So you're looking for great Indian restaurants in Newcastle? You're in luck. Newcastle is renowned for its rich variety of exceptional Indian eateries, ready to be discovered by food lovers like you.
Key Takeaways
- Experience the authentic flavours of North and South Indian cuisine at Raj's Corner in Hamilton, Newcastle.
- Enjoy convenient services such as online pick up, delivery, dine in or takeaway for any occasion.
- Discover traditional cooking techniques and street food alongside classics like Aloo Palak Paneer and Butter Chicken.
Experience Authentic Indian Flavours at Raj's Corner
Raj's Corner, at 116 Beaumont Street in Hamilton, is a renowned Indian restaurant that has been delighting customers for over 18 years. Offering a diverse menu of North and South Indian cuisine, Raj's Corner is celebrated for its intense authentic flavours and vibrant ambience. From traditional Indian daal and chicken tikka masala to lamb madras, the restaurant uses only the freshest meats and vegetables in its dishes, guaranteeing a high standard of food and service with every visit.
Raj's Corner takes great pride in its convenience. Orders are put together swiftly and with meticulous attention, and they can even be delivered to your door.
North and South Indian Cuisine
At Raj's Corner you can indulge in authentic North Indian cuisine and South Indian favourites, lovingly prepared with fresh ingredients and a focus on quality. The menu offers an extensive range of:
- Entrees
- Vegetarian and meat curries
- Side dishes
- Dosa
- Sweets
This ensures there is something to suit every palate. One all time customer favourite is the Mango Chicken, cooked with the chef's specially prepared mango sauce, which has earned rave reviews.
Proudly using only premium meats and vegetables in our curries, we recommend pairing them with our fresh naan bread for a complete meal. The authentic Butter Chicken, made with tender chicken pieces cooked in the chef's special sauce, is MSG free and a must try for anyone who appreciates the finer nuances of Indian cuisine.
Convenient Services for Every Occasion
Raj's Corner offers a variety of convenient services, including online pick up and delivery, dine in, takeaway and event catering. The online pick up and delivery service has received glowing reviews, with customers praising the friendly and speedy service, the hot and delicious food, and the ease of ordering online.
The restaurant is open daily from 10:30am to 10:00pm, making it easy to enjoy our Indian cooking at any time of day. Delivery is free after 5pm within 5km of the restaurant.
Exploring Indian Food Culture in Newcastle
The dining scene in Newcastle has been shaped by Indian food culture, with traditional cooking techniques and street food adding diversity and complexity to the local culinary offering. Tandoori cooking, marination and deep frying are all traditional Indian techniques that lift the flavours and create distinctive dishes.
Traditional Indian Cooking Techniques
The flavours and character of Indian specialties are enhanced by traditional techniques such as:
- Tadka or baghar (tempering)
- Dum (steaming)
- Bhunao (sauteing)
- Dhuanaar (smoking)
Tandoor ovens, typically built from clay, are used for baking flatbreads such as roti, naan and lachha paratha, giving them a distinctive smoky flavour. These techniques have had a real effect on Newcastle's Indian restaurants, adding richness and intricacy to the flavours in our dishes.
The use of aromatic spices such as:
- cardamom
- clove
- black pepper
- cumin
- coriander
- nutmeg
- mace
is a defining feature of Indian cuisine. Bringing these spices into the local food scene has contributed to the popularity and success of Indian restaurants in Newcastle.
Indian Street Food in Newcastle
The charm of Indian street food, defined by a casual setting and fresh ingredients, is quickly winning over the Newcastle food scene. Popular dishes available in the city include:
- Dosa
- Onion bhajee
- Chicken biryani
For anyone looking to experience the flavours of chaat, the family of savoury Indian street snacks, Raj's Corner in Hamilton serves these delectable dishes and much more. They offer a taste of India's diverse culinary landscape, right here in Newcastle.
Vegetarian Delights: Indian Dishes for Plant-Based Food Lovers
Indian cuisine is an ideal choice for plant-based food lovers thanks to its abundant selection of tasty and aromatic vegetarian dishes. Popular vegetarian dishes include:
- Aloo Gobhi
- Aloo Mutter Paneer
- White Cholay
- Daal
- Mix Vegetables
One mouth-watering example is Vegetable Biryani, a traditional Indian dish prepared by:
- Layering marinated vegetables and fragrant rice
- Cooking using the dum method, which involves sealing the pot with dough to trap the steam and flavours
- Adding caramelised onions for an enhanced aroma and taste
Aloo Palak Paneer
Palak paneer, a popular vegetarian dish made with potatoes, spinach and paneer cheese cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce, is a must try for anyone who appreciates Indian cuisine. The dish is believed to have originated in the Punjab region of India, and it is now a staple in Indian restaurants around the world.
Raj's Corner is known for its mouth-watering Aloo Palak Paneer, a delightful mix of fresh cottage cheese and spinach simmered in a rich tomato gravy. The creamy cheese, soft potato and nutritious spinach combine into a satisfying dish that customers come back for.
Vegetable Biryani
Vegetable Biryani, brimming with vegetables, spices and fragrant basmati rice, is a well loved choice for anyone preferring plant-based meals. Aromatic spices, both whole and ground, are used throughout, including ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and bay leaves. The rice is cooked separately, the onions and spices are sauteed, then the rice and vegetables are layered and cooked over low heat until done.
Basmati rice, renowned for its aromatic flavour and fluffy texture, is the most suitable rice for Vegetable Biryani, complementing the spices and vegetables in the dish.
Popular Non-Vegetarian Dishes
Indian cuisine is not just a paradise for plant-based food enthusiasts. It also offers a vast array of non-vegetarian dishes that meat lovers will enjoy. Some of the most popular at Raj's Corner include Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken and Lamb Rogan Josh.
The traditional recipe for tandoori chicken involves marinating the chicken in yoghurt, spices and herbs before cooking it in a tandoor oven, which gives it a smoky taste. Lamb Rogan Josh, a dish that originated in Kashmir and was introduced to the region by the Mughals, is a rich and aromatic curry made with tender pieces of lamb cooked in a tomato and onion-based sauce with a blend of spices.
Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken, also known as chicken makhani, is a creamy tomato-based curry featuring tender pieces of chicken, ideal for anyone who prefers mild flavours. It is traditionally prepared by marinating boneless chicken in thick yoghurt, lime, garlic, ginger, cumin and turmeric, then cooking it in a savoury tomato-based gravy with butter, cream and fragrant spices such as ginger, garlic and garam masala. Visit Raj's Corner in Hamilton for the best Butter Chicken in Newcastle.
Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori Chicken is another popular non-vegetarian dish, made with marinated chicken cooked in a traditional tandoor oven. The marinade typically includes yoghurt, spices and herbs, which give the dish its smoky, savoury flavour. Tandoori chicken has a history dating back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence of similar meat preparation discovered in the ruins of Harappa, believed to be from around 3000 BC.
It is also a lower fat, lower calorie option that delivers lean protein, which can help you feel full for longer.
Rogan Josh
Rogan Josh is a rich and aromatic curry made with tender pieces of meat, cooked in a tomato and onion-based sauce with a blend of spices. A staple of Kashmiri cuisine and one of the main dishes of the Kashmiri multicourse meal known as the wazwan, Rogan Josh was introduced to the region by the Mughals, who were heavily influenced by Persian cooking.
The primary components of Rogan Josh include:
- Ghee or oil
- Onions
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and bay leaves
- Tomato paste or diced tomatoes
- Meat such as lamb or mutton
With plenty of regional variations available, our Lamb Rogan Josh brings intense spices together in a creamy tomato curry sauce. Place your order for Rogan Josh online here.
Must-Try Indian Desserts in Newcastle
A culinary journey through Indian cuisine is incomplete without a dessert or two. In Newcastle, two must try Indian desserts are gulab jamun and kulfi. Gulab jamun is made with deep-fried dough balls soaked in a sweet syrup and is often served warm. The dough balls are typically made with milk solids, sugar, rose water, cardamom powder and occasionally semolina or plain flour.
Kulfi is a beloved frozen dessert. Its rich and creamy texture, infused with traditional flavours like cardamom and pistachio, makes it a delightful treat for anyone craving a taste of India down under. Served on a stick or in a mould, kulfi is cool and satisfying, and perfect for the Australian climate.
Gulab Jamun
Gulab jamun, deep-fried dough balls immersed in a sugary syrup, is typically served warm and enjoyed on special occasions such as festivals, birthdays and major celebrations including weddings, Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi. There are regional variations across India, such as the dry jamun of Kumbakonam, the khoya-filled gulab jamun of the north, and the milk-based versions of the south.
Bengal also has a unique variation known as kala jamun, which is darker in colour and carries a hint of rose essence. Each region has its own take on this beloved dessert, making it a must try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Kulfi
Plain kulfi is a cherished frozen delight that has found its way into the hearts of many Australians. This creamy dessert, with its origins in India, has become a popular choice in Indian eateries here. Its velvety texture, often enhanced with aromatic spices such as cardamom and the crunch of crushed pistachios, tantalises the taste buds with every bite. Whether served on a stick or elegantly moulded, kulfi provides a refreshing and indulgent break from the Australian heat.
Summary
Newcastle's Indian food scene offers a diverse range of flavours, techniques and dishes that cater to both plant-based food lovers and meat enthusiasts. From the authentic North and South Indian cooking at Raj's Corner in Hamilton to delightful street food and must try desserts like gulab jamun and kulfi, there is something for everyone. So set off on the journey and discover the rich, vibrant Indian food culture waiting for you in Newcastle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Newcastle have good Indian food?
Newcastle definitely has great Indian food, and Raj's Corner on Beaumont Street in Hamilton is one of the city's long standing favourites.
What is the best Indian restaurant in Newcastle?
For an authentic Indian dining experience, Raj's Corner in Hamilton serves both North and South Indian dishes, seven days a week from 10:30am to 10:00pm.
Where can I find the best Butter Chicken in Newcastle?
For a truly flavourful Butter Chicken, head to Raj's Corner at 116 Beaumont Street, Hamilton, or call (02) 4962 1827 to order.
Hungry?
Raj's Corner is at 116 Beaumont Street, Hamilton, open 7 days from 10:30am to 10:00pm. Dine in, pick up, order online or have it delivered.