First on the list is Mukka; a sweet and humble restaurant originally opening as a stall at the Vic Market some years ago. Their honest service and tasteful North Indian flavour grew so popular within the market that a restaurant to come next was only essential. And a smart move that was, as they now hold their ground as one of Melbourne’s most delicious and true experiences. Mukka was actually the reason I became aware of Diawli as on Sunday October 22 they serve their finest treats at the Diwali Yoga & Special Veggie Thali Festival at Edinburgh Gardens. The festival offers cleansing Yoga followed by a special vegetarian Thali lunch at Mukka for just $35. Just bring a mat, towel, and some unwanted baggage to set free.
After something with a little fancier? Then Piquancy is for you. Hawthorn’s much celebrated Indian restaurant explores a variety of Indian flavours and breaks down the reputation of Indian food being heavy and predominately curries and rice. Piquancy – meaning a pleasantly sharp and appetising flavour – amply succeed in doing so with dishes such as yoghurt kebabs, pani puri or cheese dosa. When I dined at Piquancy I loved the Tulsi Seap; basil and lemon marinated scallops with green pea suave and capsicum salsa. I really, really suggest trying this.
And then there’s something that’s a little less Indian I’ll admit, but a lot more special to me particularly. It’s my local Indian and Nepalese restaurant, The Kathmandu Cottage down in North Melbourne. Firstly I’d like to point out that Nepalese food and Indian food are similar – but not the same. Nepalese cuisine is heavily meat-based, whereas Indian Food offers a wider range of vegetarian dishes with more curries and spices. However, at The Kathmandu Cottage, you can be treated to both. I would try the Goat Curry (the chef’s favourite) or the Raita made from carrot and cucumber in home-made natural yoghurt. I also wouldn’t go past the Gulab Jamun for dessert – home-made milk dumplings dipped in sugar syrup.
