Daughter In Law
Jessi Singh's rule-breaking Indian restaurant has naan pizza and 70s Bollywood tunes.
Overview
With its Bollywood soundtrack, pink-lit bathroom with the mantra "you are beautiful" on repeat and a drinks trolley that looks like it came straight from the set of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Jessi Singh's Daughter in Law promises — and delivers — a whole lot of fun.
Having been in the kitchen since 6am, owner and chef Singh likes to work the floor during service, weaving among tables, talking about the dishes and treating diners to his twinkly smile.
To eat, you'll be tasting dishes from the street, the pots and the tandoor — all given an 'inauthentic' twist. From the tandoor enjoy the chicken, paneer tikka or the king prawns. But, whatever you do, order Colonel Tso's cauliflower.
Perfectly fried, spicy and crunchy, this defies any ideas you may have previously held about this vegetable. Balls of happiness are another must. The menu describes them as India's favourite street food.
Singh is unwavering on his butter chicken recipe, which has no butter or cream, and is a lighter and popular choice at his restaurants. The cosy and comforting Aunty Dhal is a great vegetarian option, with its slow simmered black lentils, ginger and garlic. Or try the Aussie lamb chops served with raita and mint chutney.
One wall at Daughter in Law boasts shelves (and shelves) of wine. And boast it should, the wine list is extensive running the full range of fizz, red, white, pink and skin contact from Australian, French and Californian vineyards. The self-serve beer fridge means there's a big range of craft beer, too.
Images: Peter Tarasiuk
Information
- Melbourne's Best Dog-Friendly Parks and Beaches for the Ultimate Pup Time
- Fifteen of the Most Unique Stays You Can Book Around New Zealand
- The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels, B&Bs and Self-Contained Getaways in Victoria
- The Mightiest Tiny Houses You Can Book Around NSW
- The 27 Best Private Dining Rooms in Melbourne
- The 40 Best Restaurants for Group Bookings in Melbourne