Bollywood meets bistro with an authentic approach to traditional Indian cuisine at 1947 eatery.
There’s good reason to visit this interesting eatery. Tucked away in Federal Street, the main decorating motifs are a restful brown and black with a collection of artefacts reflecting a majestic India in the days of the British Raj.
Tandoor meats with sealed-in juices and spices combine the best attributes of Indian cooking. From a menu made up of imaginative dishes from Punjab, Delhi, and Bombay, the bill of fare includes snacks, small dishes and mains from the tandoor and pot. We began with street samosa chaat ($15) topped with yogurt, chutney and crunchy noodles; wannabe drumsticks ($16) fried chicken with Szechuan sauce; pav bhaaji ($22) spiced vegetable mash served with toasted butter buns; and dahi kabab ($18) spiced yogurt patties knighted with a sesame sauce. Moving onto mains, our bade miyan ($34) tandoor roasted chicken thighs simmered in a tangy yogurt gravy and a fried egg and lamb pepper curry ($38) tender lamb cooked in tamarind and rich spices were aided with some delicious breads, filling the mouth with fire and warming all the way down.
Dessert, while limited, delivered more than you would expect. Jalebi ($20) crispy pretzel soaked in a sugar syrup and saffron with sliced pistachios was a hit. Others included Gajat ka Halwa ($18) carrot pudding served with vanilla bean ice cream, and Gulab Jumum ($18) fried donuts served with paneer, pistachios saffron and coconut coffee cream.
The wine list showed care with an exceptional selection of local and imported beers.
And the verdict? There is no ambiguity here. 1947 eatery plays a straight bat with classy dishes plated with quality herbs and spices that’s proof that good Indian regional food with honest pricing never goes out of style. Other than one small detail, the overall experience was deemed more than satisfying. Improving the poor lighting would make all the difference and a welcome contribution to the restaurant’s charm.
Menu: 8; cuisine: 8.5; wine list: 7.5; service: 8.5; décor: 7.5; value for money: 8.5.
60 Federal Street | Phone: 09 377 0033
1947eatery.co.nz
