Jasmin is an institution in Adelaide and has been around for over 35 years. For 25 of those years, they’ve won numerous awards and provided high quality Indian food to the South Australian public. I’ve visited this place many times over the years and believe it sets the benchmark for other Indian restaurants. When I’m recommending a place to someone, this is the first place that comes to mind.

With regards to the menu, nothing much has changed over the years. Sure, they still have a handful of specials, but the core offerings still remain the same. There are entrees, entrees from the tandoor, over a dozen main courses, half a dozen vegetarian dishes, and an assortment of breads, salads and chutneys.

The interior hasn’t changed much either. The polished dark wood tables give this place a sense of timeless elegance, and the dim lighting creates an intimate atmosphere.

For the entree, we shared the Prawn Pakoras. The prawns were juicy and succulent, and coated in a light crispy spicy batter.

For the main, I had the Punjabi Lamb Tandoori. These are cutlets of lamb marinated in yoghurt, coriander, chilli and curry powder. The lamb cutlets were nice and thick, and the meat was well marinated, tender and succulent, with lovely smokey charcoal flavours.

The main came with a serving of Dahl which was well flavoured and a perfect accompaniment to the lamb.

My friend had the Garlic Naan which was freshly made. The bread was light and crisp, and perfectly charred on both sides.

My friends main was the Prawn Sambal which has a spicy sauce flavoured with fresh onions, ginger, tomatoes and herbs. The prawns were plentiful and perfectly cooked, and the sauce reminded of an Indian style seafood marinara.

As with every visit here, the service was excellent. Meals arrived promptly, drinks were constantly refilled and plates were cleared as we finished. Entrees start from $11 and the mains from $25.50. The Prawn Sambal was $26.50 and the Punjabi Lamb Tandoori was $28.50. This place is more expensive than your typical Indian restaurant, but it is arguably the best in Adelaide. It’s not just the high quality dishes that are available here but the experience as a whole.

I can’t wait for my next visit!

WHERE: 31 Hindmarsh Sq, Adelaide