We were in Canberra for a foodie weekend and whilst our friends decided to go to an expensive hatted restaurant for a degustation, we were looking for something cheap and cheerful. We found Tikka Take via a google search and we are so glad we did. Located in the centre of Canberra CBD, the friendly service and quality food proves you don’t need fine dining to leave a restaurant happy and satisfied (nor with empty wallets).
Tikka take could be described as a modern street food style restaurant. Order at your table via a piece of a notepad, press the table buzzer and presto, the waitstaff come. All the staff here were super friendly and helpful and extremely efficient.
The menu here is predominantly Indian food but they draw on flavours from Central Asia and India, featuring some options from other countries such as Nepal. There’s rice and curries, biryani, naan, Thali, chaat, paratha as well as Himalayan and Indo Chinese favourites. The menu is extremely extensive. There’s kids options and desserts too.
The word ‘Tikka’, after which the restaurant is named (also known as ‘Teeka’ or ‘Teekka’) refers to skewered pieces of meat cooked over fire. This technique is used around the world for kebabs, yakitori and in plenty of cultures’ cooking. You can watch the chefs cook this way, as well as preparing curries and making dosa.
We ordered a Thali, which is essentially a platter, arranged in multiple small plates, filled with a variety of items. Each Thali consists of 2 Curries of your choice, 1 Daal & 2 Naans of your choice accompanied by mini papadum, mini samosas, salad, raita, rice and gulab jamun dessert. This is such a great way to enjoy many of their dishes in a tasting style manner. For $30, it is also incredibly good value.
We also ordered a South Indian Favourite, the Idly Sambhar, or round fluffy and steamed rice cakes served with a delicious lentil soup and a side of chilli and chutney. This was so delicious in every way, I actually ordered a second one.
We would thoroughly recommend this restaurant and definitely plan to return next time.
6/21 Genge ST
Canberra City ACT 2601
Hours:
Sun-Thurs: 11am – 9pm
Friday & Sat: 11am-Late