GOAT - From India, With Love

Located in the old Misters Real Food digs on Wyndham Street, GOAT—short for "Greatest of All Taste" with love, from India—is a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss. Helmed by the seasoned Chef Sid Chopra (previous executive chef of Auckland’s fav Prego) and his protégé, Nick Chouhan, GOAT takes you on a vibrant journey through the dishes in the various regions of India, and is as much a love letter to Indian cuisine as it is a showcase of what happens when tradition meets innovation.

The space is a stunner—think exposed brick walls, soaring ceilings, and a central bar that just begs you to pull up a stool. The dining room is spacious yet cosy, with varying tones of wood that adds an elegant touch and low lighting that sets the mood whether you’re there for a romantic dinner or a lively evening with friends. The building itself exudes vintage charm, and the neon-lit goat peeking from one wall adds a playful touch.

But it’s the food that really steals the show. Sid and Nick have crafted a menu that’s both authentic and inventive, staying true to traditional Indian cooking methods found in different regions of India while using the freshest local ingredients. 

For the vegos, you can’t go wrong with the Paneer Ghee Roast. This Mangalorean dish has paneer in a fragrant blend of curry leaves, mustard, coconut, and tomatoes, reminiscent of the Indian Coast, with a mild yet captivating spice. For the mains they’ve got you sussed with the Jalgaon Baingan—a beloved Maharashtran specialty—featuring smoky tandoor-roasted eggplant, paired with a zesty green chilli, onion, and coriander chutney, all brought together with a flavorful chilli confit garlic.

For the carnivores, the Lamb Ribs are a tender revelation, slow-cooked in milk and roasted in ghee with Kashmiri spices, offering a soft texture complemented by tangy chaat spiced onions and a fresh mint-coriander chutney that you’ll find irresistible. Like, scraping-off-the-plate good. 

Our top pick has got to be the Goan Prawn Balchao—a sweet and tangy delight, brimming with fresh coconut flavours and island vibes, while the zesty, aromatic sauce envelops big tiger prawns in a burst of tropical goodness. You’ll be slathering it in the sauce which is so irresistible it'll leave you craving more. 

Don’t leave without trying the Patra Ni Macchi, a Parsi gem from Gujarat. Think market fish enveloped in banana leaves with a buttery mix of fresh coconut, coriander, and lemon, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s beautifully balanced with a side of subtly flavoured lemon mustard rice.

The drinks list is just as thoughtfully curated. A concise yet sophisticated wine selection—handpicked by a sommelier—ensures that whatever you choose will complement your meal beautifully. But the real stars are the cocktails. Funky, Indian-infused creations that are as visually striking as they are delicious. The Meetha Paan is a must-try; its deep pink hue comes from gulkand (a rose petal preserve), gin, lemon, vermouth and Wonder Foam creating a floral yet balanced drink that’s anything but ordinary.

Non-drinkers aren’t left out in the cold either. The Nimbu Paani—a traditional Indian-style lemonade—offers a refreshing mix of lemon, black salt, cumin, and mint, elevated with a sprinkle of chaat spice. It’s a burst of tangy, spiced goodness that pairs perfectly with the bold flavours on your plate.

Whether you’re there for a quick bite after work or settling in for a long, leisurely dinner, GOAT delivers on its promise of bringing the best of India, with love, straight to your plate.

Words: Mahitha Kumar | Image credit: Wono Kim

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