Rohit and the welcoming staff of Billi’s Indian
By Julie Ray
After sustaining substantial losses owing to the recent flood, Billi’s Indian in Billinudgel has reopened and has introduced an exciting new menu. Rohit, who has owned and run the restaurant for the past five years, explained that he sustained around $15,000 worth of damages and was forced to close for a week to carry out repairs and perform a thorough cleanup.
However, luckily for his loyal customers, his determination was the only thing not dampened by the rising floodwaters.
The meals are made from fresh local produce and are tasty with generous servings affording good value for money. There are all the usual suspects: vindaloos, kormas, masalas, and rogan josh as well as Billi’s Indian’s specialty dishes with a provenance in Rohit’s local village in India.
It is always reassuring to see Indian chefs in an Indian restaurant and Rohit has enlisted the very best talented Indian chefs who turn out great dishes, breads, sides and desserts all in the traditional Indian styles with heat intensities to suit the diner. He has added dishes that accommodate special diets including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan choices.
Most Indian dishes and breads take a long time to prepare, so unless you are an accomplished cook, have a well-stocked pantry and love spending time in the kitchen you might not usually cook Indian food at home. So dining out at Billi’s Indian or ordering takeaway to eat at home is a wonderful way to get authentic Indian cuisine. They also offer catering for your special event.
The restaurant is decorated tastefully in muted tones with chandeliers and a cosy fireplace creating a relaxed atmosphere. The waitstaff are delightful, attentive and informative.
The new menu was launched recently with a festive, fun and colourful Bollywood theme night and, following on from the huge success, Rohit plans to host more into the future.
Billi’s Indian is open 4.30pm till late Tuesday to Sunday but also offer takeaway for those wishing to dine at home. It is a BYO so you can bring your favourite bottle of wine to complement your meal, making it an even more affordable experience. They offer indoor and outdoor dining, which is perfect for all seasons, and with the winter weather settling in there is no better place to be than sitting near the roaring fire surrounded by the aromatic smells of authentic Indian cuisine.
If you are a seasoned traveller to India, have always dreamed of going there or just love Indian food, Billi’s Indian is a little taste of India in the northern rivers and well worth a visit. I guarantee you will become a regular.
Like all flood-affected businesses Rohit needs your support to get back into full swing so by simply treating yourself to a night out you will show your support and in return you will receive one of the very best Indian meals outside of India. In my book that is a tasty win-win.
More info: Billi’s Indian Restaurant BYO. Dine in or takeaway.
8 Wilfred St, Billinudgel. Ph 6680 3352
Open Tues–Sun 4.30pm till late, closed Mon.
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