PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAIn what’s becoming the takeaway food centre of residential Carlton, treading the line between sleepy suburb and funky commercial strip, De Orchid has found a place for itself with its fine food and warm service. The homely decor is true to the food: traditional Indian cuisine, complete with all the classics and made to order for your tastes. It’s quiet and cosy, and low-key enough to make it your regular Indian joint.
De Orchid is also especially good for sharing meals around the table, and it’s just as well for their range is huge. Personal favourites included the lamb Shahai Korma, a rich and tasty northern Indian specialty of boneless lamb cooked with cashew nuts. This goes nicely with the vegetable biryani: a dish consisting of rice cooked with nuts and mixed vegetables. A little naan bread, and your meal is complete. Other popular dishes are the crab curry, cooked with coconut milk and freshly ground roasted spices and also the fish vindaloo, a traditional hot fish curry. Meals range from $10-14.50 or go for the highly recommended banquet for $32 per person which offers a great selection from the menu.
Jenni Kauppi, March 2008
