Our Philosophy
When VARQ opened in 2012, the idea was simple: make food to enjoy with family And friends, show that Indian food served in Fine Dining & takeout style without having a “fast-food” touch. Using high-quality raw ingredients, classic cooking techniques with natural spices and herbs, we brought features from the realm of fine dining to the world of quick-service restaurants.
Over the years later, our devotion to finding the very best ingredients we can—with respect to best culinary practices by keeping it simple, fresh and uniquely North Indian . And as we grow, our dedication to creating an exceptional experience for our customers is the natural result of cultivating a culture of genuine, rewarding opportunities for our employees.
We also believe that life is better together and we know everyone is happiest when we’re with family. Whether that’s family by relation or by choice; traditional, blended or extended; neighbors, coworkers or teams; friends, groups or just “the gang.” We love everyone like family. And, at VARQ this approach extends beyond our favorite dishes, promoting togetherness in everything we do. A True Australian Way
Our Food Legacy Of North India
North India has extreme climates – summers are hot, and winters are cold. The region includes the following states: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
Geographical and Cultural Influence on the Regions Cuisine
There is an abundance of fresh seasonal fruit and vegetable to be had. Its geographical position with relation to the rest of the Sub-continent means that this region of the country has had strong Central Asian influences both in its culture and its food.
Mughlai and Kashmiri styles of cooking are not just prevalent; they are also popular.
North Indian curries usually have thick, moderately spicy and creamy gravies. The use of dried fruits and nuts is fairly common even in everyday foods. Dairy products like milk, cream, cottage cheese, ghee (clarified butter) and yogurt play an important role in the cooking of both savory and sweet dishes. Thanks to the fact that such a rich variety of fruit and vegetable is available at all times of the year, the region produces a dazzling array of vegetarian dishes.
Staple Foods North Indians Seem to Prefer
Indian bread over rice, if the rich variety is anything to go by. This region is home to the tandoori roti and naans (bread made in a clay tandoor oven), stuffed parathas (flaky Indian bread with different kinds of vegetarian and non-vegetarian fillings) and kulchas (bread made from fermented dough).
Rice is also popular and made into elaborate biryanis and pulaos (pilafs).
Cooking Oils Commonly Used
Vegetable oils like sunflower and canola. Mustard oil is rarely used and only in some states of the region. Ghee is normally reserved for special occasion cooking.
Important Spices and IngredientsCoriander, Cumin, Dry red chilies, turmeric, Chilli Powder, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cloves, Garam Masala, Aniseed/Fennel, etc.
Mutter Paneer (a curry made with cottage cheese and peas), Biryani, Pulaos, Daal Makhani, Dahi Gosht, Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka, Fish Amritsari, Samosas (snack with a pastry case with different kinds of fillings), Chaat (hot-sweet-sour snack made with potato, chick peas and tangy chutneys), Motichoor Laddoo.
Our Culinary Journey
In India, food is not only a way to satiate one’s hunger, but it has deeper implications in every Indian’s heart. Food is a celebration, an art and a bond that keeps families and societies together. Indian food is as unique as the country itself. It’s an eruption of different flavors, taste, emotions and a lot of zing. Indian food is one of the most elaborate cuisines spreading its taste across different cooking methods and distinctive exotic ingredients. The flavors have been developed over the years and passed on to the new generation with utmost care so that the richness and exclusivity of taste can be maintained.
Indian food across the country is as diverse as its culture. The taste, ingredients and flavors are unique and varied as one travels from one end of the country to another. Food served in North India is distinctively different to that served in South India. Likewise, as one moves from the East coast to the West coast of the country the taste changes. Some regions are known for their vegetarian delights while some are famous for their seafood cuisines. Indian food is very local in nature and food habits are highly influenced by the local produce, climatic conditions and religious inclinations.
The Indian Journey plans to take you through culinary journey to India where you will explore different tastes, cooking methods, local produce, local ingredients and a mouth lingering aftertaste. You will also learn about some of the most alluring Indian recipes, know about the medicinal benefits of plants and herbs and carry with you a wide variety of the signature spices and local ingredients back home. Overall the journey will open your mind along with your taste buds. You will experience a burst of taste as you travel from one corner of the country to another. This is a very unique way to capture Indian Taste.