Lismore's newest Indian restaurant is a welcome addition to our local dining scene. Since opening earlier this year, The Flavour of India has become my go to place for Indian food, and it has never failed to satisfy whether I have eaten in or ordered takeout.. The Lamb Vindaloo is one of the best versions I have eaten anywhere; the deliciously tangy brick red sauce coating chunks of succulent lamb is perfectly balanced; not too spicy nor to vinegary. In fact, the very thought of this dish has my mouth watering in anticipation. For those that prefer a milder dish, the Malai chicken is hard to beat. Pieces of chicken marinated in white pepper, vinegar, cashew butter and cream, then cooked in a screamingly hot tandoor and served with a lightly sweetened mint raita is one of the highlights on the menu. The marinade adds a subtle hint of spice and acid to the tender and juicy chicken creating a dish that is moorish. It would be too easy to finish an entire chicken without even realising. Beef Madras is another great dish; although the medium spicy sauce based on slow-cooked onions and spices may be a little challenging to a palate unaccustomed to the unique aroma and flavour of curry leaves. Of all of the entrees on the menu, I find it hard to look past the Paneer Pakora. Squares of soft and mildly flavoured indian cheese, stuffed with spices and coated with a besan batter and fried to a golden brown is a dish I could happily base an entire meal around. The pakora, finished with a light sprinkle of black salt that adds a slight eggy sulphurous note that heightens the flavour of the cheese without overpowering it, comes with a sweet, sour, and spicy date and tamarind sauce that would make shoe leather delectable. While the food is excellent, the space can be a little noisy on occasion, not noisy enough to detract from the meal, but noisy enough where it can be difficult to hear your dining partners when engaged in quiet conversation. Service can be a little slow on busy nights, but the wait staff and owners are always pleasant and helpful. However, these issues do nothing to detract from the overall experience.

I may not have been to India but I have tried many Indian restaurants around the world and I can say this one rates pretty high on the list. I have dined there about a dozen time now and I have never been disappointed with the food. The choice on the menu covers all tastes and the taste is very authentic. The produce and spices are top quality and the dining experience worth a try. The staff is always friendly and accommodating. Not only this restaurant was trading shortly after the flood, the place has also been jzushed up to give it a cosier feel. The prices are very reasonable and I always look forward to eat out at the Flavour of India.