Must eat
Top End chef David Taylor gives you a taste of the good tucker to be found in the Territory
MATCHA THAT! Matching the Japanese matcha trend, Movenpick, in the city, has added a matcha waffle cone to its dessert menu. Vanilla Zulu chef and consultant Mel Townsend says it works “especially well with the white chocolate, mango sorbet or blackcurrant and cream flavours, and particularly for green tea fans”. It’s expected to be a limited edition. moevenpick-icecream.com ADDRESS: 2 Sabine Road Millner PHONE: 8948 0800 OWNERS: Raj and Rosie Ghotra CHEF: Dilpreet Singh ENTREES: $10 to $12 MAINS: $18 to $23 OPEN: every day for dinner STAR QUALITY: 4.7
Raj and Rosie have together led the charge of fantastic Indian food in Darwin. I first visited Memories more than two years ago shortly after it opened and was blown away by the delicious, authentic food. Darwin soon forced the couple to take over the vacant shop next door and expand the dining room. Even then, there are nights where you need to book ahead. They followed early advice and have laid carpet to dull the din. Want the best food? Follow the Cabbies!
There always seems to be a queue waiting for their dinner.
This is among a handful of places I can genuinely call a favourite. Having scored only one other place in Darwin a 4.7 out of 5, I can honestly say I have never had a dish, meal or service that has not been close to perfection.
This will be an easy story to tell. Prices are cheap for brilliant food. Bring along your favourite wine or beer, or order a delicious chilli-calming mango lassi. What’s fun is that there are a number of dishes rarely seen on menus. Raj is originally from Northern India, but spent time in Sydney honing the flavours of Goan and Southern Indian food. The usual suspects of butter chicken, tikka and vindaloo are all there but I bet anyone to have tasted better elsewhere. The tandoori prawns are a staple for us. Mild turmeric and cumin seasoned then charred to crispy perfection. Served with the sensational coriander raita, and six prawns for just $11 is exceptional value. My favourite is the Manchurian. Sauteed crunchy pieces of cauliflower with sweet and spicy coating gets my juices flowing.
Raj has relaxed his hand and listened to his customers by providing full spice and not dumbing it down. There are lots of mild dishes available but the vindaloo will rip your head off …. Just as it ought to. By contrast the chicken or lamb Saag. This tasty and very healthy spinach based curry is flavoured with ginger and coriander. Simply marvellous. Both offerings of goat are damned good. I lean towards the Sahi style. Cooked in onion and a most unusual cashew sauce. Always on the bone and tender and always messy to eat. God gave us apposing thumbs for a reason, she must have tried Raj’s goat curries.
I think we have tried all of the biryanis and they are all good. In fact we have eaten our way through the menu a few times now. Each and every dish is worthy of mention but I only get a half page to rant! The freshly made breads are sensational. Be warned the vindaloo naan is fiery.
Please step out of the curry rut and try the unusual offerings at Memories. Nothing will disappoint. Thanks to Raj and Rosie for making Darwin home and sharing your passion, deft skills and warm hospitality with us. You have to stay. We have all adopted you!