Panipuri, a traditional Indian streetside snack has undergone a contemporary twist — with fruits and salads and fresh juices replacing the traditional fillings of chickpeas, onion, sev and tamarind water.
The modern panipuri is one of the items on the menu of celebrity chef Adam D’Sylva’s restaurants in Melbourne and reflects his “deep love” for Indian food.
“I love panipuri and I serve it in my restaurant Tonka. We also have the Hyderabadi Biriyani, Tandoori Chicken, Afghani Chicken, Goan Fish Curry, lamb etc,” says the chef.
D’Sylva is part of a 400 member delegation visiting India during the Australia Business Week in India.
Born to an Indian father and Italian mother, Chef Adam grew up in the household where food was all over the place and which he says gave him the inspiration to become a chef.
D’Sylva owns two restaurants in Melbourne — Coda and Tonka and the latter he says has been inspired by Jodhpur and offers dishes which explore Indian techniques and flavours.
Tandoori meats, fish and sweet delights including Punjabi masala lamb cutlets, Goan fish curry and coconut rice pudding with mango sorbet, pineapple chiboust and shortbread are served in the 100-seat eatery.