All right this one is about Abhi’s
Indian Restaurant. It all started with my 32nd birthday. After a
long day at work, I returned back. Originally I planned on going to this
restaurant called Aki’s at Woollomoolo. Coming from city to Strathfield and
then going back to Wooloomooloo, did put me off a bit, especially since I
seemed to be high in spirits and that my mom and brother were not too keen to
walk. So I did a quick look up and decided to give a try to Abhi’s, which is
another restaurant at North Strathfield. Both Abhi’s and Aki’s belong to the
same chain. Apparently Abhi’s has been around for 24 years, and this is where
Chef Mahadevan started off. Of course in years to come, he did open Aki’s about
10 years ago at a more prime location at Finger Bay in the city.
Now I had heard of Abhi for quite
a few years, but since it was quite off the public transport network, never really
venture to the side of North Strathfield. But this year, to celebrate the big
day and after getting sloshed with a few shots, I reckon there was no way I
could go to Woolomoolo. Also, I checked up the entertainment book and it had a
discount. Read the reviews and looked nice. So we took a cab from Strathfield
station and got here. Now quite a little restaurant from the outside, as we
stepped in, it was just full of people. We were asked if there was a
reservation and we said no. Then we had to wait for 10 -15 minutes, before we got
a seat. Well, the interiors look small, yet cozy and elegant with the dim
lighting and the different and amazing silver wall paper with the black exotic
design on it.
As we settled and looked into the
menu, what I liked in the menu was that there were just too many dishes. A few
select and that what makes the selection easier. We decided to go for the non-veg
platter for starters. This had the lamb chops, the seekh kebab and the chicken
Tikka. For the main course, we asked the waiter for the recommendations and the
good ones, but somehow I got a feel that the waiter wasn’t too interested. A
bit of a put off, when the person serving you says everything is good at our
place, please order. A bit arrogant I suppose. But nonetheless, he told us Madras
Prawn Vendakai was a good dish, which was quite popular and presented in master
chef. The second dish we ordered was the Patiala goat curry. This was
accompanied by the various breads.
Now once we did the order, it
took long for the dishes to arrive. I mean quite a wait and we were really hungry.
I did look around to see if I could see any waiter and ask him where my food
is. But you know, what, there is also the art these guys have, to not look at customers.
At the hindsight, I look back and think Aki's had a far better service. This one’s
service while prompt could be a more friendly and responsive. But nonetheless, it’s
not a deal breaker.
Let’s come to the food. The Mixed
Tandoori Platter looked great as it was served. The food. Well the chicken
tikka's were good. I mean in line with what I would expect from a fine dining.
Good chicken Tikka's. Recommended. The Hariyali chops were the lamb chops. I
liked them. They were tasty, but not out of the world. For people who like
lamb, they should go for it. I liked the well cut pieces and with a little bit
of fat on top of it. The seekh kebab,
was about average. I wish it was juicier. A bit coarse in texture and a bit too
much like run of the mill restaurants.
Next come to the Patiala Goat
Curry. This was the Punjabi style slow cooked goat. It was dark brown gravy
topped with coriander and ginger strands and cherry tomatoes. The taste was yum. It was well spiced. Very delicious.
The beauty of this dish lied in the fact that the goat meat pieces were very
soft and tender. And each piece was delectably selected, with a bit of fat with
each piece which made it so soft and juicy. I loved the flavors. Beautiful. And
you know what, it tasted like Punjabi north Indian curry.
Next the Madras Prawn Vendakai.
Now this was a strange dish for me. To start off with, it was king prawns with
okra. Now in the Indian style of cooking, that is not very regular, so I had my
apprehensions. But when I tasted it, I
liked it. It was really tasty. I mean, let me elaborate. It had an orange-ish smooth gravy, with a
distinct south Indian flavor. The prawns
were large and creamy. The okra went well with it as well. I loved this dish
and would recommend it highly.
The breads were great and
perfectly baked. The garlic naan and the butter rotis were really good. We
ordered a portion of the Kashmiri Pilau. This was supposed to be with dried
fruits and nuts, and to be honest, just about ok.
For desserts, we ordered the Gulab
Jamun. Now I didn’t really expect much, to be honest, but this was amazing
again. They served two Gulab Jamuns, served in sugar syrup topped with a scoop
of vanilla ice cream and a wafer of sesame. Awesome. The Gulab Jamun was warm
and soft. They didn’t seem to be out of a ready to cook box or something, so
very good I’d say and recommended again.
All in all, I had a real good
experience. Really great and would highly recommend. Yes, it is fine dining so
do expect the prices to be on the higher side. Average starter is about $18. The
platter cost about $ 26. The main course ranged between $ 20-$30. The vegetarian
curries are below $20.
Meal for two would cost about
$100.
Abhi’s
163 Concord Road,
North Strathfield NSW 2137
Contact Details:
T (02) 9743 3061
F (02) 9743 6517
E info@abhisindian.com.au
Opening Hours:
Lunch: Sun to Friday from 12 Noon
Dinner: All nights from 6 PM
Website: http://www.abhisindian.com.au/
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