Kamla’s Kitchen

LOCATION
A short five-minute drive from the CBD.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Technically you are eating out, but this petite eatery with photo-filled walls and a busy owner/chef makes you feel right at home. It is Kamla’s Kitchen in the true sense – her culinary quarters are a mere extension of her intimate 20-seat dining space. Glossy timber floors, palms and an aquarium give a relaxed, almost tropical, feel. Glass-topped outdoor-style settings with cane chairs add further to the casual nature of the restaurant, although being quite moderate in size, they are perhaps best suited for curries on the run or a place to park your pappadums while waiting for a take-out order. For settled-in spicy dining sessions head to the tables with cushioned chairs. While waiting for Kamla to rustle up your feast, you can feed your eyes on the restaurant’s evocative array of photography. All shot in India by her beloved husband Kym, the photographs give touching insight into her country’s culture. It was where they met, when Kym was a visiting Aussie and Kamla was performing traditional Indian dance for presidents. Take a closer look at the lovely woman dancing in the photographs – it is her!

The menu is a short and straight-to-the point selection of authentic North Indian cuisine. Kamla grinds her own spices and cooks curries with no oil or flour. While butter chicken with fenugreek leaves is her speciality, the lamb rogan josh boasts spices dry-roasted with saffron for full aromatic flavour. Tandoori chook is on offer by the half and cleansing yoghurt and cucumber raita is on hand should you decide to tangle with a vindaloo. Gulab jamun make for a sweet, homey finish.

Roz Taylor