Gaylord Indian Restaurant

In a class of its own, Gaylord is a stunning Indian restaurant by Chef Musharraf who has had an exquisite culinary journey, debuting his career in 1974 starting from Karim Restaurant, New Delhi. 

Musharraf has since been enlightening Melbourne with many successful restaurants serving up delicious and authentic dishes. In 1991, he inaugurated Gaylord Indian Restaurant in Chinatown which instantly became a city-centre favourite for Indian cuisine. Gaylord went on to become an award mining place to dine. 

Now in their new slick home in the Grand Hotel Melbourne, Gaylord’s legacy continues on under the helm of Raj, DJ and Chef Suren. Gaylord’s extensive menu features the trio’s expertise in Indian cuisine with favourites such as butter chicken and other exotic dishes you will not get anywhere else. We recently revisited Gaylord to try their latest menu additions. 

To start the pani puri was a great sign of things to come. Featuring paper thin crisp fried balls stuffed with potatoes, chickpeas and sweet and spice tangy water. 

The hariyali tandoor paneer was similarly delicious -wonderfully textured cubes of marinated homemade cottage cheese were deliciously marinated in tangi roasted tomato chutney and grilled to perfection in a tandoor. 

The golden lamb chops that followed were yet another highlight. We loved the melt in your mouth marinated lamb cutlers topped with basil, mint and layered theatrically with edible gold leaf.

Whatever you do, do not go past the tulsi prawns – think incredibly plump and juicy wild prawns marinated with an aromatic blend of basil and spices.

For mains, we shared a selection of curries - Each, fantastic and went down a treat with fluffy basmati rice and naan breads. 

The goat nihari was stunning. Our favourite dish of the night, it was rich yet light and creamy and boasted a great depth of flavour. 

The dal makhani was another crowd pleaser – a moreish, rich and silky aromatic curry. 

Our evening concluded on a sweet high with a show stopping dessert - paan kulfi, a cheeky take on the traditional Indian ice cream – which is prepared with paan leaves (betel leaves), cardamom and fennel seeds. Paired with dragonfruit this is simply a stunning creation.

Inspired by restaurants, street stalls and homes of every region of India, Gaylord is a gem. The dishes showcase authentic flavours made using high quality ingredients and expert techniques, all presented in a modern manner. 

Location: 33 Spencer Street, Melbourne 

Phone: 03 9620 1286

Link: https://gaylords.com.au/