Launch of Kolkata Cricket Club at Crown Melbourne
Looking for an elevated Indian dining experience in Melbourne? Some innings are unforgettable. The kind that leave you talking long after the last ball is bowled. That’s exactly what Kolkata Cricket Club, Mischa Tropp’s latest venture at Crown Melbourne, delivers—a thrilling knock that celebrates the flavours of Bengal with the spirit of old-school cricket clubs.
Sam and I padded up for an exclusive dinner. The Puchka was a fiery opener—crisp, hollow pastries loaded with spiced chickpeas, potatoes, and a sharp hit of tamarind water. Then came the Macher Bhorta, a smoky kingfish salad, its depth of flavour hitting like a well-timed cover drive. The Seekh Kebab, a perfectly spiced lamb number, was the kind of all-rounder you want in every meal, bolstered by mint chutney that refreshed the palate like a drinks break on a hot day.
The middle order was stacked with heavy hitters. The Butter Chicken played its classic role with confidence—tandoori chicken in a rich, velvety sauce. Mach Posto was a standout - a whole tandoori barramundi swimming in a white poppy seed curry, a dish with the elegance of a Sachin Tendulkar straight drive. Golden basmati rice and butter garlic naan provided the perfect partnership, ensuring nothing was left behind.
As for the finishers, the Brûlée—a tropical combination of mango, cultured cream, and mukwhas—was a cheeky ramp shot of freshness, while the Chena Gulab Jamun, soaking in whey and saffron syrup, was the ultimate winning stroke.
The drinks lineup was just as formidable: a Jungle Moth cocktail, a Rum Negroni with coffee reverse osmosis, Josef Chromy white wine and a stunning 2024 Dhillon Glenhope Accidental Red.
Kolkata Cricket Club is a test of passion and precision, and Mischa Tropp has delivered a century with this one.