Nilgiri's

Overview

This family-owned Indian restaurant in Sydney has been feeding the lower north shore a taste of regional Indian fare for over two decades, first opening in Crows Nest back in 1998. Now, in its latest incarnation in the heart of Cremorne, Nilgiri's is delivering owners Ajoy and Meera Joshi's modern interpretation of the truly diverse cuisines of their shared homeland.

Expect familiar flavours married with plenty of creative twists, across a menu that's entirely certified halal. Kick things off with the likes of tandoor-smoked chicken thigh fillets with tomato chutney, ground dried coconut, fenugreek & coriander seed marinade or cumin-spiced fermented white lentil fritters tomato & tamarind broth before settling in to heartier plates like the slow cooked yearling goat with ground fennel seeds and mint sauce, or the Queensland banana prawns served with coconut sauce and mustard seeds, fresh ginger & green chilies.

Vegetarian dishes are in strong supply, too — go for the caalifilawar pulimkari, tandoor-smoked cauliflower florets with tamarind, fenugreek seed & garlic sauce or the fried baby eggplant with coconut, coondapuri masala & fresh curry leaf sauce.  

And if you fancy picking up some skills of your own, book in for Ajoy's ever-popular Indian cooking classes. Held throughout the year on Monday's, there are two dishes prepared each class including one vegetarian option. You'll Take them home to share with your housemates or family, or keep them all for yourself, feasting for a few nights after the class.