Malabar – Darlinghurst :o/ $

Monsieur has had a craving for Indian curries and tandoori chicken for 2 years, but for some reasons, this is our first Indian restaurant. I miss papadums and was used to have great Indian food in London at Tayyabs. There has been a long misunderstanding here whereby Monsieur thought I did not like Indian food… but I do!

After much debate and a very light lunch, we settle for papadums as a starter:

Malabar Darlinghurst – Papadums AUD 2.5 (for four) and Mango Chutney AUD 2.5

Monsieur is skeptic as these are his very first papadums. Are they hot? What’s chutney? We do not regret having ordered this starter at all… For it’ll take 40minutes to get the tandoori chicken…

Malabar Darlinghurst – Chicken Tandoori AUD 12

Monsieur thinks it’s the best tandoori chicken he’s ever had. I think it’s flavoursome, but to be honest, I could eat anything after a 40 minutes wait.

Malabar Darlinghurst – Busy chefs on Queen’s Birthday

The truth is, most takeaway/delivery clients are served far much quicker, as we get to see very active delivery men and are seating next to the phone that keeps on ringing.

Malabar Darlinghurst – Lamb Shank Roganjosh AUD 18

It’s true that curry can take a long time, but we see other patrons that came after us, and got theirs quicker. We both begin to think our order has been lost, and for the first time, I have to ask the waitress… For we wait 1hour and 20 minutes to get 1 curry, 1 rice and 1 garlic naan.

Malabar Darlinghurst – Inside the restaurant

I hate to see people complain about the never ending wait, especially when it comes to curries and food that takes some time, but the thing is, seeing deliveries being prioritised is upsetting. The verdict is that you’re better off ordering or taking away some food, rather than trying Malabar on a public holiday. Other tables complained, so the chef went to each table to see how the food was. I have to say the curry was very tasty, with the lamb falling off the bone – just like it should – and the flavours were there… But the wait, unfortunately, didn’t balance out the goodness of it all.

Malabar Darlinghurst – Garlic Naan AUD 3.5