Mandala Nepalese Restaurant
Image: Owner Durjay Thapa declares this “the best Nepalese Restaurant in Sydney”; it’s flourished for five years “relying on only word of mouth” from satisfied customers.
Owner Durjay Thapa declares this “the best Nepalese Restaurant in Sydney”; it’s flourished for five years “relying on only word of mouth” from satisfied customers. After dining in their packed, convivial neighbourhood dining room (and feeling only a minor prick at not having tried each of Sydney’s growing collection of Nepalese restaurants), I agree everyone should definitely try the cuisine here. Bargain priced Mixed Entree ($8.50/head) is the best beginning. The Pyaj Ko Pakoda ($8.50) or deep fried onion and julienned potato came up trumps; but Bangur Ko Pet ($8.50) or crisp pork belly is also tasty. I could hang my nose over the fragrant Chitwan Jingghe Maccha ($17.90) or tiger prawns in ginger, garlic and coconut sauce, all day. They’re a pleasure to eat! Sides like Bhanta ($8.50) spicy grilled eggplant and Palungo ($8.50) sautéed spinach with caramelised onion, make the mains even more enticing; beating the oily Paratha ($3.10) hands down. A shot glass of Chilli Chocolate Mousse ($3.45) rounds off the palate. Authenticity has been moderated in favour of accessibility to Sydney palates but the surprise result is a wonderful synthesis of Nepalese flavours and good Australian produce. Fresh, fragrant and full of charm from softly spoken Nepali student staff. Don’t forget it’s BYO!
Mandala Nepalese Restaurant
117 Avoca Street, Randwick
Ph: (02) 9326 6887
Nepalese $$
