Malabar is a South Indian restaurant located in Darlinghurst, Sydney. As far as Indian cuisine goes, Malabar stands proud and doesn't disappoint, the staff are friendly and welcoming, and describe the dishes in a poetic and enthusiastic manner.
We had a window seat which is super if you enjoy people watching. The service and food was faultless from the moment we arrived, and the menu offers some interesting dishes.
While browsing the menu we indulged in some Papadums with Mint Chutney and Lime Pickle and Cucumber Raitha.
To begin we ordered the Bangalore Dosa, with handmashed Potatoes sprinkled with Bangalore Podi, which was a very tasty mixture of Chilli, Sesame Seeds and Coconut Flakes.
We also ordered Spinach Chaat, which came with Chickpea Coated Baby Spinach Leaves drizzled in Yoghurt, Date and Tamarind Chutney, Fresh Coriander and Indian Sec. I cannot put into words how beautiful this dish was, simply divine.
"The flavours were spectacular and this was Indian cuisine at its finest."
Moving on to our main courses we ordered the Lamb Kurumah, which was braised lean diced Leg of Lamb in a light creamy sauce made with ground Cashew Nuts and pieces of Garam Masala and fresh green Chilli, Bay Leaves and a touch of Mint. Another superb dish with wonderfully pronounced flavours. We also ordered a Chicken Makhani otherwise known as Butter Chicken, served in a smooth creamy Tomato based sauce, sweetened with Honey and flavoured with Fenugreek Leaves.
We added sides of Dal Makhani, a dish with red Kidney Beans, Mung Bean, Yellow Split Peas, Channa Dal and Black Lentils. It's slow cooked in a Garam Masala Bouquet Garni with hints of Garlic and Fenugreek, very flavoursome and a personal favourite of mine.
We enjoyed every mouthful, the flavours were spectacular and this was Indian cuisine at its finest. We had a bottle of Hayshed Hill, Margaret River, Cabernet Merlot throughout the evening, which is a strong bodied wine with some spicy notes, a perfect marriage with the food.
The Bill: £63 per head
