There’s something irresistible about paneer. Mild yet rich, soft yet firm, and endlessly adaptable—this Indian cottage cheese is far more than just a vegetarian option.
From snacks that crackle with spice to main courses that feel like a hug in a bowl, paneer has a glorious story to tell.
Know how we’ve turned paneer into a bold vegetarian fare with flair and find it plated to perfection at our lakeside restaurant in Norwest, Jheel.
Why Paneer Steals the Show
Unlike many cheeses, paneer doesn’t melt. That means it holds its shape even when simmered in spicy tomato gravies or grilled to smoky perfection in a tandoor. It’s also naturally high in protein and calcium, making it a brilliant choice for those seeking healthy Indian food without compromising on taste.
- Unique Texture: Soft, yet firm. It soaks up flavour while retaining a chewy, bite-worthy feel.
- Milky Flavour: Mild, milky and slightly nutty. It balances the heat and spice of Indian masalas beautifully.
- Unmatched Versatility: It fits seamlessly into both vegetarian and fusion menus.
Exciting Paneer Entrées
You’ll find Indian snacks everywhere across the world—across top restaurants, street corners, and home kitchens. And many of these treats revolve around paneer as they treat food lovers with authenticity and flair. Some of the top-selling ones are:
1. Paneer 65
One bite, and you’re hooked. These golden, crisp-fried cubes are marinated in hung yoghurt, chilli and garlic, tossed with shallots, and finished with a whisper of heat. Each cube is flash-fried to a whisper-light crunch that hits your tastebuds perfectly.
2. Ananas & Paneer Tikka
Think tandoor-kissed cottage cheese paired with juicy pineapple, spiked with Kashmiri chilli paste, then skewered with capsicum and Spanish onion. Sweet, smoky, tangy—this dish is a little tropical, a little traditional, and utterly irresistible.
3. Paneer Manchurian
This Indo-Chinese classic delivers crunch, spice and umami in every bite. Paneer cubes are batter-fried and tossed in a sizzling mix of soy, chilli, onion and capsicum. Perfect to share—or to keep all to yourself.
These dishes define traditional Indian food, using recipes rooted in North India but tailored to suit the Australian palate without losing their soul.
Paneer Curries that Cradle the Soul
Without a doubt—paneer simply shines brightest in curries! There’s something about cottage cheese melting into creamy sauces that feels like a heavenly delight after a long day. Here are some of the most renowned ones:
1. Karahi Paneer
Big, bold, and fragrant—this dish offers the ultimate burst of flavours. Paneer cubes are sautéed with capsicum, onion, ginger, garlic, and chilli in our house-made tadka sauce. It’s an earthly and traditional Indian food full of depth.
2. Lasooni Methi Paneer
Slow-roasted garlic, a hint of fenugreek, and a velvet-smooth cashew base turn this into one of our most comforting offerings. Earthy, nutty, and gently spiced—it’s paneer at its most refined. It’s hearty, warming, and exactly what you crave for an evening meal by the lake.
3. Paneer Butter Masala
The dish that started it all! Cottage cheese in a rich, creamy tomato base with just a dash of fenugreek. It’s indulgent, comforting, and exactly why we’re often reviewed as the best Indian restaurant Sydney-wide.
Paneer is more than just cheese—it’s tradition, versatility, and flavour wrapped into one delicious package.
The Mushy Star of Indian Flavour
Paneer offers the satisfaction of meatier mains—without the heaviness. We tell you why it is preferable if you’re vegetarian or simply in the mood for something fresh and different:
- Nutritious: High in protein and calcium, a staple of healthy Indian food that doesn’t skimp on flavour.
- Timeless: Traditionally loved, yet capable of modern surprises.
- Adaptive: Charred, simmered, grilled or fried, paneer simply shines!
- Crowd-pleasing: Comforting enough for kids, bold enough for spice-lovers.
So next time you Google ‘Indian restaurant around me’, skip the usual and opt for Jheel Indian Restaurant, where we serve paneer with passion.
India’s Most Loved Cheese At Jheel Indian Restaurant
At Jheel, we treat this humble cheese like royalty, layering it with house-ground spices, slow-cooked sauces, and chargrilled accents that take it from comforting to captivating. We understand that food is deeply personal. That’s why our menu, from curries to Indian snacks, is built on time-honoured techniques, locally sourced ingredients, and a genuine love for flavour.
What’s more? Our location in Norwest isn’t just stunning—it’s serene. Lakeside views, warm hospitality, and a curated menu that honours India’s diversity. From those craving healthy Indian food to diners after a romantic evening or a family celebration, Jheel is your destination.
Searching for the best Indian restaurant near me? You’ve just found it! Reserve your table today and let our flavours lead your way!
