Dinner at Gaylord Indian in Grand Hotel Melbourne
Looking for Melbourne’s best Indian dining experience? At Gaylord Indian Restaurant in the Grand Hotel Melbourne, Raj and DJ set a high standard, transforming the idea of what an Indian dining experience can be. We were invited to try new dishes with a new chef at this iconic Melbourne restaurant with a long history.
With a talented chef steering the kitchen, their menu traverses India’s vast culinary landscape, paying homage to traditional flavors while showcasing regional nuances, and adapted for a modern palate.
The venue’s home in the majestic Grand Hotel Melbourne adds an aura of grandeur to the dining experience, balancing elegance with warmth. Perfect for group events (private rooms) and date nights.
The service here is seamless, led by an experienced team. Our evening began with a vibrant Tamarind Margarita and a Smokey Old Fashioned that exemplified a strong cocktail game.
From the first crunch of lentil papadums with tangy chutneys to the succulent Lahori Lamb Chop, it was a sensory culinary journey. The Chicken Patiala Tikka was tender, steeped in bold flavors, while the Prawns Achari, with their smoky edge and raw mango sauce, were an explosion of tang.
Vegetarian dishes were a highlight, with the Dahi Kebab croquettes rustic and welcoming, Palak Kofta dumplings featuring a rich tomato and cashew sauce, Samosas generous and deeply satisfying and the Mushroom Duplex—a cheesy, crisp creation—being my personal favorite.
Gaylord are curry kings. Goat Nihari’s velvety, spice-laden gravy and the buttery richness of their classic Butter Chicken both impressed. Dum Ka Murgh was slow cooked chicken heaven. For something unique, the Champaran Handi Kathal offered a taste of India’s innovative jackfruit cookery, deeply satisfying with cumin and smoked flavors.
The dishes were matched beautifully with our bottle of Tokar Estate Pinot Noir.
Three types of naan, notably the Cheese Naan and flaky Lachchha Paratha, soaked up every drop, while the raita and rice balanced out the feast. Desserts crowned the meal with the Mascarpone Jamun and the Paan Kulfi packed with flavor. Enjoyed with shot of prized Indri whisky.
Gaylord is a unique experience and true testament to Indian culinary mastery in Melbourne.