MELBOURNE | Kahaani is a contemporary Indian restaurant that I recently visited for What’s On Melbourne. Kahaani is the Hindi word for ‘story’, which is an apt description of the experience that the team are trying to present to diners.
Rather than focusing on one particular region of India, co-owner and head chef Aseem Sood takes diners on a journey through India’s diverse regions, exploring the history of the dishes and regions. Yes, there’s curries, rice, and naan on the menu, but there’s a whole lot more to explore here.
Burrah kebab lamb chops bring Arab influences to the table, a dish that evolved with the spice trade from that region. Cooked slowly over charcoal, they’re tender and very flavoursome. Vegetarians will love the Bengali charred cauliflower. Cauliflower florets marinated Bengali-style, charred in a clay tandoor, served with charcoal yoghurt, tomato, and garlic kasundi.
On the curry side, the Lahore style ‘roadside’ goat curry is a must try. It’s inspired by the version cooked at a roadside cafe that was famous for the dish pre-partition. It’s a rustic curry, featuring slow cooked goat and cooked on the bone, with marrow, until tender.
For something sweet, go for the Gajar halwa. Slow cooked baby carrots finished with dried fruits and a warm milk pudding, khoya.
To drink, it’s a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails that draw from the same inspiration as the food.
Kahaani
262 Lygon Street
Carlton
Victoria 3053
Australia
Telephone: 040 772 6663
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Tue – Thu: 5:30pm to 9:30pm
Fri – Sat: 5:30pm to 10:00pm