Perched on a Mooloolaba street corner across the road from the beach, the Spirit of Tibet is a cosy go-to restaurant for cockle-warming repasts. The walls are peppered with Tibetan artefacts and artworks; the tables are adorned with steaming bowls of traditional cuisine. It may be a world away from his homeland, but the restaurant’s Tibetan chef and owner dishes up his healthy, hearty menu with gusto.
Start with the mixed entree for two: a lip-smacking medley of fresh spring rolls, momos with home-made tomato relish, and crispy golden samosas filled with spiced peas and potatoes. The main of shashi is a perennial favourite; marinated chicken breast swims in a deliciously creamy sauce topped with coriander. Spice-seekers should hunt down the Himalayan goat vindaloo, which sees diced goat, potatoes and spices balanced by a dash of coconut milk and cream. Vegetarians certainly won’t go hungry here, with an entire section of the menu devoted to vegetable-based fare. The moghu comes highly recommended; its addictive creamy gravy dotted with potatoes, peas, mushrooms and toasted cashews. End with a creamy deshi rice pudding for a sweet book-end to the meal.