Hanuman

Darwin's Mitchell street presents plenty of casual dining options on a balmy evening, and casual is what Darwin is all about. But, for those seeking a special holiday experience, or perhaps missing Melbourne’s restaurants, there is only one option, Hanuman restaurant. 

It was Tuesday night and the place was alive...and full. Ready to turn away, we were offered a table in an hour, and on our return, were remembered and shown to our table. This was to be characteristic of the no-fuss, professional and friendly service we enjoyed for the night. We were promptly offered menus, drinks, and told of specials by our waiter, followed by a sommelier, both of whose recommendations were perfect. 

The decor of Hanuman matches the climate and food, with contemporary south-east Asian features, a stylish bar and large windows along the front of the restaurant opening it up to the street life, and the breeze. 

The menu has a selection of Thai, Malaysian and Indian dishes, with a head chef of each in the kitchen, and as a result, no real attempt at fusion of the styles. Hanuman seems all about minimal fuss and getting everything right. I could recommend all of our dishes, the perfectly balanced Nonya satay beef, the tasty Roti, lively Chicken and Coriander money bags, and my 'best ever' red duck curry, but please do not miss the Thai crispy whole fish! 

Hanuman would be right at home with the big names of Melbourne, and indeed, I wish it was!

You'll want to scrub up before coming here - the wait staff are all very hip and have assumed their roles a little too seriously. I did feel a little uneasy at first, this is a very upmarket restaurant, but they were friendly, kept refilling my glass with water, and the portion was huge at a moderate price. It was also delicious. Each time I return to Darwin, I go here for dinner, and find it to be consistently good.