Cumin

The dishes here are mostly North Indian, but I found the South Indian Baga Maachi ($18.90) the most memorable dish. It’s owner/chef Ravi Gandhi’s creamy, coconut-rich version of the classic Goan fish curry made with Ling, and he cooks it well. The delectable Maachi Tikka ($15.00 / 6 pieces) is also well-cooked so definitely eat fish if you dine here! Dishes like the Chandni Kebab ($14.50 / 4 pieces) in the ‘First Impressions’ and the Beef Do Pyaza ($17.90) in the ‘Masterpieces’ are lightly spiced making them perfect ways to introduce newcomers to the pleasures of Indian food. If you’re wondering about authenticity, be reassured by the fact Ravi owns two restaurants in India too! Chilgoza Falli ($15.50) a vegetarian curry of string-less green beans and pine nuts, for an unusually fresh on the palate sensation; the Calamari Amritsari ($12.50 / 8 pieces) for a different take on batter (this one is based on chick-pea flour and accented with Ajwain seeds); and the Lahoree Champ ($15.50 / 4 pieces) for lamb cutlets studded with a fragrant and fresh peppery spice mix. A layered wholemeal Laccha Paratha ($3.50) proved satisfying; as was a low-gas Cobra Beer ($7) which also matched the cuisine well.

Cumin
2 Burlington Street, Crows Nest (02) 9436 3669
North Indian $$