Overview
UPDATE Tuesday, September 14: Indu — along with sibling venue Mejico — is currently serving a rotation of ready-to-heat meal boxes for delivery and takeaway. The packs are built around hero dishes like the potato curry and the slow-cooked lamb raan, with lots of dish and drink add-ons also available. Jump onto the website to see the menu and order.
In one half of the former Collins Quarter pub, you'll now find Indu — Sam Prince Hospitality Group's sumptuous eatery dedicated to bold Sri Lankan and southern Indian flavours. Launching six years after sibling Indu Sydney, it's a moody, atmospheric haven, with a food offering inspired by co-founder Dr Sam Prince's own Sri Lankan heritage and travels through the homeland.
The menu plates up an evolved take on homely village fare, fusing classic flavours with modern technique and even a few family recipes. The staple Sri Lankan dish of hoppers gets a workout, of course, starring the likes of pomegranate, eggplant pickle, goat's curd and a punchy coconut sambal ($15). You'll find a cooling dish of cured kingfish, teamed with candied beets and puffed wild rice ($22), and crispy besan flour fritters matched with a cardamom aioli ($12). Heartier options might include the signature Great Lamb Raan, featuring slow-cooked meat and a fresh mint chutney ($45), an excellent devilled pumpkin ($24), or the pork belly curry that comes topped with shards of crackling ($32).
Desserts like the vegan chocolate and cardamom mousse promise a strong finish, while a considered drinks offering stands up well to all those big flavours and spicy notes. Expect a strong gin lineup, a global wine selection and crafty cocktails such as the smoked chai old fashioned.
Arianna Leggiero
Images: Arianna Leggiero