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A Unique Dining Experience in Sydney

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A Unique Dining Experience in Sydney: Cooking with Country at Lavendra

Sydney is known for its diverse dining scene, but some evenings offer more than simply a meal. For those searching for a memorable experience in Sydney, Lavendra’s Cooking with Country brings together food, culture, storytelling, art and connection in a thoughtfully curated seasonal dining experience.

Opening on Saturday, 10 October 2026, Cooking with Country brings Indian ancestral cuisine into conversation with Aboriginal Australian ingredients and culture on Cammeraygal Country. Set against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour, the experience explores the connection between food, culture and Country through a specially curated tasting menu. 

More Than an Indian Dining Experience in Sydney

At Lavendra, Indian cuisine has always been about more than flavour. It carries stories, traditions and generations of culinary knowledge.

Cooking with Country builds on this philosophy by bringing Indian culinary traditions together with native Australian ingredients and Aboriginal perspectives.

The experience has been created in collaboration with Aboriginal artists and knowledge keepers Aunty Jeanie Moran, Nathan mudyi Sentance, Dr Emma Hicks and Jodie Dowd. Their poetry, artwork, storytelling and bush-dyed textiles are incorporated into different elements of the experience.
The result is a distinctive dining experience in Sydney where what is served on the table is connected to a broader story of place, culture and Country.

Cooking with Country Opening Night – 10 October 2026

The opening night on Saturday, 10 October will introduce Cooking with Country through an immersive evening combining cuisine with live cultural and artistic elements.

Beginning from 6:00 PM, the evening will include a smoking ceremony led by Uncle Billy MacPherson, an opening piece performed by Aunty Jeanie Moran and a closing performance by Nathan mudyi Sentance and Kersherka Sivakumaran. Guests will also experience the complete Cooking with Country tasting menu, alongside guided education about the native Australian ingredients featured throughout it.

Original menu artwork and bush-dyed table runners created by collaborating artists will form part of the setting, while an optional drinks pairing showcases boutique wines from Aboriginal Australian and South Asian Australian-owned wineries. 

Opening Night: Saturday, 10 October 2026
Time: 6:00 PM onwards
Food only: $299 per person
Food + drinks pairing: $399 per person 

Friday Night Experiences Throughout October

The experience continues beyond opening night, with dedicated Cooking with Country Friday nights on 16, 23 and 30 October, and 6 November.

Beginning at 6:30 PM, these evenings feature the complete tasting menu alongside guided introductions to native Australian ingredients. Spoken-word pieces from Aunty Jeanie Moran and Nathan mudyi Sentance are woven into the experience, complemented by original artwork and bush-dyed table pieces.

Friday Experience: $149 per person
With drinks pairing: $249 per person

For anyone looking beyond the usual dinner reservation and searching for a unique experience in Sydney, these evenings offer the opportunity to discover food alongside art, storytelling and cultural perspectives.

The Cooking with Country Tasting Menu

The specially curated Cooking with Country tasting menu will also be available throughout October 2026.

The menu draws on the depth and history of Indian cuisine while incorporating native Australian produce. Each menu features original artwork by Gamilaroi artist Dr Emma Hicks, with storytelling and cultural perspectives forming part of the wider dining experience. 

The tasting menu is available for $99 per person, or $199 per person with drinks pairing. 

This makes it possible to experience Cooking with Country even outside the dedicated opening and Friday-night events.

Meet the Artists Behind Cooking with Country

Food is only one part of the experience. Four Aboriginal artists and knowledge keepers have contributed to Cooking with Country.

Aunty Jeanie Moran, a Barada Bana, Yuin and Cammeraygal artist and knowledge keeper, contributes an original written piece that opens the menu. Nathan mudyi Sentance, a Wiradjuri poet and recipient of the 2024 Oodgeroo Noonuccal Poetry Prize, contributes poetry to the experience. Dr Emma Hicks, a Gamilaroi artist, created the original artwork featured on the menus, while Jodie Dowd, a Noongar artist, created the bush-dyed table runners used throughout the dining experience. 

Nathan, Emma and Jodie are also 2026 North Sydney Council Artists-in-Residence and are mentored by Aunty Jeanie. 

Looking for a Memorable Experience in Sydney?

Whether you are a Sydney local or visiting the city, Cooking with Country offers a different way to experience its dining culture.

It is an evening shaped by Indian ancestral cuisine, native Australian ingredients, Aboriginal art, poetry, storytelling and Country—all brought together within Lavendra’s Sydney Harbour setting. 

Rather than simply presenting two cuisines side by side, Cooking with Country creates space for them to come into conversation, giving guests an opportunity to discover the stories and cultural perspectives surrounding the food.

If you are searching for a unique dining experience in Sydney, a special date-night experience, or something meaningful to do in Sydney this October, Cooking with Country offers an experience designed to stay with you beyond the final course.

Reserve Your Cooking with Country Experience

Join Lavendra for Cooking with Country throughout October 2026 at 5 Walker Street, North Sydney. 

Places for the special event evenings are limited, so advance reservations are recommended.

Explore Cooking with Country & Reserve Your Table

Private Dining and Events at Lavendra

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Private Dining and Events at Lavendra: A Beautiful Setting for Every Celebration

When you’re planning a special occasion, the venue can make all the difference. The right setting brings people together, creates a memorable atmosphere and allows you to enjoy the occasion without worrying about the details.

At Lavendra, fine dining meets a beautiful waterfront setting in Lavender Bay, creating an elegant space for private dining and special events in Sydney. With Sydney Harbour views, a thoughtfully curated menu and a warm dining atmosphere, Lavendra offers a distinctive setting for celebrations of all kinds.

A Setting Made for Special Occasions

Located in Lavender Bay, Lavendra offers more than just a dining experience. The restaurant’s setting provides beautiful Sydney Harbour views, including the Harbour Bridge and Luna Park, creating a memorable backdrop for your event.

Whether you are gathering with close friends, family or colleagues, the combination of fine dining and harbour views makes the occasion feel that little more special.

Private Dining for Meaningful Gatherings

Private dining gives you the opportunity to spend quality time with your guests in a relaxed and refined environment.

From enjoying a carefully planned meal together to celebrating an important milestone, dining at Lavendra allows the food and setting to become part of the occasion.

It can be a wonderful choice for:

  • Birthday celebrations
  • Anniversary dinners
  • Engagement celebrations
  • Family gatherings
  • Corporate dinners
  • Special occasions and milestones
  • Intimate private dining experiences

A Curated Dining Experience

Food naturally sits at the heart of any celebration. At Lavendra, guests can enjoy a curated menu designed to make the dining experience memorable.

Rather than simply providing a meal, the experience is about bringing together thoughtfully prepared dishes, an inviting atmosphere and the company of the people who matter.

For private events, the dining experience can be an important part of creating a relaxed evening where guests can enjoy good food and conversation.

Celebrate with Sydney Harbour as Your Backdrop

There is something special about dining beside Sydney Harbour. As the evening unfolds, the views across the water create a naturally elegant atmosphere without the need for anything excessive.

The Harbour Bridge and Luna Park views add a distinctive Sydney touch to celebrations, making Lavendra particularly suited to occasions where you want the venue itself to be part of the experience.

A Space for Both Intimate and Special Events

Not every celebration needs a large venue. Sometimes, a more intimate setting is exactly what makes an occasion memorable.

Lavendra provides an elegant environment for bringing people together over fine food, whether you are marking a personal milestone or planning a special gathering with colleagues or clients.

The focus remains on creating an enjoyable dining experience where guests can relax, connect and celebrate together.

Planning Your Next Event at Lavendra?

Choosing a venue is one of the first steps in planning a memorable celebration. If you are looking for a fine dining venue in Sydney with beautiful Sydney Harbour views, Lavendra offers an experience worth considering.

From intimate gatherings to special celebrations, the restaurant can provide a sophisticated backdrop for your next occasion.

Planning a private dining experience or event at Lavendra? Get in touch with the team to discuss your requirements and discover what can be arranged for your celebration.

Father’s Day at Lavendra

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Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to do something a little different for Dad. This year, leave the usual gifts behind and bring him to Lavendra for an evening of distinctive flavours, thoughtful presentation, and a tasting menu created for the occasion.

Located in North Sydney, Lavendra offers an elevated fine dining experience with beautiful harbour views, bringing together the richness of Indian culinary traditions with native Australian ingredients. With its refined setting, considered menu, and warm hospitality, it’s an ideal place to make Father’s Day feel truly special.

A Special Father’s Day Tasting Menu

This Father’s Day, enjoy 25% OFF Lavendra’s exclusive tasting menu, featuring a curated progression of dishes designed to take guests through a unique interpretation of Indian flavours.

The experience begins with Anise Myrtle & Rose Chai, setting the tone for a menu that combines aromatic Indian flavours with Australian native ingredients.

Entrées

The entrée selection brings together a mix of textures, spices, and native ingredients, including:

  • Chaat – Spiced Bush Potato, Fried Warrigal Greens, Native Sauce Trio.
  • Tikka – Chicken Thigh, Tandoori Masala, Native Pepperberry.
  • Kothey Mo – Indian Damper Dumplings, Onion Achar, Sea Blight.
  • Tandoori Chops – Lamb Cutlets, Bush Puree, Macadamia Ghee.

From familiar Indian techniques to distinctly Australian ingredients, each entrée offers something unexpected while staying connected to the flavours that inspire Lavendra’s menu.

Mains Made for the Table

The main course brings together bold Indian flavours, native ingredients, and Lavendra’s contemporary approach to the tasting experience.

Vindaloo features tender kangaroo paired with the traditional flavours of Vinha d’alhos and native spices, creating a dish with depth, warmth, and a distinctive Australian character.

Kofta brings together delicate potato dumplings with aromatic bush dukkah and a rich korma, balancing earthy flavours with creamy indulgence.

For a familiar favourite with a Lavendra twist, Butter Chicken combines tender chicken thigh with tomato masala and smooth macadamia cream, adding richness while keeping the dish beautifully balanced.

Mix Veg showcases local vegetables with vibrant jalfrezi flavours and a native garnish, bringing freshness and colour to the table.

The mains are served with Saltbush & Lemon Myrtle Naan and Rice, complementing the dishes with subtle native Australian flavours.

Finish with Kulfi

No Indian dining experience is complete without dessert, and the Father’s Day tasting menu finishes with Kulfi — a classic Indian frozen dessert known for its rich, creamy texture and delicate sweetness.

It offers a refreshing and indulgent finish to a tasting experience filled with spice, texture, and bold flavours.

25% OFF for Father’s Day

A special occasion deserves more than an ordinary meal. Lavendra’s Father’s Day tasting menu gives families the opportunity to slow down, enjoy exceptional food, and take in the beautiful surroundings together.

With 25% OFF the exclusive tasting menu, Dad can experience a fine dining journey that brings together contemporary Indian flavours, native Australian ingredients, and thoughtful presentation.

Add the harbour views of North Sydney to the experience, and you have the perfect setting for a memorable Father’s Day celebration.

Celebrate Father’s Day at Lavendra

Make this Father’s Day one Dad will remember with an evening of exceptional food, beautiful views, and quality family time.

Join us at Lavendra in North Sydney on Sunday, 6 September 2026, and enjoy 25% OFF our exclusive Father’s Day tasting menu.

Whether Dad is a long-time lover of Indian cuisine or enjoys discovering new flavours, Lavendra offers a dining experience that turns Father’s Day into something truly memorable.

Reserve Your Table

Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2027 with Harbour Views, Fine Indian Dining, and an Unforgettable Evening at Lavendra

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As the countdown to midnight begins, there’s no better way to welcome the new year than with spectacular harbour views, exceptional cuisine, and an unforgettable dining experience. If you’re searching for the perfect New Year’s Eve 2027 dinner in Sydney, Lavendra offers everything you need for a truly memorable celebration.

Located on Sydney’s stunning waterfront, Lavendra combines breathtaking views of the iconic Sydney Harbour, authentic Indian flavours, premium wines, and warm hospitality to create one of the city’s most sought-after New Year’s Eve restaurants in Sydney.

Welcome the New Year with Stunning Sydney Harbour Views

Few cities celebrate New Year’s Eve quite like Sydney. Every year, thousands gather to witness the world-famous fireworks illuminating the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

At Lavendra, you’ll enjoy a premium dining experience in a beautiful waterfront setting, making your evening feel truly special from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or your partner, the combination of incredible food and Sydney harbour views creates memories that last long after the fireworks fade.

Experience Fine Indian Dining in Sydney

New Year’s Eve 2027 deserves more than an ordinary meal.

At Lavendra, our chefs bring together authentic Indian recipes, premium Australian ingredients, and elegant presentation to deliver an elevated Indian fine dining Sydney experience.

Our specially curated New Year’s Eve menu features beautifully crafted dishes designed to showcase the richness and diversity of Indian cuisine while offering something for every guest.

Expect signature favourites alongside modern interpretations that celebrate flavour, tradition, and creativity.

A Curated Dining Experience from Start to Finish

A memorable celebration is about more than just great food.

At Lavendra, every detail is thoughtfully planned—from attentive service and stylish interiors to carefully selected wines that perfectly complement each course.

Our exclusive New Year’s Eve dining experience includes:

  • A premium multi-course Indian menu
  • Carefully selected wine pairings
  • Elegant waterfront ambience
  • Spectacular harbour views
  • Exceptional hospitality
  • A festive atmosphere to welcome the new year

Whether it’s your first visit or a yearly tradition, every guest is treated to an evening designed to celebrate the occasion in style.

Why Choose Lavendra for New Year’s Eve in Sydney?

When choosing where to spend New Year’s Eve, location and atmosphere matter just as much as the menu.

Here’s why guests continue to choose Lavendra:

Prime Waterfront Location

Enjoy one of Sydney’s most picturesque dining locations, just moments from the harbour.

Authentic Indian Cuisine

Experience bold flavours, aromatic spices, and beautifully presented dishes crafted by experienced chefs.

Perfect for Every Celebration

Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, celebrating with family, entertaining overseas visitors, or gathering with friends, Lavendra offers an elegant setting for every occasion.

Premium Service

Our dedicated team ensures every guest enjoys a seamless and memorable dining experience from arrival through to the final countdown.

Make This New Year’s Eve Truly Special

The festive season is one of the busiest times of the year, and tables at popular Sydney waterfront restaurants book quickly.

If you’re looking for a unique celebration that combines incredible food, beautiful surroundings, and unforgettable moments, Lavendra is the perfect destination.

Raise a glass, savour authentic Indian flavours, and celebrate the arrival of the new year surrounded by the beauty of Sydney Harbour.

Reserve Your Table Today

Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2027 in Sydney with exceptional Indian fine dining, premium hospitality, and breathtaking harbour views.

Whether you’re marking a milestone, creating a new tradition, or simply looking for one of the best New Year’s Eve restaurants in Sydney, Lavendra promises an evening you’ll remember long into the year ahead.

Book your table early and join us for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration.

Harbour Views & Indian Flavours: A Dining Experience Like No Other in Sydney

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Sydney is home to some of the world’s most iconic waterfront dining destinations, but few offer the unique combination of spectacular harbour views and refined Indian cuisine quite like Lavendra.

Nestled in the heart of Lavender Bay, Lavendra is more than just an Indian restaurant. It’s a destination where breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour Bridge meet progressive Indian dining, creating an experience that lingers long after the last bite.

A Front-Row Seat to Sydney Harbour

Location matters when it comes to memorable dining experiences, and Lavendra enjoys one of Sydney’s most enviable positions. Situated just moments from the harbour’s edge, the restaurant offers stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, creating an atmosphere that is equally suited to romantic date nights, special celebrations, corporate dinners, and leisurely lunches.

As daylight fades and the city lights begin to sparkle across the water, the dining room transforms into one of Sydney’s most intimate and picturesque settings. Whether you’re visiting from overseas or rediscovering your own city, few dining experiences capture Sydney’s beauty quite like a meal at Lavendra.

Fine Dining Inspired by Indian Heritage

At Lavendra, every menu is thoughtfully curated around a seasonal theme, showcasing the incredible diversity of Indian cuisine while embracing contemporary presentation and locally sourced Australian produce. The result is a dining experience that respects tradition while offering something refreshingly different.

The restaurant’s Indian Indigenous Fusion menu celebrates the connections between Indian culinary traditions and Australia’s native ingredients, delivering bold flavours, unexpected pairings, and beautifully plated dishes.

Signature Dishes Worth Discovering

Under “Signature Dishes Worth Discovering”, I’d keep it concise and enticing rather than listing the entire menu:

Signature Dishes Worth Discovering

Lavendra’s Indian Indigenous Fusion menu takes guests on a culinary journey that seamlessly blends traditional Indian flavours with uniquely Australian ingredients.

Begin with the delicate Crab Tart, followed by inventive entrées such as the Chaat, featuring shortbread pastry, spiced bush potato and fried Warrigal greens, and the Tikka, where tandoori-spiced chicken thigh is elevated with native pepperberry.

Standout dishes continue with the Kothey Mo: Mo, Indian damper dumplings served with onion achar and sea blight, alongside the perfectly cooked Tandoori Chops, complemented by bush purée and macadamia ghee.

For mains, guests can savour Lavendra’s signature Butter Chicken finished with macadamia cream, the bold Kangaroo Vindaloo infused with native spices, comforting Kofta in aromatic korma sauce, and a vibrant Mix Veg Jalfrezi showcasing seasonal local produce.

Served with fragrant rice and house-made Saltbush & Lemon Myrtle Naan, each dish reflects Lavendra’s commitment to creating a dining experience that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.

The experience concludes with a refreshing Kulfi, featuring Indian ice cream paired with dessert lime and contemporary Australian influences—a perfect finale to an unforgettable meal.

More Than Just a Meal

What sets Lavendra apart isn’t simply the food or the view — it’s the combination of both.

The restaurant’s intimate dining room, attentive service, carefully curated seasonal menus, and stunning harbour backdrop create a complete dining experience. Guests often find themselves lingering over dessert, enjoying another glass of wine, or simply taking in the view as ferries glide across the harbour.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, engagement, entertaining visitors, or simply looking for an exceptional night out, Lavendra offers an experience that feels distinctly Sydney while staying true to its Indian roots.

The Perfect Spot for Special Occasions

Lavendra has become a favourite venue for:

  • Romantic dinners with harbour views
  • Anniversary celebrations
  • Birthday gatherings
  • Corporate entertaining
  • Intimate family occasions
  • Visitors seeking an authentic Sydney dining experience

The combination of fine dining, harbour scenery, and warm hospitality makes every occasion feel special.

Experience Lavendra for Yourself

In a city filled with dining options, Lavendra stands apart by offering something genuinely unique — progressive Indian cuisine, breathtaking Sydney Harbour views, and a dining atmosphere that feels both elegant and welcoming.

If you’re searching for a restaurant that captures the essence of Sydney while delivering exceptional food, Lavendra invites you to discover why locals and visitors alike continue to return for this unforgettable harbour-side dining experience.

Book your table and experience Indian Fine Dining Sydney with one of the city’s most spectacular harbour views. 

Vivid Sydney 2026 Returns in Spectacular Style

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Best Dining Spot with Harbour Views

After the lights come on across Sydney’s skyline, you’ll want somewhere as memorable as the festival itself. Lavendra at Lavender Bay offers exactly that — authentic Indian cuisine, a warm waterside ambience, and front-row views of Sydney Harbour during one of the city’s most spectacular annual events.

Vivid Sydney 2026 Returns in Spectacular Style

Vivid Sydney is back — and bigger than ever. From 22 May to 13 June 2026, the city transforms across 23 vibrant nights into a living canvas of light, music, and ideas. Iconic landmarks, waterfront precincts, and laneways all come alive, drawing visitors from across Australia and the world.

This year, Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay are set to be the beating heart of the festival. Meanwhile, cultural institutions like the Sydney Opera House and Barangaroo host world-class creative programming spanning music, film, and ideas.

Festival Highlights

Dine at Lavendra — Where Lavender Bay Meets the Harbour

Tucked into Lavender Bay, North Sydney, Lavendra offers panoramic views across the water toward the illuminated Sydney skyline — making it one of the most scenic dining spots in the city, and especially magical during Vivid season.

The cuisine is authentic Indian, thoughtfully elevated for the modern palate. Aromatic curries, tandoor-kissed dishes, and refined small plates are crafted with care and warm hospitality that have made Lavendra a beloved local institution.

Explore the full Lavendra menu online. For special occasions, the team also offers bespoke catering and private dining experiences.

Why Lavendra is the Perfect Vivid Sydney Dining Destination

1. Harbour Panoramas

Watch the festival lights play across the water from one of Sydney’s most scenic waterside dining settings at Lavender Bay.

2. Authentic Indian Cuisine

A menu that celebrates India’s rich culinary heritage — from classic curries to chef-crafted signature dishes. View the full menu.

3. Ideal Location

Steps from the harbour foreshore and easily reached by ferry, train, or bus from every major Vivid precinct via Transport for NSW.

4. Perfect for Occasions & Groups

Celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or corporate milestone? Lavendra’s occasions team ensures every dinner is special.

Plan Your Vivid Dinner at Lavendra

View Menu

Make Your Vivid Night Unforgettable

The best Vivid nights are the ones that linger — where great food and warm company stretch the evening long after the last light fades. Lavendra sits right at that intersection: close enough to the festival energy of Sydney, yet serene enough to let you breathe and savour the night.

Bookings fill quickly during Vivid Sydney — secure yours early via the online reservation page and make 2026’s Vivid Sydney celebration your most memorable yet.

Follow Lavendra on Instagram and Facebook for updates and specials. Also explore Lavendra’s partner restaurants: Grace of India in Milsons Point, and WaazWaan in Crows Nest.

Indian Restaurant Cooking Vs Indian Home Cooking

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I’ve come across many a customer who hasn’t a clue what Indian home cooking tastes like.

Let me give you a clue – It’s nothing like what you’ve had in an Indian restaurant. In fact, they’re both nowhere near each other in similarity. This unknowingness is what started my quest: to present my Australian audience with cuisine from India that hasn’t quite hit the shelves yet!

European cuisines brings ‘Nona’s cooking’ to your plate – How something so fragile and loving made it to your plate after a lineage brought it down, treasured it and re-pieced it based on living and oral memory. Not a tagline associated with Indian food. In fact, Indians, when eating out (ask your Indian friends about this) will go to Indian restaurants for the sake of variation.
For a few years I reflected on the divide between the two cooking styles – on why a culture where travelling 100 km meant new street dishes, new sweet meats, different types of wedding food and where ‘seasonal food’ was the norm rather than a ‘special’ couldn’t grasp the concept of presenting those treasures abroad. Indian restaurateurs in India and overseas created fusions, adaptations and experimental cuisines (one of my friends recently told me about being served curry with popcorn as the garnish) but no one gave home cooking any heed.


‘Indian street food’

Hence, in the back of my mind, ideas for Lavendra were brewing. What if I brought Australians the taste of rural Punjab, Bengal or Lahore? The dishes we salivate over at home when thinking about these cities.

Backtrack:

I’ve been involved with traditional Indian restaurant cooking at Grace of India and eating homemade (aka mum made) Indian food since I was born – Mum would serve up Gajjar Mattar (Carrot and peas curry), Kadhoo Sabzi (Pumpkin curry) with Lasan Aachaar (Garlic pickle) after school and my evenings consisted of Dad cooking me an array of classical Indian dishes you’d expect at your local Indian – from Tandoori lamb cutlets, Butter chicken, Prawn masala, Paneer tikka masala in the evenings (Back in my meat eating days). I was really getting the best of both worlds!

As I gradually grew into the business I found many of our regular diners hadn’t experienced the cooking at home that I’d grown up with – even to the point where I believe – some people have become so closed minded about Indian food that they have trouble accepting this side of Indian food – when I present it at LAVENDRA they label it fusion!

Both serve the purpose – Tasty, nutritious and made with love but there’s a lot yet to be seen when I’m t comes to the Indian restaurant scene adopting dishes from home and this is what we’ve been working on for 4 years quietly (not so quietly now). In my previous Summer Menu at LAVENDRA I had a homemade dish called ‘Kashmiri Baingan’ – a simple eggplant dish that I’ve relished growing up. Try it at home and let me know how it goes!

Ingredients (Serves 6):
2 eggplants, cut into 2cm cubes
1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
4cm piece ginger, finely chopped
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
1/2 teaspoon hot chilli powder
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
400g can chopped tomatoes
Chopped coriander leaves, to garnish

Method

Place the eggplant cubes in a large colander and sprinkle liberally with salt. Set aside to drain for 10 minutes, then rinse the eggplant well and pat dry well with paper towel.

Heat the oil in a wok over medium heat. Add the ginger and spices and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. In batches, add the eggplant cubes and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until the eggplant has softened slightly. Return all the eggplant to the wok, then stir in the canned tomato and 1 cup (250ml) water. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the eggplant is tender and the sauce has thickened. Season with salt, garnish with coriander and serve.

At LAVENDRA we want you to come experience rare Indian dishes, our adaptations of mums cooking and play on Australian ingredients with Indian cooking methods. I’ll be bringing you a new menu every season!

Regards,

Inderpreet

Newly Opened Indian Restaurant Lavendra

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NORTH SYDNEY RESTAURANT LAVENDRA SOURCING FOOD FROM WENDY WHITELEY’S SECRET GARDEN FOR ITS CURRY DISHES

Read the full article here – dailytelegraph.com.au

The Secret to tasty Indian menu

THERE’S nothing fresher than fruit from the garden. And when it’s harvested from one of Sydney’s most famous leafy enclaves it has an even sweeter taste.

Newly opened Indian restaurant Lavendra is using produce from neighbouring Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden on its menu.

Juicy cumquats grown just metres away are currently on offer and are paired up with lamb cutlets. “I approached Wendy and asked her as I’d like to use seasonal ingredients, third-generation restaurateur Inderpreet Singh said.

Whiteley said yes and a food fusion was born. Mr Singh plans to take the best of the season from the garden with Whiteley’s permission.

The pairing also goes straight to the heart of what he is trying to achieve at the family owned restaurant blending both his Australian and Indian heritage through food. “It’s unique Australian produce combined with traditional and contemporary

Indian cooking methods in order to bring out the best in our two cultures,” he said. “I’m finding the best combinations.

“Everything is very ingredients-focused. We bring out the best flavours of the ingredients using Indian cooking methods.”

Other highlights on the menu include salmon cooked in Malibu and coconut oil, and a korma dish using macadamia.

The most popular dish to date has been baby barramundi cooked in garlic, ginger and mint. “We leave it overnight and then slow cook it in the tandoor,” he said. “It results in a very nice crispy outside and a very tender inside.” The new North Sydney restaurant is in an iconic location on Walker St over-looking Sydney Harbour. Mr Singh comes with decades of experience as he grew up watching his father at Grace of India restaurant at Milsons Point.

For the menu he has hand-picked recipes from across India and matched it with Australian products. Favourites from Goa, Punjab and Chennai have all been given an Australian update. “It’s just amazing,” he said. “A lot of people come in and say they’ve never tasted Indian food like it.”

Andrea McCullagh