Located at the end of the business end of Fitzroy sits a quiet eatery with a fantastical name – Curry Smuggler. Walking in, you can smell the indian spices and you’re greeted so warmly by the staff. The decor was nothing flash and what you’d find typically in most eateries. But we weren’t here for the decor were we? We were here for all those delish dishes containing all those yummy spices!
To start off the night, I got a mango lassi and this was oh so yummy! It was thick, it was yoghurt-y and it had a definite mango kick to it. If you’re ordering spicy dishes, definitely get this to soothe the spiciness.
Mango Lassi – $6
We’ve never had Tikki Chat before and was recommended to get it. It’s basically a potato cake drowned in an amazing sauce with fresh herbs and veggies. This was very light, it was full of flavour and it was definitely fresh! I would definitely recommend this!
Tikki Chat – $9
Potato cakes crispy pan fried topped with chat sauces & garnished with chopped onions, tomato & coriander
The chicken tikka came out on a sizzling plate accompanied with a mint dip. This was AMAZEBALL! The chicken was so juicy, it was quite spicy but the mint dip counteracted that. Definitely save room in your tummies for this.
Chicken Tikka – $14
Boneless pieces of chicken marinated yoghurt, herbs & spices, cooked in the tandoori oven served with kachumber salad
Now, time for the curries! I’m a huge fan of butter chicken and was recommended paneer butter cream (the vegetarian version). It was creamy, not too sweet and the paneer was perfect. For those with a low spicy tolerance, this is the dish for you. Just a side note, this was a touch on heavy side and is quite rich. Miss Chanel however, decided to go for the chicken masala and this was oh so spicy and does give you a nice kick.
(L): Paneer Butter Cream – $16
Marinated in tandoori spices then cooked then cooked in tandoor oven later tossed in tomato delicate spices & nut cream sauce
(R): Chicken Tikka Masala – $19
Chicken tikka cooked with tomato, ginger, onion, capsicum & spices
The tawa chicken was a more smokey flavour and of course intense in flavour.
Tawa Chicken – $19
Smoke flavoured traditional curry served with smoked onions & capscium on hotel plate
We opted for Naan instead of any of the rice because, who doesn’t love naan??? The Naans are quite large and the cheese one was quite cheesy and heavenly and the garlic naan wasn’t too strong in garlic flavour. Both was super fluffy and oh so good!
(L): Garlic Naan – $4.50
(R): Cheese Naan – $4.50
Finally, no one can ever leave an eatery without having desserts and Curry Smuggler is not exception. The pista kulfi (ice cream) was amazing! Subtle flavours of cardamom and rose and it was super creamy, it was heavenly. The Gulab Jamum is my absolute favourite Indian dessert and was stoked to see it on the specials menu. It was soft and squishy with a douse of sweet syrup. Those with a big sweet tooth, this is for you because it is super sweet and goes very well with the ice cream.
(L): Pista Kulfi – $9
Special Indian ice cream made with thickened milk & pistachio flavoured with saffron, green cardamom & rose syrup
(R): Gulab Jamum
Curry Smuggler is really a hidden gem. I walked in with no expectations and came out being mind blown at how great the food is. Definitely get the Chicken tikka and the masala if you like some heats in your meal and never leave this place without trying their desserts. Curry Smuggler, I will definitely be back.
Disclaimer: I was honoured to be invited to dine by Curry Smuggler and all opinions expressed are my own.
223 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Tel: (03) 8597 0647 or 0411 714 646
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