In Rouse Hill, people with Indian ancestry make up 8.2 per cent of the population: well above the NSW (3.2%) and Australian (3.1%) figures. All communities need places to celebrate, and for the Indian diaspora in Rouse Hill, Shahi Dining clearly fills that niche. It’s a large restaurant complete with multiple private dining rooms. It will be interesting to see how a second branch of this authentically Indian restaurant works in nearby Windsor. Here, Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021 census data tells us more than 95 per cent of people continue to define their ancestry as English, Australian, Scottish or Irish. Food and film are often the first bridges between cultures.
Set in the middle of a car park in a flat building that has a strong 1980s Pizza Hut vibes, the interior of Windsor’s Shahi Dining is surprisingly sumptuous. There’s a golden mirrored bar, gleaming marble floors, ornate chandelier-style lights, and comfortable high-backed brown leatherette chairs. The interior renovation unfortunately stopped short of the bathrooms: something to be rectified in the future.
While there is a well-priced lunch menu offering up dishes like chole bhature ($19.90)—a spicy chickpea curry with puffy, oval-shaped fried bread—you can also dabble daytime from the dinner menu. The blandly named ‘non-veg platter’ ($44/2 people) provides opportunity to sample across juicy chicken tikka, flavoursome, hand-shaped tubes of seekh kebab, and well-charred fatty spring lamb cutlets, all sizzling over sweet cabbage (you eat that too) on a cast-iron platter. Hold onto the mint raita that comes with the complimentary pappadum for dipping purposes. The vibrant green herb is also put to good effect in an icy lemon and mint juice ($9.90): perfect for a hot day. And if you still worry Indian food is too heavy for hot weather, cool down first with papri chaat ($14.90) where fried crackers, boiled chickpeas and potato pieces are lashed with yoghurt and chutneys. It’s a street food party in your mouth and great fun against India’s...
Read moreWhen it comes to Indian cuisine in Windsor, Shahi Dining is a standout restaurant, offering an incredible dining experience with their Goat Curry and Desi Murga, alongside their welcoming and respectful staff.
The Goat Curry at Shahi Dining is truly a flavor-packed delight. The tender pieces of goat meat are cooked to perfection, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The curry itself is a harmonious blend of aromatic spices and herbs, resulting in a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the meat. Every spoonful of this curry is a culinary adventure, with layers of spices that create a satisfying and memorable taste.
Similarly, the Desi Murga at Shahi Dining is a must-try dish. The chicken is prepared with care, resulting in juicy and tender meat. The marination process infuses the chicken with a delightful combination of traditional Indian spices, allowing the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat. The result is a succulent and flavorful dish that will please any palate. Whether you prefer a milder or spicier version, Shahi Dining caters to your preferences with their well-executed Desi Murga.
In addition to the exceptional food, the staff at Shahi Dining deserves special mention. From the moment you step through the doors, you are greeted with warm and welcoming smiles. The staff is attentive, courteous, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure your dining experience is enjoyable. Their respectful and accommodating nature adds a personal touch to the overall dining experience, making you feel like a valued guest.
Overall, Shahi Dining in Windsor is a prime destination for Indian cuisine enthusiasts. Their Goat Curry and Desi Murga showcase the culinary expertise and dedication to flavor that sets them apart. Coupled with their friendly and respectful staff, a visit to Shahi Dining promises an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you craving more of their...
Read moreThe owners of Shahi Dining invited me to lunch to try out their authentic Indian menu in Windsor and boy was it a knockout! I was given a behind the scenes tour by their chefs who showed me how they used only the freshest ingredients, handmade roti and naan the old fashioned way and made the most beautiful curries. I had a feast. A paapdi chat was a colourful salad with crispy crackers, potato and pear topped with beautiful spices. A really fresh and zingy dish. I then had their lamb sheesh skewers. They made these with care, baked in the tandoor oven and the meat was beautifully seasoned and super juicy and tender. They then made peshwari naan stuffed with coconut and raisins. They also made a super flaky lacha paratha roti for me. A master-class in handmade flatbread. I had this with a dahl makhani. Beautiful gravy with pomegranate and dark lentils. A chicken desi murga curry paired with basmati rice. Dipping these breads in curry has to be one of the top things you can do as a foodie. Amazing food, super fresh, lovely service and seriously do not miss...
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