New restaurant introduces Indian high tea to Brisbane

A new Brisbane restaurant is putting an Indian spin on high tea, offering up savoury and sweet treats from the Asian nation.

Fancy an Indian high tea complete with everything from pani puri to kebab burgers and traditional sweet treats? A new Brisbane restaurant is bringing just that to Petrie Terrace, with the launch of Garlic Clove.

A sister venue to the Ormeau eatery of the same name, it is the work of long-time chefSabir Merchant and his wife Dolly.

Moving in opposite The Barracks, the new restaurant is looking to stand out with its must-book high tea concept featuring some of the most popular savoury and sweet Indian street foods, such as the savoury sponge-like dhokla, deep-fried bread pakora, and the falafel-like hara bhara kebabs loaded into a burger bun. Instead of an English breakfast or earl grey tea accompanying the tiered feast, though, there will be masala chai to fit the Indian theme, while a glass of sparkling is also included on arrival.

High tea at Garlic Clove restaurant.

The new restaurant’s menu runs far beyond high tea, however, with an authentic Indian offering moving from entrees such as onion bhaji and chilli paneer to sheekh kebab and chicken tikka cooked in a tandoor, biryani and a core group of curries.

There is also plenty for the vegetarian and vegan with everything from mushroom and corn masala to black dahl and chole bature.

A fun lunch menu is in play, too, featuring everything from a four-layer sandwich to parathas and the Mumbai favourite pav bhaji where mashed vegetables are served with a hot, buttered bun.

The restaurant is also fully licensed with a solid collection of Australian and New Zealand wines, plus cocktails and spirits.

DAPPLE’S UNWAVERING SPIRIT

After being forced to permanently close last year when Toombul Shopping Centre, in Brisbane’s north, announced it would not be reopening following last February’s devastating floods, popular watering hole Dapple + Waver is finally set to relaunch – albeit in a new location.

A sibling to Coorparoo’s much-loved Beyond The Pale bar, the venue will move across town into the under-construction YG Riverside Village in ­Yeerongpilly, in Brisbane’s south.

A render of the new Dapple + Waver in Yeerongpilly.

“I lived in that area for eight years and I know it’s crying out for a bar – there’s just nowhere to go,” co-owner Aidan McGarrity says.

The 330sq m indoor-outdoor tenancy will have about 160 seats, with ­banquettes and curved booth seating, high tables, greenery and an elegant, long bar envisaged by NV Design.

A similar menu to the original Toombul outlet will be in play, with the likes of steak, fish tacos and share plates using locally sourced ingredients, alongside a mix of craft and mainstream beers on tap, signature and classic cocktails and a comprehensive wine list.

Dapple + Waver Yeerongpilly is due to open in August.