I recently visited Ginger & Garlic Indian Cuisine in Brisbane, and it was such a delightful experience! The food was absolutely delicious, full of authentic Indian flavors with just the right balance of spices. Every dish tasted fresh and home-style, especially the curries and naan which were soft and perfectly cooked. The service was warm, welcoming, and attentive — the staff made sure we felt comfortable throughout our meal. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, making it a great spot for both casual dinners and special occasions. Overall, Ginger & Garlic is a gem in Brisbane for anyone craving real Indian food. Highly recommended for both locals and visitors!
Overview
If you’re wandering through Brisbane’s CBD and craving bold spices and slow-simmered curries, Ginger And Garlic Indian Cuisine at 1/168 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia, is the kind of place that pulls you in with aroma alone. I stopped by on a busy weekday evening after work, expecting a quick dinner. Instead, I found myself lingering over layers of flavor that felt both comforting and carefully crafted.
The location is ideal-right in the heart of the city-making it a convenient pick for office workers, tourists, and locals exploring nearby Queen Street Mall. From the moment you step inside, there’s that warm, familiar scent of cumin, coriander, and freshly minced garlic sizzling in ghee. It’s inviting without being overwhelming. The dining area is relaxed and unpretentious, yet polished enough for a casual business dinner or a laid-back date night.
Let’s talk about the menu, because that’s where this place really shines. Indian cuisine is known for its diversity, and here you’ll see that reflected in everything from North Indian butter chicken to South Indian-inspired vegetarian dishes. I ordered the lamb rogan josh and a side of garlic naan. The lamb was slow-cooked until tender, absorbing a rich gravy infused with ginger, cardamom, and Kashmiri chili. According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, spices like turmeric and ginger are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. While I’m no nutritionist, it’s reassuring to know that the ingredients bringing depth to the curry also offer potential health benefits.
On another visit, I brought along a colleague who follows a vegetarian diet. She opted for the paneer butter masala and vegetable biryani. The paneer was soft and fresh, and the tomato-based sauce balanced sweetness with subtle heat. The biryani, layered with basmati rice, saffron, and seasonal vegetables, was fragrant and satisfying. It’s clear that the kitchen understands traditional cooking techniques-like tempering whole spices in hot oil to release their essential oils-before building the rest of the dish. That method, often recommended by culinary experts and showcased by chefs affiliated with organizations like the Indian Culinary Forum, ensures the flavors are deep and authentic rather than flat or rushed.
What impressed me most was the consistency. In the restaurant world, consistency is everything. I’ve read countless reviews from locals praising the generous portions and reliable quality, and my own experiences match that feedback. Online reviews frequently highlight the friendly staff and prompt service, especially during lunch hours when time is tight. While peak times can mean a short wait, the turnaround is generally efficient, and takeaway orders are packaged carefully to maintain freshness.
The tandoori selection deserves a mention too. Cooked in a traditional clay oven, the chicken tikka arrives slightly charred at the edges, smoky and juicy inside. That signature smokiness comes from high-heat roasting, often exceeding 400°C in a tandoor, which seals in moisture while creating a crisp exterior. It’s a cooking style that has stood the test of time across Indian kitchens, and it’s executed here with confidence.
Pricing is reasonable for a central Brisbane location. Considering the quality of ingredients, the skill involved in balancing complex spice blends, and the generous serving sizes, it feels like solid value. If you’re new to Indian food, the staff are happy to guide you through spice levels and recommend dishes based on your preferences. They’ll explain the difference between a creamy korma and a fiery vindaloo in simple, clear terms, which makes ordering easy even if you’re unfamiliar with the cuisine.
Transparency is another plus. Ingredients are listed clearly, and dietary options-including vegetarian and gluten-friendly dishes-are easy to identify. While I always recommend confirming specific allergies directly with the staff, the team appears knowledgeable and attentive.
All in all, whether you’re planning a casual dinner, a work lunch, or ordering takeaway for a cozy night in, this Adelaide Street spot delivers bold flavors, thoughtful preparation, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back for more.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible car parkOfferings
✓ All you can eat ✓ Coffee ✓ Halal food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Counter service ✓ Dessert ✓ SeatingAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ CasualCrowd
✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
10/10 My favourite Indian in Brisbane!! Had a sneaky mild butter chicken after work and it had a depth of flavour! No others come close. Part of the naan bread was a little dry from being in the warmer. I complemented the female staff member on the butter chicken and mentioned about the naan, she didn't hesitate to give me a FREE samosa. (FYI, they are full of spices so mild palettes beware)
Today we visited this restaurant with our family of four, and we had a great experience. The food was delicious and full of flavour. We especially enjoyed the Gulab Jamoon , which was excellent. The dishes truly gave us the authentic taste of Punjabi cuisine. Overall, the food, ambience, and experience were all very good. We would definitely recommend this place and look forward to visiting again.
Decent portion size for a large butter chicken portion and long grain rice. Had a complimentary onion bhaji on the side. Curry was nice, it was tasty, a good amount of chicken which was lean and tender. Sauce was a little sweet and watery but good value overall.
One of our go-to places to eat after a day long classes. Foods are super tasty and I’m in love with their freshly made parathas the most. The staffs are friendly and welcoming too.
$11 small curry and rice is the perfect amount for lunch. The chicken korma is delicious, chicken so tender it falls apart on the spoon. The rice is also nicely seasoned with fennel. Overall very tasty. The shop is quite small so there isn't much dine-in seating, but if it's busy Queens Plaza is just across the road with a large food court to sit and eat in.