Let's face it, Indian cuisine is undoubtedly the ultimate comfort food. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as tucking into a hot bowl of spice-loaded curry, served with fluffy rice and a piping-hot naan. Garlic naan, of course.
The flavours and cuisines of India’s regions are as diverse as they are tasty, meaning you can go back to the same restaurant over and over and have a completely different experience every time. Read on for 10 of the best Indian restaurants on the Gold Coast, as chosen by you.
Garlic Clove
Ormeau
Garlic Clove Indian Restaurant is the real deal, providing an authentic experience with delicious homemade curries, traditional favourites and sumptuous Indian cuisine made from recipes that have been passed down through generations. Known for warm and welcoming service, Garlic Clove is run with a smile by Head Chef and Owner, Sabir Merchant, who likes to get to know his customers personally. It’s traditional, tasty Indian cuisine with that extra touch of love.
Ginger Indian Gourmet
Upper Coomera
Ginger Indian’s Head chef Suresh Rathore is passionate about cooking Indian food. He takes the utmost care, from picking fresh produce, grinding the spices and preparing sauces and marinades to pair alluring flavours and traditional techniques with contemporary methods and plating.
This is not your standard Indian cuisine experience. Think Ginger lamb chops, barramundi simmered in coconut and lemon gravy, and pink pepper prawns, just to kick things off. Well worth a trip up the M1.
Randhawa’s Indian Cuisine
Emerald Lakes & Hope Island
The decadent fitout at Randhawa’s sets you up for the sumptuous feast that is to follow. This hugely popular northern and central gem is known for its stunningly presented dishes that taste as good as they look.
Harry and Nina Randhawa and their team of experienced chefs use the freshest ingredients in their menu, which aims to replicate Royal dishes once enjoyed by Mughal Kings in India. Everything is made from scratch and to order meaning you can customise your dish to your liking (extra extra hot? No probs!) The Lamb Seekh Kebab and Mushroom Matar Masala are absolute must-dos. You’ll certainly feel like royalty after a meal at Randhawa’s.
Saffron Indian Gourmet
Broadbeach
Known for its contemporary twists on Indian classics, Saffron Broadbeach is a constant surprise. Nestled comfortably in Broadbeach’s hub, this modern eatery serves up a large menu packed to the brim with traditional curries and breads alongside some slightly left of centre eats such as minced eggplant masala, Atlantic salmon in a tomato curry with fennel, and scallops from Hervey Bay, served with madras sauce and pickled pears. It’s a true gastronomic experience.
Temple Of Spices
Mermaid Beach
The plant-based eaters among us adore Temple of Spices in Mermaid for its huge array of delicious vegan offerings, but there is plenty on the menu for carnivores, too. The team prides itself on offering up a carefully matched wine list and cold draught beers in perfect complement to an impressive menu.
This trendy eatery boasts uber-authentic flavours in its hearty curries, and some of the most colourful salads around. Grab some charred skewers hot from the tandoor grill, add some pickles, fresh bread and a tasty chutney, and you’ll be in gastronomic heaven.
Krish Indian Cuisine
Robina, Worongary & Varsity Lakes
The multi award-winning Krish Indian restaurants have a reputation to uphold, and they do that through the consistent delivery of delicious, hearty, no-frills Indian fare. Their classic butter chicken and lamb korma are die-hard faves, while their chick biryani will deliver you straight to the subcontinent, no airfare required. There’s a reason this team has been operating steadily on the Gold Coast since 2005, and now have three locations. Don’t miss their All You Can Eat buffet nights for a tiny $24.95, either.
Agnee Indian
Robina
Agnee Indian is run by father and son team Inder and Arjun Jaiswal, who believe that food is not just sustenance, but a celebration of their culture and heritage. To keep things well-rounded, they hire chefs from a variety of Indian regions, incorporating their methods and region-specific culinary traditions into the extensive menu.
There will be something to please everyone at Agnee’s, from belly-warming curries to fresh, tangy salads. Lamb lovers need to try the flavour-packed Awadhi, while seafood lovers will froth over the range of prawn and fish dishes.
Indian Delights
Miami
If you want a restaurant that lives up to its name, Miami’s Indian Delights is your new spot. Simplicity done well is key at this humble southern eatery, with a focus on classic dishes cooked to mouth-watering perfection.
Tuck into a range of trad curries, spiced to the rafters and served with fresh, hot breads. If you’re a butter chicken fan but sometimes find it a bit too sweet, then the Punjab (non-sweet) style is definitely for you. And the Chef’s special fenugreek-based Chicken Meethi is definitely worth a try. Or ten.
Kohinur Indian Restaurant
Palm Beach
Kohinur Indian is a small family-run business in Palmy, founded by Chandra Bal, a veteran Chef with more than 20 years of experience in the kitchen. And you can taste that experience on the menu.
Traditional dishes and spices will enliven your palate across the massive menu, packed to the brim with all the classic beef, chicken, seafood and vegetable dishes you could possibly ask for. Best sellers include their chilli and cheese naan, and their beef Rogan josh which uses a centuries-old recipe. Their $45 dinner for two is the perfectly priced Friday night takeout treat, too.
Kahani Indian
Tugun
This long standing Tugun restaurant has a regular clientele of die hard fans who return again and again for the depth of flavour and traditional tastes of India on offer in the menu. Word of mouth is usually the best way to get to know the best spots around, and that’s exactly how we heard about Kahani Indian. Each dish is carefully prepared using high quality ingredients. It’s all great, but we recommend the Dhaniwal chicken for those who like things mild, or the dark, roasted flavours of the Beef Xacuti, for those who like a little more oomph.