Melbourne’s “Curry Queen” is facing her greatest challenge yet

Elchi, nestled in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD at 72 Flinders St, offers a sophisticated and contemporary take on Indian cuisine.

The restaurant first opened its doors just over three years ago, led by renowned chef Manpreet Sekhon – affectionately known as the “Curry Queen” – who also owns Masti in Fitzroy and Eastern Spice in Geelong.

When Manpreet founded Elchi just over three years ago, her vision was to create an intimate dining experience that broke away from tradition and challenged people’s expectations of what an Indian restaurant could be. Yet for Manpreet, this has been her most “challenging” venture to date.

To enhance the dining experience at Elchi, Manpreet introduced a policy that children under the age of 12 are not permitted to dine at the restaurant. While she notes this isn’t uncommon in fine dining establishments, she believes the policy has often been misinterpreted by potential diners.

She has faced a wave of criticism as a result and says Elchi has struggled to gain momentum in the same way her other venues have. Both Masti and Eastern Spice welcome children, and Manpreet recommends these venues to families.

However, the successful chef believes the policy has made it difficult for people to fully appreciate the experience she is striving to create.

“As a mother and a chef, I deeply understand both the joy of dining with children and the desire for a quiet, elevated night out,” Manpreet told CBD News.

“It’s made with the utmost respect for all our guests, including families. We welcome everyone, just at the right time and in the right setting.”

The restaurant is tucked away in a space that once housed The Press Club, featuring elegant horseshoe-shaped leather booths and a striking sculptural copper ceiling that exudes warmth and sophistication.

The intimate setting provides the perfect backdrop for Elchi’s mouth-watering menu, which spans the rich culinary landscapes of India – from the coastal flavours of Kerala to the hearty fare of Punjab.

Signature dishes include the charcoaled butter chicken, a nod to Punjabi tradition, and the whole Amritsari fish – a 2.5-kilogram snapper designed for sharing. For those seeking something a little different, the golgappa shots are a playful twist, with puffed puri bread pockets filled with cumin water and optionally spiked with vodka or tequila.

Elchi’s beverage program has been curated to perfectly complement the gastronomical journey its food takes you on, with inventive cocktails such as the “Pink City” – a floral blend of gin, hibiscus, pomegranate and lemon.

Elchi stands out as a premier destination for those wanting to delve into the richness of Indian cuisine in a refined and modern setting.

Whether it’s a date night or a catch-up with an old friend, Elchi offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s tranquil, refined, and delivers an intimate dining experience that’s increasingly rare to find in 2025.