Indian Restaurant in Flinders: A Local’s Guide to Authentic Flavours in the CBD

Flinders is one of the busiest CBD precincts, and with people coming and going throughout the day around Flinders Street Station. There are numerous Indian restaurants in Flinders and finding one that offers more than a quick and convenient curry can take some thought. For those looking for a restaurant in flinders, brunswick, or nunawading, understanding what to look for in an Indian restaurant can make the dining experience easier. 

While heat is a key element of Indian cooking, spice combinations, cooking methods and regional influences also contribute to the flavour of Indian dishes. This guide explores what to look for on an Indian menu, various Indian dishes to try, and what makes an Indian meal suitable for a busy CBD environment, to help those who are dining for true Indian fare.

What makes an Indian restaurant truly authentic 

Fresh ground spices vs pre-made pastes 

Spices are an integral part of Indian cuisine and their combination can make a significant difference in the final taste. Some will create different layers of aroma and flavour with fresh ground blends, or a more consistent flavour in pre-made blends. 

In an Indian restaurant that specialises in classic flavours, they will know how to balance the spices without making the dish too hot, so that each individual spice adds to the overall flavour of the dish.

Regional Variety

Indian cuisine is a lot more than a single term, ‘curry’. Recipes can range from tandoori dishes and biryani to dishes featuring rich gravies, vegetables, paneer, meat or seafood.  This variation allows for a range of different textures and flavours to be enjoyed, as opposed to having to eat the same curry each time they go to a Melbourne Indian restaurant.

Slow-cooked technique 

Another element of the character of Indian food is how it is prepared. Some gravies benefit from slow cooking, allowing the spices to blend together, while dishes prepared in a tandoor use high heat of the oven to produce dishes such as tandoori Chicken tikka and seekh kebab, tandoori chicken and other dishes show how this cooking technique can produce a different flavor and texture than gravy-based dishes.

The Indian Dining Scene Around Flinders Street

Flinders Street Station is a hub that is constantly attracting commuters, workers and tourists to the nearby CBD area, making it a natural place to eat. There is also the variety of human beings, which requires restaurants to cater for different types of events, such as a fast lunch during a weekday or an evening meal, or a casual weekend visit.

The preference for food may vary throughout the day. Businessmen looking for a convenient lunch can opt for a more relaxed dinner option, while groups going out after work may prefer a more relaxed meal.  

During the weekend, people have more time to wander around and choose from a greater variety of food or they can order takeout for a meal at home. A diverse Indian cuisine can be present in all these instances.

Dishes to try when you’re after real Indian flavour 

Vegetarian Mains

Vegetarian diners have a wide variety of meals to choose from, offering more than just vegetable curries. There are various preparations of paneer like shahi paneer, palak paneer, butter paneer and paneer masala; dal makhani is a rich preparation of dal. 

Alternatively, Bagare Baingan and Mixed Vegetable Korma will keep you from getting bored, and Vegan Butter Chicken will give those choosing to steer clear of meat a familiar taste of Indian cuisine.

Chicken Specialities

The spices and preparation methods used in cooking chicken can create a wide variety of flavours. Butter Chicken is a staple variety, and Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Korma, Karahi Chicken, Madras Chicken and Saag Chicken all vary in levels of richness and creaminess, and in the level of spice. A great way to discover the diversity of cooking Indian chicken is by trying new recipes.

Lamb & Goat Specialities

Lamb and goat dishes are another aspect of Indian cooking, and may be prepared in a variety of different styles, from rich gravies to regional variations. There is Lamb Rogan Josh, and Kashmiri Lamb, Lamb Korma, Lamb Madras and Lamb Saag, which are all referred to as Mughlai Kashmiri style. These dishes provide an opportunity to explore how different spice combinations and sauces complement meat. 

Seafood

Seafood is also a part of Indian cuisine, and there are several preparations of seafoods which are also used in Indian cuisine, especially in the dishes which were influenced by the coastal cooking traditions. There are several ways to enjoy seafood prepared with Indian flavours, including Malabar Fish, Malai Prawns, Butter Prawns and Kadai Prawns. These options may be helpful for anyone who does not like eating curry with meat.

Biryani

Biryani is a popular dish made from rice, which can be enjoyed alone or in combination with other dishes. The menu options include Chicken, Lamb, Goat and Vegetable Biryani, allowing guests to indulge in their preferred choice. The various formats also make biryani an ideal dish for a variety of guests, including vegetarians.

Tandoori Entrées

Tandoori cooking adds another dimension to Indian dishes, using high heat in a tandoor, a type of clay oven, to cook marinated ingredients. Chicken Tikka and Tandoori Chicken, are served individually and the Tandoori Platter serves a combination of both. These dishes may be served as an appetizer or as a food served on the side or as an accompaniment to a main course.

Breads

Indian breads come in a variety of styles and can be used to serve up gravies, sauces and other accompaniments to curries, and other main courses. Popular options include Garlic Naan, Plain Naan, Roti and Masala Kulcha are also offered as options to make something different from the main dish.

Why Locals Choose Old Durbar for Indian Food in the CBD

Old Durbar Flinders offers a wide variety of Indian dishes in a convenient location in the CBD. Whether one prefers vegetarian main dishes or a chicken, lamb, and goat specialty, seafood, biryani and tandoori mains, or Indian breads, there are plenty of options to suit different tastes. best restaurant for group dining can also be an important consideration for diners looking for a place that can accommodate different preferences in one meal. 

Apart from the Indian cuisine, the menu also covers Nepalese specialties along with the Indian cuisine. At 294 Flinders St near Flinders Street Station is an old Durbar Flinders.

Visiting Old Durbar in Flinders 

Conveniently located at 294 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Old Durbar Flinders is conveniently located on Flinders Street. The restaurant can be contacted on (03) 9621 2243. The provided information states their trading times as being Monday – Saturday 11:30am – 10:30 pm and Sunday 11:30 am – 11:30 pm. Guests can view the complete menu on the restaurant’s cuisine page and see location specific information on the Flinders location page before booking.

FAQs

What’s the best Indian restaurant near Flinders Street Station?

In selecting an Indian restaurant near Flinders Street Station, check the variety of dishes served on offer, the cooking methods, and location. Old Durbar Flinders has a wide range of Indian dishes such as curries, biryani, tandoori dishes and breads and also Nepalese specialities at 294 Flinders St. It can also be considered by those searching for a trusted nepalese & indian restaurant in melbourne. 

Is Old Durbar Nepalese or Indian?

Old Durbar’s menu includes both Indian and Nepalese cuisine. Curries, tandoori dishes and biryani are part of the Indian menu, and there are Nepalese specialities as well. This enables the patrons to select the two cuisines instead of considering the restaurant as permanently Indian or as a Nepalese restaurant.

Does Old Durbar Flinders have vegan Indian options?

Yes, there are actually vegan menu items – vegan butter chicken, anyone? Another option with plant ingredients is Dal Makhani which is featured amongst Indian recipes. Please check the current menu and ask the staff about any special dietary requirements before ordering.

What are Old Durbar Flinders’ opening hours?

Old Durbar Flinders is advertised to be open from 11:30am to 10:30pm on Monday to Saturday and from 11:30am to 11:30pm on Sunday. It is located at 294 Flinders St Melbourne, VIC, 3000. Please be aware that the opening hours change from time to time and you should call the restaurant before you go.

Conclusion

Choosing an Indian restaurant in Flinders involves more than simply looking for the nearest place; the food, location, atmosphere and overall dining experience can all matter. A diverse menu can offer diners the chance to explore Indian cooking around Flinders Street, including curries, biryani, tandoori dishes, seafood, breads and vegetarian options. 

For Indian and Nepalese culinary lovers smacking up against Flinders Street Station, there’s an option in Old Durbar Flinders, which played host to the space at 294 Flinders St within the city’s CBD location. Those looking for specific dishes can view the latest menu offerings, or they can use this to book their next visit depending on their dish, date and reason for dining.