Best Indian Dishes to Try in Sydney (Local’s 2025 Guide)

Sydney Is Obsessed With Indian Food — But Where Should You Start?

Sydney’s food culture has evolved so much that more people today are looking to try authentic Indian dishes rather than just the “usual favourites.”

This guide breaks down the most popular Indian dishes in Sydney, what they taste like, and what first-timers should absolutely order.

⭐ Butter Chicken (Sydney’s Most Loved Dish)

Creamy, aromatic, mildly sweet, and perfectly comforting.

Why Sydney loves it:

• not too spicy

• rich flavour

• smooth texture

• pairs beautifully with naan

Most commonly ordered first-timer curry in Sydney restaurants.

⭐ Tandoori Chicken (Smoky Grilled Favourite)

Marinated overnight in yogurt + spices and grilled in a clay tandoor.

Why Sydney loves it:

• flavour-packed

• smoky

• healthy

• protein-rich

• low oil

You’ll find it in almost every modern Indian menu.

⭐ Dal Tadka (Healthy + Comforting)

Sydney audiences love Dal because:

• vegetarian

• high protein

• low fat

• gluten-free

• extremely flavourful

Really good option if you want something light.

⭐ Kerala Coconut Seafood

This is Sydney’s NEW favourite trend.

Why:

• seafood + spice works so well

• coconut base feels light

• coastal flavour matches Aussie taste

Top favourites:

• Kerala prawn curry

• coconut fish

• moilee

⭐ Chicken Tikka Masala (Classic Favourite)

Medium spice, creamy, slightly tangy, tomato-forward.

Sydney loves:

• creamy texture

• not too spicy

• familiar flavours

⭐ Modern Indian Fusion (Growing FAST)

Sydney diners love international fusion flavour combinations:

• Indian tapas

• tandoori tacos

• tikka sliders

• fusion grills

• modern shared plates

Fusion dishes are MASSIVE with young Australian diners.

⭐ Vegetarian Indian Favourites

Sydney vegetarian diners ALWAYS order:

• palak paneer

• chana masala

• aloo gobi

• dal makhani

Indian cuisine is one of the easiest vegetarian choices in Australia.

✔ New Flavour Trend You MUST Try → Coastal Indian

Coastal Indian dishes mix:

• seafood

• coconut

• aromatic curry leaf

• lighter spices

Perfect for Sydney beaches + warmer weather.

Where to Try These in Sydney

Masala Cove – Avalon Beachserves:

• coastal Indian

• modern seafood

• slow-marinated tandoori

• light coconut curries

• veg + vegan options

Try:

• Kerala coconut seafood

• tandoori prawns

• tikka starters

• dal + coconut rice