Greg ‘Sparrow’ Graham, Irresistible’s Contributing Culinary Editor, has declared that this is one of his favourite restaurants in Sydney. Haven’t not visited for ages, Sparrow was very pleased when an opportunity arose to revisit Don’t Tell Aunty, and to find the food even better than he remembered.
“I was with some Londoners,” said Sparrow, “who obviously knew what they were doing, and were full of compliments, high praise indeed! We shared everything, and let’s say we didn’t go hungry. The place was buzzing for a school night, and we all had fun joining in with a HAPPY BIRTHDAY when the music kicked in & the cake with the sparklers appeared for the table next to ours.”
“We started with a pappadum and a chutney and naan platter,” Sparrow continued, “then quickly launched into some old favourites such as butter chicken, Aussie lamb chops (yum), daal, tandoori chicken, tamarind prawn curry, and coconut rice. One of the highlights for me were the hot naan baskets and the chilli & cheese naan, so delicious my mouth is watering just thinking about them.”
As Varan Deep, the restaurant’s Director told Irresistible, “We’re all about being part of the local community, and giving people a great time and a good meal when they get here.” Deep and his business partner the chef Jai Singh, whom he’s known since 2009, took over the venue in 2019, just before Covid pulled the rug out from the under the restaurant business. But what did everyone want ? Takeaways. Don’t Tell Aunty became an integral part of the Surry Hills community and their wider surrounds, offering free food to anyone who had lost their job. Channel 9 got wind of the story and ran a feature. When the first lockdown ended not only was the joint full, but the TV crews were there to document the moment. Don’t Tell Aunty hasn’t stopped since, and the team see themselves as pioneers in Indian hospitality, watching South Asian cuisine become more and more popular, in a city that normally, pivots further when it’s not doing Italian, further East. They have 106 covers and are pumping out 2 sittings every night. Corporate functions and catering are on the menu with a second outpost Don’t Tell Uncle on the other side of the bridge in Cammeray. Back in Surry Hills they’ve even hosted an Accountancy firm for the end of tax year party, complete with in- house playlist and a dance floor.
The decor is a big part of the vibe. Neon pinks, vintage Indian movies flickering on the wall, and an honesty bar, if you’re not tempted by the sommelier and cocktail expert Dipesh Limbu’s offerings. To finish off with Sparrow, he told us, “It really was a delicious Indian feast that excited the taste buds, combined with great service and a buzzy atmosphere. I will be returning with my whole extended family but … maybe I won’t tell my aunty.”
