From Hindi, Masti translates to fun – and when owner and executive chef Manpreet Sekhon was setting up her restaurant, that was exactly what she had in mind. She wanted an innovative cocktail menu, paired with authentic Indian cuisine, in a bold and inviting venue.
The result? A success. Masti Restaurant in Fitzroy was established, after the grim second wave in September 2020.
We were lucky enough to pay them a visit, attending their signature Vegan Curry Night. We were greeted warmly and sat at a beautiful table. Immediately noticeable was the atmosphere. Masti is a big, open-space restaurant. The ceilings are tall and the decorations eye-catching. I especially appreciated the attention to detail Sekhon has put into the space, with everything from the mural to the lighting being thoughtfully selected to enhance the dining experience.
We started our night with cocktails: The White City (blanca rum, white chocolate, amaretto, macadamia and vanilla) and the Turmeric Tommy’s (blanco tequila, mezcal, lime, agave, turmeric, black lava salt). They were divine – some of the best cocktails I’d ever tasted. The White City was smooth and strong, without being overpowering, and the Tumeric Tommy’s offered an enticing cocktail option for those of us who aren’t fans of sweet drinks.
Overall, the cocktail menu was fun. It had all the classics, from Espresso Martinis to Negronis, and extended to drinks that are well worth a try. My tip? Try the Masti Lassi, and one of the signature City drinks.
Food followed shortly after. The Vegan Curry Night gives you the opportunity to try a few different curries. When we visited, we tried a beautiful Dahl, the Chickpea Vindaloo, and a delicious veggie and pomegranate curry. They were all smooth and lovingly prepared – and best of all, paired with mouth-watering naan, rice and papadum.
Prepared traditionally using a tandoor oven, the vegan naan was to die for: crisp, buttery, and the ideal accompaniment to the dishes. We had several options available, including chives, chilli, and garlic. If you like a bit of spice, I recommend the chilli naan.
Whether you’re looking for a vegan night out, or somewhere to take your friends on a Friday night, we think you’ll love Masti. I can say for a fact that I did!
– Daniela
Daniela Koulikov is a freelance writer who loves great food. You can follow her at @danikoul.
Masti is located at 354-356 Brunswick St, Fitzroy. You can book in advance, or simply show up for a great time. Looking for something to do on Valentine’s Day? Give them a call and they’ll help you out.
