Adelaide’s best curries bar naan
PUT on your best elasticated waistband trousers and come with us on a tour of Adelaide’s leading curry houses, plus a few restaurants that also know how to turn up the heat.
THE CITY
Cafe Chennai
The chicken varuval is one of the hero dishes at this late-night eatery specialising in southern Indian cuisine. Served in a copper pail, the chicken curry from the Chettinad region contains generous portions of chicken thigh in a golden sauce with hints of coconut and fresh curry leaves. You’re always in control over the spice levels here. The place itself is pretty cosy, too.
230 Main North Rd, Prospect, open daily, 11am-2am, 0423 320 612
Royal Haandi
Catering to the gluten and dairy-free crowd, this eat-in/takeaway restaurant specialises in generous servings of traditional and contemporary North-Indian food.
Servings are as big as the menu, which covers a range of curry options — try the hearty royal goat curry in gravy spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, coriander and bay leaves.
62-64 Payneham Rd, Stepney, 7225 9904
Mrs Q
This contemporary Asian loft-style restaurant gets rave reviews for its red duck curry. It’s on the pricier side ($26) but you get a generous serving of roasted duck leg with pineapple, chilli and Thai basil. It’s the perfect blend between sweet and sour.
Level 1/120-128 Gouger St, city, 8211 8887
Jasmin Indian Restaurant
This is the place chef Marco Pierre White raved about on his last visit to Adelaide. Not only did he “without question, most probably” have the best Indian meal of his life here, he praised owner Anant Singh for being a jewel in Adelaide’s crown. Of course, the locals who have been coming here since 1980 would say they already knew this.
Mrs Singh, 86, is the curry queen — and I’m not saying that because it sounds catchy — she really has earned that title. She doesn’t follow a recipe, cooks the meat slowly with onions, tomatoes and spices instead of water, and starts the curries from scratch every day. She’s in the kitchen one day a week, but has taught her family well. For those wondering, Marco had the bhoona gosht.
31 Hindmarsh Square, city, 8223 7837
Fish Head
My colleague and The City’s What’s On guru Steph loves the beef rendang at this Indonesian eatery, saying the spiced beef with coconut, lemongrass, shallots and galangal melts in the mouth. Also check out the chicken chop chop — chicken curry on the bone with roasted peanuts, fried anchovies and rice.
270 Morphett St, city, 8212 2411
Indian Temptations
“It’s easy to disregard the place (nothing fancy)”.
This isn’t from a Yelp review, it’s in the About Us section of the restaurant’s website. Instant points for honesty. The food is just as humble, and regulars here know they can rely on exchanging a tenner and some loose change for a simple, authentic and hearty curry. Varieties include goat, fish, mixed veg and chicken.
490 Main North Rd, Blair Athol, 8260 5757
EAST
Namaste Nepalese Restaurant
It is far from a main meal, but the pumpkin curry at Namaste Nepalese Restaurant is among the Parkside diner’s main attractions. Flavoured with mustard seeds and fenugreek, the vegetarian curry — or Pharsi ko Tarkari as its known in Nepalese — is a delicious accompaniment to any of the traditional dishes served up at this award-winning restaurant. And it’s only $11.50. Bargain! Wash it down with an authentic mango lassie or perhaps a Nepalese chiya tea — milky, spicy and oh, so good.
41 George St, Parkside, 8272 2288
Cinnamon Club
For the curry connoisseur looking for an interesting twist on an authentic dish, look no further than the award-winning Cinnamon Club. Owners Harsh Kumar and Jwala Singh are acclaimed for their extensive menu, which features traditional dishes from just about every corner of India. Mr Kumar says a popular dish is the nihari chaampa curry ($31.90) — juicy lamb chops slowly cooked in an old-style gravy. They says it’s about a “medium” on the spice factor, but they are happy to up the heat for anyone who wants a bit more of a kick on a cold winter night. Across the menu there are gluten, dairy and nut-free options.
211A The Parade, Norwood, 8431 3311
Belair Hotel
A hearty, flavour-filled dish perfect for one of those freezing Adelaide Hills nights. That is how Belair Hotel head chef Julian DuBois describes his signature Jaffrazi vegetable curry. “It is a vegan curry, and with more and more people looking for that option it really does have broad appeal among our customers,” DuBois says. Filled with cauliflower, chickpeas, sweet potato and capsicum — and accompanied by naan and raita bread — the $20 dish is light on spice, but heavy on Indian-inspired flavours. Just remember to save some room for dessert. Dark chocolate cheesecake ($12). Carrot and cream cheese sponge ($12). Salted caramel tart ($14). I’ll stop now ...
141 Main Road, Blackwood, 8278 8777
Taste of Nepal
Bringing a taste of his mother’s cooking to Adelaide was at the heart of Taste of Nepal head chef Kashi Ram Poudel’s decision to open the city’s first Nepalese restaurant in 2004. The Kensington restaurant is known around town for its innovative, authentic and aromatic meals. Some dishes are his mother’s original recipes while he brings his own flavours to others. Keeping things in the family, Mr Poudel’s son, Kamal, also works at the restaurant. The butter chicken ($24.50) is a menu highlight. The chicken is smoked in clay oven then simmered in tomatoes, garlic, star anise and szechwan pepper. “It is quite mild, is kid-friendly but is also good for adults,” Mr Poudel says. While we’re talking clay ovens, make sure you try the clay-oven mushrooms from the entree menu while you’re there. One regular diner says there’s nothing quite like them.
300 The Parade, Kensington, 8332 2788
House of Zen
Indian cuisine is well known for its curries, but Asian offerings are also plentiful. House of Zen in Belair is no exception. Owner Hung Lien has been serving up curries from his Main Rd restaurant for 13 years. Now is prime time for curries, according to Mr Lien, and they have been selling them in great numbers during the winter months. He recommends the green curry — with a rich coconut flavour, chicken and a generous serve of vegetables. At $15.20, it’s hard to go past.
6 Main Rd, Belair, 8370 2333
SOUTH
Harvest of India
New Delhi-born chef Tarun Kumar studied civil engineering before embracing his true passion of cooking and preparing mouth-watering food from North Indian recipes. This passion is on full display at Tarun’s restaurant Harvest of India where diners are treated to genuine Indian cuisine. Favourites include bhuna gosht — tender pieces of lamb, spices and lemon — and prawn malai with cashews. Curries range between $10-$20.
24 Saltfleet St, Port Noarlunga, 8326 8832
Ind’o’mex
Can’t decide between Indian or Mexican cuisine for dinner tonight — why don’t you have both? Ind’o’mex at McLaren Vale touts flavoursome food in an unpretentious setting with regular Bollywood-themed evenings for those who choose to dine in. Try the goat masala cooked in the chef’s signature gravy — with a bowl of nachos on the side. Mains are priced around $15.
225 Main Rd, McLaren Vale, 8323 8575
Oh Calcutta
For upscale Indian look no further as Oh Calcutta has you covered. The popular curry house has been a dining fixture in Morphett Vale for 30 years with traditional favourites such as the top selling butter chicken and lamb korma never failing to please. Recent winners include a tender duck breast curry which has remained on the specials board for eight consecutive months.
Curries start at $14.
171 Main South Rd, Morphett Vale, 8382 0079
Bombay to Beijing
Tantalise your tastebuds with a fusion of Chinese and Indian dishes at Bombay to Beijing. From fan favourites, including butter chicken and korma, to more adventurous dishes, including murg methi malai with boneless chicken and lamb do pyaza, there’s a meal for everyone to enjoy. All are under $20 each. Be sure to check the restaurant’s website for regular specials, including those for first-time customers. The restaurant at Seaford Meadows is dine-in restaurant but it delivers across the south.
12/1 Prow Drive, Seaford Meadows, 8386 1695
Mr India
A quirky yet regal interior equipped with a roaring fireplace is the perfect cosy setting to indulge in a curry banquet. Or better yet — spice up your Wednesday with a buffet including three main courses, rice, raita, pappadums and a dessert. Favourites include the prawn malbari (cooked with a coconut-based sauce and finished with mustard seed and fresh curry leaves) and beef saagwala featuring spinach and garlic. Curries range from $18-$23.
218-220 Old South Rd, Old Reynella, 8387 9999
WEST
Delhi Spice
Manager Pankaj Sharma and his father Sukhdev established this restaurant in 2009, with a plan to bring the tastes of Delhi to Adelaide. “My dad was working here in a five-star hotel for quite a while,” Pankaj says. “He got a chance to work at Raj on Taj (Unley) for eight or nine years, as a head chef.
But he wanted to open up a restaurant of his own, so when I grew up and started working in the industry, we decided to open up a place with the taste of Delhi.” The restaurant, just across the road from the Marion outdoor pool, even has some famous fans. About five years ago, staff catered for the Indian Test team, who were eager to down some authentic subcontinental food. “They took their picture and sent it to us — they liked it very much,” Pankaj says.
271A-271C Oaklands Rd, Marion, 8177 2355, delhispice.com.au
Thai Orchid
Grab a table by the window or outside and watch the sun go down while you sample a curry at this Henley Beach institution. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin. Diners can choose from about 15 curries, with fish, beef, duck, chicken and vegetarian options all available. You can also opt to have your food mild, or hot enough to breathe the paint off the door. The restaurant has a lovely family-friendly atmosphere, and staff add to this by wearing traditional silk Thai clothing. If the weather is fine, grab some takeaway dishes and sit outside on the grass or sand and enjoy the sea air.
255 Esplanade, Henley Beach, 8353 4686, thaiorchidrestaurant.com.au
Mitran Da Dhaba
This small eatery took up residence in a small Anzac Hwy shopfront a few years ago and, set in one of Adelaide’s Indian strongholds along the highway, has developed a loyal following among locals. The setting is very modest but it’s always busy with local families enjoying a meal and others popping in to collect their takeaway. About a year ago, the menu switched from all vegetarian fare, to cater for carnivores and herbivores alike. However, vegetarians rejoice — there are still 17 mains available for you — yes, that’s right, 17! Top menu choices include the dahl makhani, palak paneer and aloo gobhi.
287 Anzac Highway, Plympton, 8297 7979, mitrandadhaba.com.au
Taste of the Himalayas
Chef and owner Dharma Lama cooks with authentic spices to serve up the best in Nepalese fare. The comfortable setting is beautifully decorated with Nepalese-inspired decor, and it is a lovely spot to meet friends or family for a quiet dinner. Along with a range of curries that have a milder taste than Indian ones, the restaurant also offers sizzling dishes, salads, platters and the Nepalese staple, momos (dumplings). If you’re new to Nepalese food, or just want to sample as many dishes as possible, try the Himalayan Sunday Buffet, served on the last Sunday of every month. That costs $25.95 for adults and $12 for children.
489 Brighton Rd, Brighton, 8358 2483, tasteofthehimalayas.net.au
The Red Ass
The Red Ass specialises in food with a memorable kick. If you’re a lover of hot food, this place is the go, with curries ranging from a one-chilli classification, to six, for the more adventurous. The hottest dish on the menu is the ‘devil curry’, with topside beef, cooked with lots of chilli, Indian herbs and spices in a gravy sauce. The Red Ass is also a good option if your dinner party can’t decide on what kind of cuisine to try for the night’s feast, offering Thai, Singaporean and Indian dishes. It even has a play area for children, and offers movie dinner deals, including a ticket to the Odeon Star Semaphore Cinemas, entree, main and a drink.
2/120 Semaphore Rd, Semaphore, 8341 7878, redasscurry.com
NORTH
Indian Table
Growing up, Saqid Ahmed says he was often amazed at the smells and spices that wafted through his house when his mother began cooking in the kitchen. Despite a love of all dishes, there was always a clear favourite when dinnertime came around — butter chicken. It was these early years learning family recipes that led the chef to open his own restaurant. “If we have 10 orders from different tables, they will all have butter chicken,” Mr Ahmed says. “It is my mum’s recipe so we love using it and sharing it with others.” Served with rice, succulent chicken pieces are tossed with a homemade cream, cashew, almond and saffron sauce ($13.50).
Shop 3/3 Church St, Salisbury, 8258 1721
Tabla
Northern residents are heading to Smithfield this winter to get their hands on a specialty Indian curry that is certain to warm the heart. There are a range of spicy and creamy curries on offer at Tabla, the most popular of which is the tawa tikki masala ($15.90) Served hot, medium or mildly spiced, the masala has roasted boneless chicken pieces topped with a yoghurt-based sauce, tomato and onion.
81/600 Main North Rd, Smithfield, 8284 0063
Spice Shot
This tucked-away gem has been making an impact in the region since it opened in January last year. Spice Shot owner Samir Paranjape says two favourite curries are the butter chicken and Jewel of the Sea seafood curry. “In the Jewel of the Sea you’ve got squid, mussels, prawns and fish,” he says. “We use the stock from leftover seafood and we add coconut milk, onion, ginger, curry leaves and spices.” He also recommends the Death by Cheese Naan bread to accompany curries. “For cheese lovers that’s something very awesome,” Mr Paranjape says.
38c Moules Road, Magill, 8431 0115
Indian Temptations
Owner Parkash Chand Sharma prefers customers discover their own favourite dish, so he invites them to try a teaspoon of any curry before they buy. “The first question I ask people is what meat they would like,” he explains. “Then my question is, do you like mild, medium or hot? Then I can put a curry on their plate. My duty is when a customer comes through my door I need to see them happy.” Indian Temptations is open for eat-in and takeaway service, and even caters to those late-night shift workers with a 2am closing time every day of the year.
U3/490 Main North Rd, Blair Athol, 8260 5757
Ruby Raja
Ruby Raja, which opened in 2000, has built a reputation for its comfortable surrounds, reliable food and friendly service. Front of house worker Brad says the most popular dish is easily the Thali Curry Plate. For $27 you can indulge in a mixture of butter chicken, beef korma, prawns, chicken tikka masala, rice and naan bread. “It’s a mixture of a few different things, it’s like a tasting plate for one person and it’s very popular,” he says.
1 Perseverance Rd, Tea Tree Gully, 8395 2288