As Melbourne prepares for its spring festival season, Gaylord Indian Restaurant celebrates 40 years in the city and invites you to join them on a vibrant gastronomic adventure inspired by National Highway 44 (NH-44), India’s longest and most culturally diverse highway. In challenging stereotypes, Gaylord (the name means “happy place” and has a rich tradition) is diving deeper into celebrating the regional cuisines of India, with a menu that reflects non-Anglicised names and authentic tastes. The World Loves Melbourne congratulates Gaylord on 40 years in Melbourne - an incredible achievement!
The NH-44 Food Festival running from September 8th to 14th, showcases the rich and varied culinary heritage of 11 Indian states, each offering its unique and authentic regional flavours. Each dish has its own story rooted in Indian culture.
With four full-time specialist chefs (including Kuldeep from Rajasthan who has worked across 5-star hotels in Dubai with 12 years’ experience), Gaylord has a passion to dismiss the notion that Indian food is “cheap food”. Gaylord also provides catering for Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, Park Hyatt Melbourne and Showtime Event Group.
Gaylord has embraced the trend for healthy eating with 50:50 vegetarian v non-vegetarian dishes on their menu, and around 95% of their menu is Gluten Free. The restaurant’s dishes that cater for Vegans are not an afterthought but a serious culinary offering. Also, Gaylord is a peanut-free restaurant, and they don’t use egg in their Naan bread (unlike 95% of Indian restaurants).
Authenticity extends to the care in having unique sauces for each dish (as opposed to generic), and the use of natural colours in dishes. A surprise to some is the excellent wine list including Indian-inspired cocktails and a selection of Indian whiskies (which are gaining recognition globally).
Also unique is that it’s rare to find hotel restaurants in Australia serving non-Australian or non-European food, such as Indian. Gaylord, as an Indian restaurant in a hotel, is an uncommon and distinctive feature. The main dining space features chandeliers, plush carpet and unique Kashmir & marble artwork on the walls.
From the snow-capped valleys of Srinagar to the coastal charm of Kanyakumari, NH-44 stretches over 3,700 kilometres, crossing landscapes and cuisines that have shaped India’s culinary identity. Gaylord now brings these flavours under one roof, curated with authenticity, precision, and passion.
“Journey through India’s rich and diverse regions with every flavourful bite.”
Gaylord Indian Restaurant
33 Spencer Street, Docklands VIC
(03) 9620 1286
https://gaylords.com.au/booknow/
https://gaylords.com.au/nh44-food-festival/