It all starts with the aroma of exotic spices wafting through the passage between the shops of the Mode3 building as you make your way to Lonsdale Street’s newest Indian establishment. Darbar is a little pocket of India, serving up mammoth flavour and spice that breaks away from the conventionality of the Indian fare.

While the familiar names of Butter Chicken and Korma feature on the menu, they are amongst an assortment of fusion dishes, a melting pot of influences, that expand your perspective on the delicious potential of Indian flavours.

Meaning ‘king’s place’, Darbar is traditionally a courtyard or meeting place for people to dine. The stylish industrial style décor of the space speaks to the restaurant’s modern take on Indian cuisine. This is not Vinay’s first restaurant venture. Energised by his love of Indian flavours, Vinay has another Darbar in Sydney and wanted to bring his flair to the Canberra restaurant scene.

His contribution to the Canberra foodie scene is far from just a flamingly bright assemblage of curries, but he seeks to draw upon the much-loved flavours of Indian cuisine to create a fusion that incorporates an array of influences.

Drawing inspiration from the comfort and authenticity of his mum’s home cooking, Vinay translates the Indian flavours to produce and ingredients that are more locally present.

Click here to Darbar Indian Restaurant dining review