Téjas

Gastrology visited Téjas on behalf of the Australian Good Food Guide.

The CBD’s relatively new Indian restaurant, Téjas (meaning, amongst other things, sharpness, brightness and brilliance) is living up to its name with an enticing mix of flavours and spices to transport diners to the streets and homes of India.

Owners Sewinderpal Singh Dhaliwal and Srinivasan Thotta’s passion for food and wine mixed with their hospitality backgrounds which have seen them work in intense kitchen environments, translates to Téjas being a well-oiled machine.

An Indian food haven with a Melbourne twist, the restaurant has a welcoming ambience that is versatile enough to take you from quick dining during the CBD lunch hour rush to a decadent feast in the evening which is best enjoyed with their extensive drinks list.

We loved tasting our way through the menu which features lesser-known as well as classic Indian dishes Melbourne has come to know and love.

To start we fell head over heels for the Ajwani Fish Tikka - a stunning dish of rockling fish pieces infused with a spicy combination of yoghurt and ground Ajwain (thyme) seeds which are then grilled to perfection.

For mains, we shared two of their moreish curries - Each, fantastic and went down a treat with beady coconut rice and Téjas’s fluffy pizza naan breads (yep, you heard right – it’s an Indian take on a pizza and we love it!).

Of particular note was the Bhuna Lamb - simply stunning. Our favourite dish of the night, it was rich and creamy. Tender pieces of lamb were browned first in fried spices before being cooked in a tomato and onion based sauce, resulting in a dish that boasted a great depth of flavour.

Our evening concluded on a sweet high with the Gajar Halwa - a deliciously sweet and rich carrot and cardamom pudding which possessed a delightfully melt in your mouth texture.

Inspired by restaurants, street stalls and homes of every region of India, Téjas is a gem. The dishes showcase high quality ingredients and expert techniques. The relaxed and humble venue celebrates Indian culture with an array of beautifully presented dishes packed with flavour.

Location: 20-22 Mckillop Street, Melbourne

Phone: 03 8592 4910

Link: https://tejas.com.au/