If you’re looking for one of the best Indian restaurants in Auckland, then look no further than this well-established addition to SkyCity’s stable of eateries.
The dining area is warm and welcoming, likewise the menu. The acclaimed Sid Sahrawat, an award-winning chef of international fame, needs no introduction. Sid’s maturity tempering his creativity to produce an eclectic, ever-changing repertoire of modern Indian cuisine is showcased with authenticity, flair and heart.
The upmarket menu has been designed to appeal to an upmarket crowd with dishes produced from locally sourced fresh ingredients breaking the-curry-in-a-hurry stereotype. Begin grazing with pani puri, potato, chickpea and mint ($5 each); crab and crayfish cone ($10 each); goat cheese and corn pao ($10 each); beef and ghost chilli fritter ($12 each); tandoori chicken taco ($14 each); and lamb samosa kulcha ($21).
Mains to be enjoyed include an interesting selection of small and sharing plates. Standouts include fried chicken, chipotle, capsicum ($29); crispy eggplant tamarind, smoked yoghurt ($37); lamb chops, leek, spiced cream cheese ($39); Delhi duck, makhani, kumara, lychee ($45); sesame chicken, green chilli, cashew, pickled chilli ($45); market fish madras sauce ($46); and beef short rib, mushroom cafreal ($48).
Sides spearheading the menu include rice, naan, vegetable Bhaji and seasonal greens ($4 to $15)
To finish, pay full attention to the desserts ($24), like the rest of the menu they are exceptional. Modern Indian delights take on classic flavour combinations that make for a satisfactory ending and our yoghurt and lychee sorbet, cashew, coconut, kaffir lime was delightful and theatrically presented.
And the verdict? Cassia brings masterly and skillful cooking to the table with a lineup of imaginative regional cuisine that waves the flag and a blueprint for a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience. Friendly hospitality with attentive service sits comfortably with a spoiled for choice wine list that divides its loyalties from local and imported vintages make a tangible contribution that keeps this restaurant on a must to do list.
Rating 19/20
Cassia: SkyCity, 90 Federal Street, Auckland; 09 379 9702.
Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday,
