LOCATIONTen minutes’ drive from the city. Across from the Golden Sheaf Hotel.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIALuring in diners with the exotic frangrance of cardamom, chilli and cloves, Taste of India is a haven for the senses where getting curried away is the order of the day. White sails hang gently from the ceiling, creating a refined boudoir effect that effuses an intimate atmosphere. Babs Chowdery has captained this ship for close to 25 years, and today he runs the floor like a well-versed socialite, pulling up a chair and chatting to guests like old friends. Both Babs and his restaurant are familiar faces in Double Bay, however their reputation has stretched to the ears of the Restaurant and Catering Association NSW, which has recognised Taste of India as one of the best Indian restaurants in Sydney.
A colourful flurry of textures, aromas and flavours are ferried to pappadum-nibbling diners, brightening up the crisp white linen of the table settings. The onion bhajis made from red lentil flour and herbs and spices, homemade vegetable samosas and tandoori chicken pieces will see you slathering these succulent entrees with a more-ish spicy mint yoghurt sauce. Follow with an array of vibrant curries such as a lamb saag sauteed with creamy spinach, a beef Shahi with tomato, and a mango chicken which is sure to go down in culinary history. If you’re looking to work up a sweat on your brow, tuck into the beef vindaloo or ask Babs to add some heat to any of your favourite dishes. Your meal would be incomplete without an order of fluffy naan bread to mop up every last drop, and there are plenty of spicy pickles, cucumber raita and other side dishes to add some extra pep. Match your banquet to a drop from the carefully chosen wine list and you have yourself a feast fit for a maharaja.
Annabel Wise