FOOD TYPE
âSouth Indianâ according to their website. But then I wouldnât know the difference because as far as I am concerned, Indian is Indian is Indian i.e. hot curries, rich, creamy sauces and aromatic, fragrant herbs and spices. The main problem is usually that one eats too much of it.
FOOD QUALITY
It was what we have come to expect from Indian eateries in Sydney; they rarely disappoint and this one was no exception. We started with a vegetarian platter, which had two masala dosa pancakes as its main feature plus a few other crunchy and soft goodies, with dipping sauces to go with it. Not a huge plate of food for $27, but tasty and fresh and a perfect way to start things off. For our mains we choose the traditional Kerala lamb, or âErachi Porichathuâ, to give it its official title, ($23), butter chicken, off the classics menu ($21) and two vegetarian dishes: the âKattu Kootuâ ($17) which is smoked eggplant mash with chillies and mustard and âKeerai Kadayalâ ($18) which is spinach cooked with chillies, lentils and tomato. These last two were interesting and original dishes that we hadnât tried before. We choose wisely because the two veg meals suitably complementing the meat ones. To accompany all that, two generous bowls of basmati rice and two serves of naan bread. It was all brought to the table fresh from the oven, piping hot, in stylish copper cookware. Serving sizes were a tad on the small side, but they compensated for that, with the high quality of the food. Everything was brimming with those Indian flavours that we love so much. And to wash it down, what better but a bottle of crisp, refreshing Thongue Rose wine ($45). As it was my daughtersâ birthday, we brought our own cake to celebrate so didnât get a chance to sample their desserts. And fittingly they didnât charge for cakeage, as some places do. I finished off with a filtered coffee which was surprisingly good but carried a hefty $5 price tag.
ATMOSPHERE
The atmosphere is casual and relaxed yet the modern and stylish fit-out give it an air of class and elegance. Tables are neatly arranged in two straight lines, schoolroom style, from one end of the restaurant to the other, but still allowing room for staff and guests to move around easily. The floors are tiled but there is a strip of carpet running down the length of the restaurant to give it that regal look. Tables are carefully laid with crisp white napery and silver cutlery. Walls are painted in soothing grey and white colour tones and it all combines well to create a warm and homely atmosphere. Exactly the kind of place you enjoy spending an evening in.
SERVICE
There were two staff members on duty, a young lady and a young man, both neatly turned out in smart outfits. They were patient, helpful and efficient. Our orders were promptly taken and dishes come out quickly and in the right order.
COMFORT
Our table was large enough to fit all the dishes and chairs were comfortably sturdy and firm. Being a mild spring October eve, we were cool enough without the need for air conditioning.
MENU
A little too technical, with names that were difficult to pronounce. The fancy type face and faded yellowish colour scheme made it difficult to read especially in the dim lighting. If I were them, I would redesign the menu with a standard, easy-to-read type face and I wouldnât bother with all those fancy Indian names. A simple description of the dish in plain English would suffice with maybe the Indian name in small print or parenthesis.
TOILETS
To get to them you have to pass through the business end of the restaurant, so I wonât go into too much detail about that. They are signposted though and reasonably clean and well stocked.
ACOUSTICS
When we arrived at 6.30pm on a Sunday eve, there was only one other occupied table so conversation was easy. It did get rather noisier as it filled up, although never too bad to stop us talking. Tables are quite close to each other but the carpet does absorb some of the sound.
COST
The cost for four of us, after our $25 Yumtable discount was $161 but that included a rather extravagant $45 bottle of wine, a single bottle of Balmain Pilsener ($8) but no desserts. So that came out at a touch over $40 a head. Leave off the wine and add dessert and maybe one more starter and youâll end up with the same result. Not the cheapest Indian in town but solid value for money nevertheless.
BOOKING
By the time we left, at around 8.30pm there was a respectable crowd, so Iâm thinking that booking for a Friday or Saturday night would probably be the prudent thing to do to secure a table, but not essential on a Sunday or weeknight.
PARKING/ACCESS
Youâll find DHAKSHIN on the busy Pacific Highway not far from the intersection with Falcon Street. If youâre coming from the east, itâs on the left side as you head north so no need to cross the road or double back. Thankfully we were able to get an unrestricted parking spot on the Highway, not far from the restaurant.
SUMMARY
We had an enjoyable evening here and everything went off smoothly. Food was first class, well matched by friendly and efficient service and a pleasant atmosphere. Definitely merits a return visit.
MEMO
Book through Yumtable to get an instant 25% discount up to a max $25. Or, if youâre a member, you can also book through Dimmi and get 1,000 points (2,000 if you also write a review) towards your $50 reward voucher.
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