MILAN, South Fremantle:
Take Australia’s population, multiply it by 50 and then put everyone in just WA and NSW. Simmer for three millennia on a gentle heat, adding the occasional spice of invasion or mass migration to infuse the flavours, drench regularly with monsoons, and you might come close to recreating the incredible complexity of India.
There’s no alternative to hopping on a plane and visiting the place to get a better understanding of India but if that’s not on the agenda for now, you can whet your appetite with a visit to Milan in South Terrace. This restaurant in South Fremantle might share its name with a beautiful Italian city but it’s entirely North Indian.
We say “North Indian” rather than “Indian” deliberately because there is no one single Indian cuisine. It’s far more interesting than that.
Some favourite northern dishes include include tandoor (actually from a region annexed as part of Pakistan), daal, chapati, chicken, mutton, goat and fish dishes.
The vast north’s rich and fragrant foods—pilafs and biryanis, korma, kofta and kebabs—have been influenced by centuries of trade, migration and warfare with Afghan tribes, Persian armies and Mongolian conquerors.
Three respected and experienced men are behind Milan: Rajesh Kaushik, Baikuntha Dulal and Kamal Baghel. Each of them bring their individual talents to the kitchen and front of house, offering sumptuous fare and excellent value.
“Beautiful, fresh ingredients, absolutely delicious. Friendly & courteous service. Highly recommended!” says one delighted patron. “The potatoes adai entree was a new dish to me, and utterly delightful. Everything on the menu is gluten-free, except for the bread of course,” says another.
Perennial favourites butter chicken, tandoori chicken, lamb korma and beef vindaloo are on offer for main course, as well as some more unusual dishes including chicken madras, kadahi lamb and beef jafrani. Seafood lovers and vegetarians are well catered for, with delights such as chilli prawn, fish methi, vegetable kofta curry, matter paneer and dhal tarka.
“We wanted to create our own restaurant, a warm and welcoming place where family and friends can gather to relax and enjoy wonderful Indian food,” Baikuntha says.
And gather they do, with diners returning again and again for the sumptuous fare and excellent value.
Milan is open for dinner Tues to Sun from 5.30-9.30pm. Bookings are recommended and it’s BYO with corkage (wine only). You can order anything on the menu to takeaway and there’s a home delivery service within a 5km radius.
Milan
306 South Terrace, South Fremantle
Phone 9335 7969