On Sydney Road in Balgowlah, Phulkari Indian Cuisine carries forward a Northern Beaches hospitality story that began in 1988.
That was the year Christo opened Shandar Tandoori. Growing up in that family restaurant, his sons absorbed more than recipes — they learned that food is about tradition, discipline and bringing people together.
“Growing up in a family-run restaurant taught us that food is about tradition, quality and bringing people together,” the family explains. “After gaining many years of experience working alongside our father, my brother and I felt ready to take the next step.”
That next step became Phulkari.
The first Phulkari opened in Balgowlah in 2010 — a deliberate choice.
“We chose Balgowlah because it was close to our original family restaurant in Freshwater. It felt like the right location to introduce Phulkari and build on the trust and relationships we had already developed.”
The name itself carries personal meaning. Phulkari is a traditional Punjabi embroidery art form known for intricate stitching and vibrant colour.
“The name has special meaning for our family — my mother loved it,” Christo’s son, Raf, says. “Just like Phulkari embroidery is made stitch by stitch, our dishes are prepared with patience, tradition and love.”
Distinct Spaces, Shared Philosophy
“Building on that legacy, our father encouraged his two sons to open a new chapter under the name Phulkari Indian Cuisine,” Raj explains. “Today, we proudly serve the community through our restaurants in Balgowlah, Frenchs Forest and Mosman.”
Balgowlah offers a relaxed covered courtyard. Frenchs Forest features vibrant décor inspired by India. Mosman presents a more contemporary setting.
Despite those differences, the philosophy remains constant: traditional North Indian cooking, fresh ingredients and steady hands in the kitchen.
Something for Everyone — From Comfort Classics to Vegetarian Favourites
Phulkari’s strength lies in its breadth. “Our food is rich in flavour but balanced,” they say. “Everything is made fresh daily — we do not use frozen ingredients.”
Vegetarian Favourites
Dal Makhani is a standout. Black lentils and kidney beans are slow-cooked for hours before being finished with cumin, ginger, garlic and garam masala. The result is creamy, earthy and deeply comforting.
Aloo Gobhi Masala blends potatoes and cauliflower in a turmeric-spiced onion-tomato base — warm, gently aromatic and textured.
Malai Kofta offers golden vegetable dumplings in a smooth tomato-cashew gravy scented with cardamom — indulgent without being heavy.
Vegetarian diners can also explore onion bhaji, samosas and aloo tikki chaat, reinforcing that plant-based options are central, not secondary.
The Classic Combination
Butter chicken paired with garlic naan remains one of the most ordered dishes.
Tender marinated chicken is folded through a velvety tomato and cream sauce layered with fenugreek and garam masala.
Garlic naan, lightly charred from the tandoor and brushed with garlic and coriander, is made for scooping.
“It’s about consistency,” they say. “Our chefs have been with us for over 10 years, ensuring every visit delivers the same authentic taste.”
Other Favourites
For more heat, chicken vindaloo and chicken madras bring spice-forward warmth, while lamb rogan josh offers slow-cooked depth. Lamb saag combines tender meat with spinach and cream.
Seafood dishes such as Kerala prawns in coconut cream and fish korma broaden the range. Entrées including honey chilli cauliflower and lamb cutlets often start the table.
Consistency and Community
“What sets Phulkari apart is our commitment to consistency, quality and a welcoming atmosphere,” they say. “Guests are treated like family.”
All three locations adapt slightly to their neighbourhoods while keeping the same standards. “Each suburb has a strong family and community feel, which aligns perfectly with the values behind Phulkari.”
Online reviews frequently reference authenticity and warmth, with many describing it as their regular Indian restaurant on the Northern Beaches.
Looking Ahead
Expansion to the Eastern Suburbs is on the horizon.
“We’re excited to continue growing and serving the community,” they say. “No matter which location guests visit, they can expect fresh, high-quality ingredients, traditional flavours and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.”
For Balgowlah, that means a restaurant shaped by heritage — and stitched together, quite deliberately, one dish at a time.
Phulkari Balgowlah offers dine-in, takeaway and delivery. For online ordering, table reservations, updated business hours, and contact details, click here.
Published 17-February-2026. Phulkari Indian Cuisine is a Proud Promotional Partner of Sydney Suburbs Online News.
