Hands up, who is already drooling over our dining experience and review photo (one of many) of British India, #Adelaide?
Courtesy of British India by way of a voucher, Chef Georgio and I along with Princess What? and Prince Giancarlo (from Argentinian Tango Delight fame) thoroughly enjoyed our “unique Indian cuisine” dining experience as well as “uncovering and discovering” the history and the stories behind British India.
I loved the “unique, quirky, eccentric” strategically set decor accessories from zebra rugs to stuffed animal heads, and the unusual chandelier that was a talking piece hanging over our table.
Do you notice the lights have been created by inverted tea cups?
You will have to come and experience British India, #Adelaide to see!
The decor and dimly lit atmosphere as well as the fully glass enclosed front windows and mirrors gives off a British India, #Adelaide “royalty feel.”
Did I mention from the moment we walked through the door, we were treated like royalty?; as was “each and every” other patron on the very busy Saturday night! I believe that one cannot appreciate the present without the past.
If you will indulge me for a minute, I will make this wonderful British India #Adelaide dining experience last!
British India #Adelaide is located in the Central Business District within walking distance of the iconic Adelaide Central Markets and has been British India, #Adelaide for about 4 1/2 years one of the staff members “enthusiastically” shared.
British Raj history goes back to 1600 A.D. whereby The British East Indian Company was given a formal document (called a Royal Charter) signed by a monarch (head of state; usually having titles of king, queen, prince or princess as an example; just like Princess What? and Prince Giancarlo! ) to pursue trade in the East Indies.
Competing European kingdoms (i.e. Portugal, France, England) all traded with kingdoms of India; but this harmony was not meant to last which led to the very famous Battle of Plassey in 1757 where England won; hence British Raj (Raj literally translates to “reign” in Hindi) aka British rule began.
Queen Victoria (above) was crowned Empress of India.
India became the British Empire’s “most prized possession” aka “The Jewel of the Crown.”
India became an independent nation on the 15th of August, 1947.
I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry!
British India, #Adelaide ‘s fine dining options are simple: an “extensively” Ala Carte menu that caters for meat lover’s and vegetarians alike, Chef’s Suggestions (to be read off the chalkboard), and two Banquet Options.
I love a variety of foods (as does Chef Georgio, Princess What? and Prince Giancarlo) to taste as dining is always a “Journey of Discovery!”; we went with Banquet Option 2; minimum of 4 people; $45.00 pp.
There is an “extensive” wine list by the glass or bottle and with our wine poured, let the dining experience begin!
Raita, Pappadums, Mango Chutney & Mixed Pickle
The cucumber yogurt raita sprinkled with toasted cumin (love cumin) and crispy, thin Pappadums started out Indian cuisine journey. We all loved the sweet and sour Mango Chutney and Mixed Pickle; the spices were “just right” and had us yearning for more; but the night was still young.
The dishes “magically” came out of the kitchen at a quick pace; we noted all tables had the same “express from the kitchen service.”
Crispy Pork with apple puree and pork jus
Do not, repeat, do not go past this dish WHEN you dine at British India, #Adelaide; whether on a Banquet or Ala Carte! This succulent slow roasted pork “melted” in my mouth and then the C-R-U-N-C-H of the crispy skin “once again” wanted us all yearning for more. This dish was a favorite of Chef Georgio and he does not usually eat pork.
I love eggplant and this entree did not disappoint! The eggplant was marinated with fennel, tamarind and curry leaves with subtle mild chilli heat. Topped with crispy onions and cucumber raita, this entree was delicious. The eggplant was crispy (not greasy) on the outside, soft but not mushy on the inside. Princess What? and I want to know their secret!
Due to dietary restrictions at the table, I asked if a dish from Banquet 1 could be substituted with Chicken tikka; the request was easily granted and it seemed like there was nothing that was too difficult for the staff and or the kitchen to do.
We noted this genuine hospitality was not exclusive to our table. The beautifully marinated tender chicken pieces “melted” in our mouth and Chef Georgio and I, Princess What? and Prince Gaincarlo are big fans of tandoor cooked meats.
Did I mention these were only the entrees?
I would like to especially comment on the wonderful service from the “many” waiters and waitresses who “hovered over all patrons at all tables like Energizer Bunnies!” The attention to detail i.e. wine and water being topped up was particularly appreciated.
There were free smiles from all the staff (always a good sign when dining), plates were immediately removed from the table in anticipation of the next course.
We did request a “time out” to come up for air (so to speak) after the entrees as I think if the mains came out as quickly as the entrees, they would not have been appreciated as much as they were.
I understand …busy Saturday night; get patrons in, out, turn the table etc…simply business.
While we always like to “leisurely dine”, we were not made to feel like we had to eat up and run, but we did not some time to digest as Princess What? and I talked up a storm; Chef Georgio and Prince Giancarlo did not get a chance to say much; not that they both do if had the opportunity.
I thought this was a perfect place (as the reader) to take a pause too!
I hope you enjoyed digesting British India, #Adelaide and look for the Main Courses and Desserts coming your way next post!
Do you have a favorite Indian dish?
Which of the above entrees most appealed to you?
Do you have any questions about Indian cuisine?
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Are you curious what Main Courses come next at British India, #Adelaide; here one to tantalize your taste buds still too!