Modern Indian Chakra Inglewood has an innovative menu, as well as all the usual favourites. Whilst the methods of cooking and recipes remain authentic, their modern presentation freshens it up. Their stylish dining room is adorned with Indian lanterns and plush red and gold, and exotic, aromatic aromas. When an invite to the Beaufort Street favourite, landed in my inbox we jumped at the chance to return.
New Digital Menus
At Chakra they have recently implemented tablet menus, so it’s very easy to send your order off to the kitchen with just the touch of a button.
It’s the first time I’ve used a tablet menu in a restaurant and it has lots of positives, including keeping track of your spend, seeing just what your dish will look like, not having to flag down a waiter to order another drink (just press the button and it will be out in a jiffy!) and easy split billing too. Chef was also fascinated by the benefits it gives the kitchen.
I enjoyed an authentic lassi to go along with my meal and enjoyed the rich and creamy drink.
The Food
Rather than choose the age old favourites like butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, lamb korma and vindaloo (which are of course on the menu!) Sonia suggested that we try dishes from their modern Indian menu – which was fine with us. Here’s what we feasted on…
The more-ish “butter chicken kulcha” is leavened bread (Khameeri Naan) that is stuffed with classic butter chicken and served with Kasundi, which is a spiced mustard sauce and beetroot chutney.
I loved the mango pickled lamb ribs ($17, GF), served with a deliciously chewy mango Jerky and brimming with flavours of fennel and nigella seeds.
The seared scallop dish (GF, DF) is very tasty. The deliciously plump scallops are served on a bed of roasted capsicum and tomato chutney, with nigella seeds.
Little Chef tried (and enjoyed) a few of the dishes and was kept occupied with colouring in.
All kid’s meals are served with a smile! And there’s not only curry on the kids menu. Little Chef enjoyed his butter chicken with steamed rice. Chicken tenderloins and chips are available for little ones that aren’t into curry.
As a sort of palate cleanser, Chef loved the Pani puri shot. This Indian street food is made up of the “Puri”, a hollow, crisp and delicate wheat bubble that’s filled with white lentils and chickpeas. The “Pani” is the liquid of pineapple juice, tamarind, cinnamon, roasted cumin and a hint of chilli tequila. All to be eaten in one bite-sized shot and bursts in your mouth!
On to the mains and my favourite has to be the burnt aubergine ($32, GF). A half eggplant is filled with spicy lamb bhartha, roasted cashews and pomegranate, served with a cooling boondi raita, tomato chutney and a nigella Seed naan.
Another impressive dish is the “Matar Paneer Tower”. A very old Indian dish. The double marinated paneer is served with a pea and coriander curry. I love the way it’s presented too!
Chicken chettinad ($32, GF available) is a spicy dish, with pour your own curry sauce. Served with puffed banana poori, and pindi choley (chick pea dish).
The vibrant goat mughlai ($34, DF & GF available) is served with khameeri naan, grilled pineapple, fried lotus root, pickled onion and mango pickle.
The Desserts
The Indian desserts are a little different to what you may expect and have a modern twist. We were really struggling for tummy space but had to give them a taste. The gluten free and dairy free chocolate brownie is very moist and smothered in a chilli chocolate sauce. On the side a house made rose ice cream is served with rose syrup and freeze dried strawberries. Served on a beautiful metallic rose-gold tray.
The “mystery” hand-made choc pot is filled with saffron mouse, warm gulab jamun (milk-solid-based sweet), and topped with Oreo dust and pistachio soil.
All in All
Thank you to the Chakra team, the service was second to none and again, you made us feel like Maharajas! It was lovely to experience Chakra again.
We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at Chakra and would happily return as paying guests.
