I love discovering Indian restaurants that offer authentic food, and Masala Kitchen in Lane Cove truly impressed me—especially because they have a tandoor oven. Some Indian restaurants simply heat up naan in a regular oven, but at Masala Kitchen, they prepare it the traditional way in the tandoor, which makes a world of difference. Indian food often uses ghee (clarified butter) as a base, which is dairy, but Masala Kitchen offers a great selection of vegan dishes, avoiding this ingredient.
Top: Exterior of Masala Kitchen | Bottom: Tandoor Oven
Not many restaurants in my neighbourhood offer such a wide range of vegan Indian dishes—it’s something I usually expect to find in Indian hubs around Sydney—so I was delighted to discover this gem.
Some of the many vegan options!
Entrées: Starting Strong with Street Food & Signature Dishes
We kicked off the meal with Panipuri, a beloved Indian street food. These crispy, hollow, fried dough balls (puri) are stuffed with boiled potatoes and served with two different liquids: tangy green water and sweet tamarind water. Masala Kitchen’s version was refreshing and fun to eat, a perfect start to the meal.
Entrée 1: Panipuri ($12)
Another standout entrée was their signature dish: Okra Fry. These crispy, spice-tampered okra (ladyfingers) were perfectly fried, offering a satisfying crunch and delicious seasoning. Even my husband, who isn’t usually an okra fan, loved it! Be warned though—the portion was generous, so come with an appetite!
Entrée 2: Okra Fry/Bhindi Fry ($16)
Main Course: Vegan Butter Chicken, Daal Makhni & Masala Dosa
For our mains, we ordered the Vegan Butter Chicken, which features roasted soya chunks in a rich vegan butter sauce. It’s always exciting to see a plant-based twist on a classic dish, and this version was creamy, full of flavour, and didn’t make you miss the original.
We also had the Daal Makhni, a vegetarian dish made with slow-cooked black lentils and red kidney beans, enhanced with a dash of cream. This hearty, comforting dish is a favourite of my husband’s, and Masala Kitchen’s take was no exception—smooth and delicious.
Mains: Vegan Butter Chicken ($24) & Daal Makni ($18)
The highlight for me was the Masala Dosa. Most Indian restaurants in Sydney focus on North Indian cuisine, so it’s rare to find dosa on the menu. This South Indian specialty—a large, crispy rice and lentil crepe filled with spiced potatoes—was a real treat. Served with sambar (a lentil stew) and chutneys, it was the perfect balance of flavours and textures.
Personal favourite: Masala Dosa ($16)
A Special Touch for Valentine’s Day
We visited on Valentine’s Day, and to our surprise, they offered complimentary champagne to celebrate. It added a wonderful touch to the experience. Along with the champagne, we enjoyed Kingfisher, a popular Indian beer, and sparkling water, which paired well with our meal and made the evening extra festive.
Complimentary champagne and Kingfisher beer ($9)
Location & Other Shops
We visited the Lane Cove location, but Masala Kitchen has multiple shops around Sydney, including Penrith, World Square, and Dee Why. The menu may vary slightly between locations, so it’s always a good idea to check before visiting.
Overall Experience: Generous Portions & Great Service
Indian restaurants usually have a solid variety of vegetarian dishes, and Masala Kitchen takes it a step further with its amazing vegan options. The portions were generous, the prices were reasonable, and the service was excellent.
If you’re in the area and looking for a great vegan Indian meal, I highly recommend Masala Kitchen!
Masala Kitchen
Address
The Canopy T1 & T2
2 Rosenthal Avenue
Lane Cove NSW 2066
Website
https://masalakitchen.com.au/
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