Kolkata Cricket Club

THE VERDICT

Kolkata Cricket Club is serving up up astutely spiced curries and a moody atmosphere that’s perfect for everything from dates to catch-ups or family feasts.

The latest venue by Toddy Shop’s Mischa Tropp is modelled after old school Bengali cricket clubs and members bars in India, except you’ll find this one upstairs at Crown.

Before we get to the food it’s worth noting here that there’s something distinctly intimate about Kolkata Cricket Club. There’s gorgeous big velour booth seating, banquet tables fit for the whole family, or a stack of cozy little nooks. Coupled with the dusky decor, the gentle glow of the red hanging lamps, the spice in the food or eating with your hands, there’s definitely something all-consuming about the venue. 

Little touches like the rattan-backed chairs and fans which contrast perfectly with the white tablecloth and napkin service let you know you’re in for something special here. 

The cocktail list, like the wine list, is fun and familiar—with even a few wines from the sub-continent on there, which we just love. Kick things off with a Kolkata Colada which is exactly what it sounds like, then get ready to dive into the food. 

The flow of the menu is similar to your local Indian spot, but elevated: the feast begins with puchka, a regional version of the Indian street food snack pani puri. Fill them up yourself and try to stuff the whole treat in your mouth, it’s a burst of fresh flavour and gentle spice. Moving on from the tiny snacks there’s a stack of things grilled on the tandoor like the Seekh Kebab and a series of stuffed breads for medium sized plates which are perfect for whetting your appetite.

The curries though—the curries are what you came for. We can’t give away too much but the butter chicken has to be one of the best in Melbourne, delicately smoky and not too heavy, it’s perfect to mop up with some charred garlic naan. The okra, toothsome and topped with crunchy peanuts is an incredible contrast to the creaminess of the butter chicken.

Wash down your feast with a bruleed mango and cream or a stack of refreshing cocktails from the marigold martini to your heftier rum negronis which are quite chocolate forward.

Like we mentioned before, there’s something for everyone here, and if you’re not down to feast, you can perch yourself up at a sports bar section up the front, catch a match and enjoy a beer and a snack as well.

Book your table here.

Words: Navarone Farrell
Images: Chege Mbuthi

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