Old Monk
Rosalie
Old Monk is a chic contemporary Indian restaurant bringing traditional Indian cuisine with a modern creative twist to the heart of Rosalie village.
Diners can take a seat on the cane patio furniture on the terrace out front or inside the sleek purple-hued interior where there's banquette seating along one stone wall and a slick timber bar along one side.
The extensive menu features a delectable selection of small and large plates designed to share, with a bountiful vegetarian/vegan section and a smattering of Indo/Chinese dishes as well as a small kids 'Happy Meal' menu.
Small plates include the likes of Wasabi Pea & Avocado Bhel; Kale & Spinach pakora; Colonel Tso's cauliflower (Indo-chinese style); Pan-fried momos (Delhi style dumplings); Pinwheel samosas and Duo of sliders (lamb or vegetarian) served with fried chilli.
Large plates include classics like Butter chicken, Lamb Rogan Josh, Goan fish curry and lamb vindaloo as well as must-try Fish Moilee (fish simmered in coconut milk broth with curry leaves, vine ripened cherry tomatoes & spices); Lamb Lemon Hara Dhaniya (lamb cooked in onion masala with fresh coriander and eureka lemon); Tiger Prawn Masala and Himachali Goat (slow-cooked goat on the bone with onion & tomato masala, served on a handi).
Also recommended is the 'Old Monk Masala' - tandoori chicken sauteed with chef's special sauces, while a handful of Chef's Recommendations include Tandoori lamb cutlets; Anna Ki Biryani (chicken/paneer/goat/cauliflower); and the Indo-Chinese fusion dish Wokstar Sizzler - chicken,paneer or cauliflower served with fried rice and fries on a sizzling hot plate.
Meanwhile vegan/vegetarian dishes include the likes of Malai Kofta; Vegan Tikka Masala,; Old Delhi style Chana Masala; vegan Butter Chicken and Indian wedding feast staple Shadi Wale Matar Mushroom. And for dessert there's Kulfi (house-made Indian ice-cream; Rasmalai (a Bengali delicacy of Indian cottage cheese balls soaked in clotted cream with cardamon) and soft sweet sugar syrup-soaked dumplings with edible gold leaf relish.
*At the time of visiting in April 2022, Old Monk was BYO (corkage $4pp) however once licensed it will offer a curated selection of wines, rare and unique Indian whiskeys, beer and Indian-themed cocktails. Other drinks include house-made lassis and iced tea, mocktails, Masala chai, Masala soda with boondi, tea and coffee.
