A much-loved local Indian restaurant has made its return to Adelaide, with the Sidhu family reopening their popular eatery in a brand-new Kensington Park location.
The restaurant, which was a community favourite in Greenacres for over a decade, first opened around 2013 and became known for its homestyle cooking, friendly service, and warm family atmosphere.
Owner Kamal first came to Adelaide from India in 1995, starting out as a kitchen hand before working his way up. “From there, I think he just grew his passion to doing his own thing,” said Anushka Sidhu, whose parents Kamal and Kamlesh own and operate New Mantraa.
That hard work paid off, with the Greenacres restaurant developing a loyal following over the years. “My parents trusted in the locals and local community to show up for them, which they did. Everyone really had a good time at the restaurant, and we’d put on lots of events and parties,” she said.
After closing the Greenacres venue in 2023 and moving to Sydney, Kamal and Kamlesh soon realised they missed Adelaide’s tight-knit hospitality scene. “They just had the itch again to come back to Adelaide and reopen. It’s really fulfilling to them,” Anushka said.
The new restaurant has only just opened up, but already familiar faces are returning. “We’ve already had lots of returning customers from our old restaurant,” Anushka said. “It really boosts my parents’ and my morale, like, ‘Oh, these people still remember us’.”
There’s one thing that sets this local spot apart, though. Kamal Sidhu is adamant that all his spices are homegrown, baked, and ground rather than ordering them in. Anushka said you can taste that in every single dish.
“Something people have always said about the food,” Anushka said, “is that it’s not quite as heavy as some Indian cooking.” While the dishes are still packed with flavour, Anushka puts the lighter feel to the New Mantraa menu down to less oil being used while cooking.
On the menu, you’ll find a spectacular butter chicken, which Anushka says goes beautifully with the cheesy garlic naan. The rich, creamy chicken korma is another crowd favourite.
Now back in their sweet spot, the Sidhu family is excited to regain that feeling, once again cooking for the community that supported them from the start.
New Mantraa Indian Cuisine
Where: 324 Magill Rd, Kensington Park
When: Dinner: Monday – Sunday 5 – 10pm | Lunch: Saturday & Sunday 11:30am – 2:30pm
For more information, click here.
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