart College in his younger years, famously proclaimed this eatery was his “favourite Indian restaurant in the world”. It’s not just lip service. Last week, the singer dined there twice while he was in town for a show at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
“It’s a great honour to serve you your favourite meal. You are truly amazing and humble person, God bless you,” the restaurant posted on their Facebook.
Daughter in Law
Rundle Street, city
Jessi Singh’s first Adelaide restaurant is far from traditional Indian cuisine – which just might appeal to some of the team’s newer faces.
The globally-renowned chef launched Daughter in Law in early 2021, showcasing his “Australian/American/Indian-ish” food to a new crowd on one of the city’s premier dining strips.
The menu is a mix of classic dishes reinvented plus some new creations, while the colourful decor makes for a fun atmosphere, a perfect combination ahead of a long, five-day Test match.
Indii Flavours
O’Connell St, Nort Adelaide
Just a short stroll from Adelaide Oval is this funky restaurant, which has won fans for its authentic Indian dishes which incorporate a modern twist.
Think classic starters like samosas, to options such as buttered scallops and garlic prawns, mixed with traditional favourites including butter chicken, tikka masala, and rogan josh curries. There’s a little something for everyone.
And while the players might stick to water, the team’s entourage can indulge in an extensive list of local and international wines, which is also available in their dedicated wine room.
Cornes: Olympic medallists in a battle for ages
With 150 Olympic medallists dying in 2024, does sporting excellence and an elite athletic background increase longevity? Writes Graham Cornes.
Sensational Segecic helps Sydney extend unbeaten run
A timely maiden A-League hat-trick to a Sydney FC young gun has extended the Sky Blues unbeaten run in a whirlwind clash at Allianz Stadium.