Jolly Delhi Cafe

LOCATION
Next to Duncraig Primary School, 20 minutes north of Perth city.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
I must admit that finding the Jolly Delhi Cafe was not as easy as I thought it would be, but then again, I was looking for a pokey little suburban restaurant that would struggle to entice diners. What I discovered was the exact opposite, which left me very impressed. The neutral coloured interior is contemporary and stylish with comfortable high-backed chairs, groovy light fittings and a small terrace that overlooks a grassy area; not something you see at the average Indian restaurant. Service is also above board with a small team doing its very best to keep diners happy while maintaining genuine smiles.

The food at Jolly Delhi Cafe is a traditional style of Indian cuisine. The menu offers all of the favourites such as butter chicken, rogan josh, beef vindaloo along with a handful of additional creations. Starters such as the onion bhaji and seekh kebab (spiced lamb on skewers cooked in the Tandoor oven) are the way to go before entering into serious spice territory. The Goan beef de Malibu is not a dish I’ve ever seen on an Indian menu (yes, it really contains Malibu) yet I’m told it is very popular and has a wonderful coconut flavour. Other dishes like the chicken saag, Malabar fish curry and lamb korma are traditionally prepared and extremely flavoursome. The menu also boasts a great selection of vegetarian dishes with the likes of dhal makhani and saag paneer; my all time favourites. Although entrees such as the chicken tikka and seekh kebab are said to be cooked in a tandoor oven, there doesn’t seem to be any mention of tandoori favourites on the menu. No big deal, as there’s plenty of other wonderful dishes to enjoy!

Karen Bilsby