For an authentic taste of India in the middle of Christchurch, Permit Room has big and small plates that seriously deliver on flavour.

It’s bright and airy; the perfect place to recline after a long day. Its high windows let in every last ray of sunlight and when it floods the minimalist interior, it makes for a serene space. An interesting contrast to their food which doesn’t hold back.

The menu is inspired by the food from Kerela. Start small with their Pori Poppadoms that come with a red onion and tomato salsa, their moreish Keralan Fried Chicken or dive into the deep end with their Gunpowder Cauliflower and Potatoes. When it comes to flavour, it’s all or nothing.

The same can be said for the mains. The Dosa is filled with a delicious mix of jack fruit and pumpkin subji and the Spicy Chittinad Lamb Curry comes on a bed of creamy lentils. It’s one flavour explosion after the next!