Enjoy modern Indian in Brunswick that goes off with a Bhang

You won’t find any bhang – an edible form of marijuana popular in India – at its Brunswick namesake. Instead, this new, uber-hip Indian restaurant is all about modern takes on the traditional curry, and cocktails that go off with, well, a bang.

Bhang

• 1/2a Mitchell Street, Brunswick
• 9383 2488
• eatdrinkbhang.com

Indian cuisine is having a moment in Melbourne, with new spots popping up on both sides of the Yarra. Bhang’s take fits right into the cool inner north. Downstairs is a cosy bar serving beer, wine and cocktails, such as the Indian Lady, made with cumin- and cinnamon-infused gin.

Head past the Bollywood posters and upstairs to the dining room, where there’s exposed brick, high ceilings and a stuffed peacock sitting on the rafters.

Young, tattooed types dig into shared plates as we make our way to the leather bench seat on the back wall. Sharing seems to be the thing here, so we get into crispy samosas, soft-shell crab bhaji (fritters), tandoori chicken from the charcoal oven and a generous helping of naan.

If you need a break from the heat, there are plenty of raitas and chutneys, including cucumber and mint, to cool the palate. We finish off with gulab jamun with rosewater syrup and cardamom ice-cream, and float away on a high.

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