Jasmin

LOCATION
Adelaide CBD

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Down a flight of stairs off Hindmarsh Square, chef Mrs. Singh and son Amrik have built a haven for diners lured by the heady flavours of India. Curries have simmered in this kitchen for a quarter of a century; this is Adelaide’s most celebrated Indian restaurant. It’s a refined space, with dark timber furnishings and exotic artworks. The lighting is subdued; the spicy aromas from the kitchen – cardamom, cumin, saffron, nutmeg - are the key to Jasmin’s alluring atmosphere. Get here early as the place fills quickly with parties arriving to feast on the banquet menu.

The menu is a familiar read, consisting mainly of traditional North Indian dishes. Start with an assortment of entrees, bite-sized and made for sharing. Fish tikka comes in succulent, marinated cubes while tandoor-baked lamb cutlets retain a rich tenderness underneath their earthy coating of curry-powder. Chilli lovers who find the beef vindaloo tame are invited to tackle the tindaloo, an extra-strength chicken curry loaded with fiery, fresh chillies. Mop up curries and dahl with the tandoor breads, from basic chappatis to delicious paratha layered with egg and onion. The desserts are a curious combination of Indian and Western delights, the sticky sweet galub jamun shares space with a rich chocolate gateau and a syrup-laden orange sponge cake.

Fiona Davies