Unlocking the Health Benefits of Vegetarian Indian Food

Indian food is already a worldwide popular cuisine, known for its rich spices and flavourful meals. But did you know that it offers impeccable health benefits? Yes, you read that right! With spices and herbs dating back to the ancient days, every ingredient offers a  multitude of benefits that people know nothing about!

In this blog, we will explore some of the best health benefits of different dishes of India so that you can go back and order vegetarian Indian food in Melbourne

Vegetarian Indian Foods are All About Using Different Vegetables

That’s right! Indians love vegetables and use them in most of their food. The way these vegetables are cooked ensures that the nutrients are retained and the consumers get the maximum health benefits. For example, the daily consumption of vegetables like moringa, brinjal, peas, cauliflower, cabbage, etc., offers a daily dose of nutrients.  

Indian Spices are Said to Have Medicinal Properties 

Most of the spices used in Indian dishes today are said to have medicinal properties. We’re talking about spices like turmeric, garlic, cumin, cloves, ginger, and chillies. These are a staple in every Indian kitchen. Not only do these add flavour to the food, but they are also infused with medicinal properties. 

Indian Ingredients are High In Dairy 

Most Indian households cannot do without yoghurt and milk. These are rich sources of calcium. Whether that’s cooking the staple dessert, kheer, at home or including yoghurt chaas or lassi with every meal, you can get plenty of dairy with every Indian food. Even when you look for vegetarian Indian food in Melbourne, you will have these staple dishes on the menu. 

A High Source of Plant-Based Protein 

Every Indian household specialises in cooking protein-rich meals. And it doesn’t have to be dishes cooked on special occasions. Even a simple dal chawal can prove highly beneficial for health. With a protein content that is equal to that of meat, the humble lentil, a mainstay of Indian cooking, gives meals like sambar and dal makhani tremendous vitality. Black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas all join the chorus, adding flavour and variety to your daily protein intake as they go well with salads, curries, and fritters.

When you visit a vegetarian Indian restaurant in Melbourne, make sure you try out their nutritious meals and enjoy the flavour while positively impacting your health! 

Enjoy the Best Indian Meals With Us

If you’re looking for the best vegetarian Indian restaurant in Melbourne, stop by Sri Dwaraka. We are a top-notch name in the industry, serving gob-smacking foods that are cooked with freshly sourced ingredients. Whether you want to hire us for parties or try our delectable dishes at our restaurant, we’re here to serve you quality! Call us at  +61 3 8652 9277 and book your table today! 

Best of Indian Street Foods That Will Tantalise Your Taste Buds!

ndian Street Food is as colourful and diverse as the country itself. Although the mystic land has its fair share of rare delicacies, but its true spirit can only be savoured if you try out their street food fare at a leading Indian restaurant in Melbourne. The vast variety and the sheer aroma will surely tickle your senses. Once you take a bite of these mouthfuls, prepare to get your taste buds tantalised! 

So, without further ado, let’s have a look at some of the most popular Indian street foods to taste at Melbourne restaurants. 

Curd (Dahi) Vada: 

Undoubtedly, the most talked-about street food in India, Dahi Vada is a creamy twist on the traditional Medu Vada. These soft, fluffy fried buns dipped in a rich, savoury curd and sprinkled with chutney, coriander and sev is delightful in every bite. You can also ask the waiter at an authentic Indian restaurant to cool it before serving. Trust us, it will taste heavenly! 

Samosa: 

The coned-shaped supremacy has taken over Australia for some time now. If you haven’t tasted the iconic samosa yet, it’s time you nom-nom on these golden-fried triangular pastries. Call it a snack, or a filler – samosas are a mixture of soft, spiced and mashed potatoes and pea filled in a flour-coated “pocket” and fried till perfection. You can land a bite of this timeless classic by dipping it in a coriander & mint chutney. 

Pani Puri:

This undisputed reigning champion of Indian street food is a tangy & refreshing indulgence that you have to try at the best Indian restaurant in Melbourne. The most popular street food can be savoured any time of the day. 

Pani Puris are crispy fried hollow puris which are filled with a unique mixture of mashed potatoes, secret spices and some tamarind chutney. This puri is then dipped in a zesty ‘pani’ or water and served. Just gulp it down and watch the flavours explode in your mouth! 

Pav Bhaji: 

Pav Bhaji is an Indian dish that is both filling and tantalising at the same time. This soul-filling dish is made with mashed potatoes and lots of spices and paired with butter-fried buns (pav) and veggies. A healthy meal in itself, it is the perfect comfort food for all seasons. 

Rava Dosas: 

Not typically a street food, but rava dosas have undergone a massive transformation to be crowned as a street food champion. Expect a thin, crispy fermented crêpe, made from a batter of rice and lentils – a true Indian gem. Dosas come with numerous customisations such as: 

  • Cheese Dosa
  • Butter Dosa
  • Onion Masala Dosa
  • Mysore Masala Dosa 
  • Ghee Podi Onion Masala Dosa 
  • Paneer Masala Dosa 

The crispiness of the dosa when paired with iconic sambhar (lentil soup with veggies) and coconut chutney, is a gastronomical journey you do not want to miss! You can also order for ‘Chef’s Special Dosa’ to bring your own customisations to life! 

Dine at Sri Dwaraka for Authentic Indian Delicacies!  

So, what’s stopping you from tantalising your taste buds at the best Indian restaurant in Melbourne? Call +61 3 8524 0791 to reserve your table. For any queries, feel free to reach out to us at info@sridwaraka.com.au

Top Traditional Cooking Techniques Used In South Indian Restaurants

Techniques plays a major role besides the ingredients defining the character of a dish. Indian food has a rich history spanning thousands of years and is a riot of tastes and colours. The components used in a recipe convey a tale in every Indian cuisine. It adds depth and complexity to our daily meals by incorporating a variety of regional spices, agricultural products and other ingredients. Here we will explore some of the traditional cooking techniques widely used in Indian cuisine. 

Tadka or Tempering

Tadka is a cooking technique that involves adding spices to hot oil or ghee. This type of method is generally used in most Indian cuisine and is used to enhance the flavour of dal, curries and vegetables. The spices used in tadka usually vary in the South Indian restaurant in Melbourne but some of the most common ones include cumin seeds, mustard seeds, coriander seeds and dried red chilli. 

Grilling and Roasting 

Roasting and grilling are popular cooking techniques in South Indian cuisine. A clay oven is used in the Tandoor which is mostly used to grill and roast a variety of dishes like tandoori chicken or vegetables. The ingredients are marinated in a mixture of spices, yoghurt and lemon juice and then set for grilling. The tandoor’s secret is its high heat which enables food to cook fast. These cooking methods with the recipes and techniques passed down through centuries but the best way to experience the methods is to order South Indian food online in Melbourne.

South Indian Restaurant

Dum Cooking

Dum cooking is a kind of slow cooking in which the meal is cooked over low heat while sealed in a vessel made of dough or aluminium foil. Rice-based foods like pulao and biryani are frequently prepared using this technique. The tastes may deepen and permeate the meal thanks to the long cooking technique.

Pressure Cooking

Pressure cooking is a widely used cooking method, particularly for stews, beans and lentils in Indian cuisine. The pressure cooker’s high-pressure steam helps cook food faster which makes it a practical and efficient cooking technique.

Steaming

Steaming is considered to be a healthy cooking technique which is used in Indian cuisines. It usually helps to prepare different types of dishes like idlis, dhoklas and momos. The common technique is to place the food in a steamer basket or idli stand and cook over boiling water. You can order South Indian veg thali in Melbourne where you can see the food is cooked without losing its nutrients or flavour. 

Pickling

The pickling process is a traditional preservation technique used in Indian cuisines. This type of method is followed to preserve different kinds of fruits and vegetables. The technique involves marinating the ingredients in a mixture of spices, vinegar and oil. The pickles can be stored for different months and are used to add flavour to your everyday meal. 

People follow a wide range of cooking techniques which may vary from place to place. Therefore the next time when you enjoy an Indian meal in a South Indian Restaurant, take a moment to appreciate the unique flavours and cooking techniques that make it just so special. 

A Comprehensive Guide To South Indian Restaurants

Sri Dwaraka is among the best South Indian Restaurants for savouring tasty and hearty food. We serve the real taste of South Indian food with cuisine as well as the appetising street food of India. For further information contact us at +61 3 8524 0791 or email us at: info@sridwaraka.com.au