Discover the flavours of India as you’ve never tasted them before at Urban Tadka Restaurant.
Urban Tadka is the Indian fusion haven we’ve all needed in our lives. Located in the heart of Terry Hills, you’ll find this foodie destination just off the main drag of Mona Vale Road. What may seem a little out of the way to some comes as a better reason to make the visit more special for others. Locals know it and love it as the food is authentic yet modern with a twist!
The restaurant has a function room to the left with the restaurant to the right. On busy nights, the whole area is opened up if there isn’t a special event taking place. When you step into the dining room, you’ll be greeted by a warm ambiance that immediately sets the tone for a memorable dining experience.
The menu is split by ‘Essentials’ such as papadums (which in our opinion are pretty essential to any Indian meal), ‘Feeling Peckish’ which features a selection of entrees, ‘Mains’ (including both vegetarian and meat-loving options), plus ‘Rice’ and ‘Desserts’ to end your dinner on a sweet note.
In most Indian restaurants, the entrees are the best part of the meal. And at Urban Tadka, we found the same to be true. We started off with the ‘Machi – E – Kalmi’, a beautifully cooked and lightly charred barramundi fillet marinated in tandoori spice, served with coconut chutney, crisp curry leaves and mustard seeds. Light silky fish flaked away perfected and the flavours were just perfect. If we’re honest, we could have had another plate without hesitation.
If you’re cluey with your Indian food, Papdi Chaat is a classic street food dish you’ll be familiar with. Here at Urban Tadka, the team has crafted their own unique version. Traditionally you’ll get a plate piled with all the ingredients mixed together, including potatoes, chickpeas, fried poori, sev, tamarind sauce and yogurt or curd. The Urban Tadka team has taken it one step further with a fusion twist, making it in the form of a taco. Skeptical at first, our worries were quickly diminished as it’s actually such an easy way to eat a usually messy entrée. We loved the idea, taste and execution.
We also devoured the Pudina Lamb Ki Champein, lamb chops marinated in yogurt and secret spices, served with garlic and chive mash. Whilst we wouldn’t normally see mash anywhere near a dish like this, it made for an interesting accompaniment.
Drinks vary from traditional lassis to modern cocktails, spirits, wine and beer. Our favourite was the Smoked Southside, served tableside so you get the whole smoke experience.
For dessert, you can’t miss the Gronut, a gulab jamun donut served with honey, rose water, Persian floss, cardamom syrup and homespun cookies ice cream. It was served hot and therefore the ice cream melts to make a rich dessert, less heavy. Delicious!
Urban Tadka has taken the time to perfect their menu and they execute their dishes well. The service is friendly and attentive. There are plenty more curries, traditional rice dishes and tandoori meats to enjoy, just make sure you wear your loose pants! We recommend bringing a few friends as the meals are designed to share. Urban Tadka is the perfect place for a group setting, family lunch or an intimate dinner.
Find Urban Tadka at 321 Mona Vale Road, Terrey Hills. Open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday (5:30pm to 7:15pm and 7:30pm to 9:30pm). Find out more here.
