LOCATIONIn the food and fashion precinct of Rundle Street, just a minute’s walk from the Botanic Gardens.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAMichael Buble and tandoori prawns. Thank goodness we can find one of them at Taj Tandoor all year round. While many think Buble is quite a dish himself, the spicy bite of chef Pammi Sandhu’s prawns is a real crowd pleaser. You will find yourself reaching for them again and again. ‘Sweet, juicy, and spiked with devilish flavour’ could almost describe the saucy Canadian crooner.
Speaking of Buble, the suave singer popped into Taj Tandoor recently before his Adelaide concert. Dining al fresco when he introduced himself, the hostess with the most Anne Sandhu took some convincing. (His girlfriend saying he was only joking didn’t help.) Giggling girlies seeking photographs proved him right, and bingo, another celebrity autographed dinner plate was added to the Sandhu’s collection.
Pammi and Anne may be considered rockstars themselves. Prior to this, they opened one of Adelaide’s first Indian restaurants in Light Square. The delightful couple’s loyal customers include generations of families. Pammi's admirable long beard and gentle dark eyes show his wisdom. He holds the reigns to his kitchen tightly, but enjoys passing on his culinary knowledge and know-how to those eager to learn. “Shortcuts are not my way”, he firmly advises. It is his way with spicing and marination that really speaks in his food. The
palak gosht is a standout dish of curried lamb, ground spinach and a comfortingly warm mix of fresh ginger, garlic and onions finished with tomato and cream.
The Sandhu’s Taj Tandoor is a two-storey, lofty space, with tall windows that welcome in the energy of Rundle Street. Evenings are popular, and you will be well fed and looked after every time you visit, regardless of who you are.
Roz Taylor