Menu of Chanakya South Indian Cusine in Christchurch, New Zealand

Menu Overview

Nestled in the heart of New Brighton, Christchurch, Chanakya South Indian Cuisine stands out as a beacon for lovers of authentic South Indian flavors. This unpretentious eatery, located at Shop 5, 68 Brighton Mall on Hawke Street, offers a genuine taste journey, capturing the essence of traditional Indian cooking with every dish served.

One cannot talk about Chanakya without highlighting their Mysore Masala Dosa. Revered by patrons, this dosa is a harmonious blend of crispiness and rich, spiced potato filling, perfectly paired with coconut and red chutneys that bring freshness and subtle heat. The texture strikes an impeccable balance—a crunch that lasts, enhanced by the smoothness of the chutneys, making it a pure delight with every bite. This dish alone cements Chanakya as a must-visit for dosa enthusiasts.

Equally commendable is their Idli Sambar, soft, fluffy rice cakes soaked in a vibrant lentil-based sambar bursting with tamarind tang and aromatic spices. It embodies comfort food at its finest—simple yet deeply satisfying. The Vada, fried to golden perfection, offers a savory crunch that complements the sambar beautifully, showcasing the chef’s mastery over traditional South Indian snacks.

For those seeking hearty mains, the Butter Prawn Curry & Rice and Prawns Biryani are flavorful standouts. The butter prawn curry features succulent prawns immersed in a creamy, mildly spiced sauce that retains a delicate balance between richness and mellow spice—ideal for both seafood lovers and those new to Indian seafood dishes. The prawn biryani layers fragrant basmati rice with tender prawns, infused with aromatic spices that deliver a satisfying depth without overwhelming the palate.

Chicken Biryani and Veg Biryani enrich the menu further, offering alternatives for those craving the classic biryani experience, while dishes like Matar Paneer, Aloo Mutter, and Vegetable Jalfrezi Curry cater superbly to vegetarian tastes. The use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients ensures each curry is vibrant and intense in flavor, yet balanced enough to leave the taste buds wanting more.

Drinks like the Mango Lassi and Ginger Beer complement the menu perfectly, providing refreshment and a burst of cool, sweet, or spicy notes that ease the palate after the spices.

What impresses most is the consistent quality maintained over time, as echoed by loyal patrons. From Swikriti Neupane’s glowing memory of the dosa’s impeccable flavor and crunch during pregnancy to Rubina G.C.’s praise for the crunchy dosas and delightful chutneys, the feedback embodies the passion and care behind every dish served.

Though the space is modest and seating limited, the intimate, family-run ambiance—described as a "hidden gem" by several customers—adds to the authentic dining experience. The service is warm and thoughtful, ensuring diners feel welcome and well cared for.

In summary, Chanakya South Indian Cuisine is a rare find. It delivers both classic and lesser-known South Indian dishes with authenticity and heart. Whether you seek the perfect dosa or an aromatic curry, this restaurant offers a journey through South Indian culinary traditions that is as genuine as it is delicious. It’s undeniably one of Christchurch’s top destinations for South Indian food enthusiasts.