Restaurant
Good Old Mantra
3/23 Koornang Rd, Carnegie VIC 3163, Australia
Find Good Old Mantra
3/23 Koornang Rd, Carnegie VIC 3163, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Good Old Mantra
Carnegie’s coziest corner table just got an upgrade. Rebranded from Good Old Mukka, Good Old Mantra stretches the standard curry house script across regional street stalls and slow-simmered regional stews. Regulars zero in on the chicken galauti kebabs—seared tender enough to collapse on the tongue—alongside a velvety butter chicken balanced by charred garlic naan. The move for two is the Desi Bento, a steel tray loaded with curries and crisp bhel puri. Owner Swati anchors the room with genuine mehman nawazi, keeping the pacing unhurried while the kitchen turns out flash-fried palak patta chaat, steamed chicken momos, and cashew-infused Kaju Katli cocktails.
- The Desi Bento: A modular dinner spread packing two curries, a starter, and fresh bhel puri that comfortably feeds two.
- Mithai-Inspired Cocktails: Signature pours lean into classic sweets, led by a Kaju Katli cocktail and the mango-chilli Bombay Heat.
- Beyond Standard Curries: Broad spectrum of street snacks, crisp palak patta chaat, tandoor meats, and easy tofu swaps for paneer.
- Dietary Flexibility: Extensive plant-based and gluten-free offerings, from hearty yellow dal to spicy wok-tossed chowmein.
What's On at Good Old Mantra
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Diners Choose Good Old Mantra
From regional chaat and mithai cocktails to generous bento sets and heartfelt hospitality, here is why diners choose Good Old Mantra.
Cross-Regional Menu Beyond Standard Curries
The menu breaks away from standard curry-house formulas, curating crispy palak patta chaat, steamed momos, and Indo-Chinese chowmein alongside slow-simmered regional gravies.
lots of different things on the menu and not just the usual curries.
Darsshan Pawar Mithai-Inspired Cocktail Program
Signature house cocktails integrate Indian confectionery and spiced profiles, featuring drinks like the dessert-inspired Kaju Katli concoction and the refreshing Maharani Mist.
The cocktails are unique too - highly recommend the kaju katli cocktail!
Ve Mena Generous Multi-Dish Desi Bento
The Desi Bento packages a starter, two curries, and fresh bhel puri into a generous set that delivers substantial variety and portion size without ordering multiple full mains.
It’s incredible value for money and, despite being listed as serving one, it could comfortably feed two people.
S Thoughtful Vegan and Tofu Customization
Plant-based diners can customize traditional specialties seamlessly, with deliberate kitchen accommodations such as direct tofu swaps for paneer alongside clear vegan and gluten-free items.
I love that they offer tofu substitutes for their paneer dishes too.
Rakshitha NR Gowda Restorative and Homely Comfort
The dining room and vibrant cooking provide a restorative sanctuary for visitors, offering deeply comforting, authentic spices that revive diners after long journeys.
feels like a warm hug after a long day on the road
ABHIJIT BHISE Attentive Owner-Led Hospitality
Hands-on proprietor Swati leads dining room service with genuine mehman nawazi, ensuring unhurried pacing between courses, filled water glasses, and thorough menu guidance.
Swati, the owner, who was incredibly generous and down to earth, making us feel truly welcome.
Prav Kumar | exSELL Real Estate
Most popular items
Guest favourites and signature highlights across street chaat, classic curries, craft cocktails, and generous sets.
Palak Patta Chaat
The palak patta chaat was probably my favourite, really crispy and full of flavour.
Darsshan Pawar Butter Chicken
The Butter Chicken is honestly the best I’ve ever had - nothing else I’ve tried comes close.
S Maharani Mist
Maharani Mist was smooth and refreshing
Darsshan Pawar Desi Bento
One of the biggest highlights is the Desi Bento. It’s incredible value for money and, despite being listed as serving one, it could comfortably feed two people.
S
Other favorites
Distinctive drinks, breads, and desserts complementing the main dining experience
Kaju Katli Cocktail
The cocktails are unique too - highly recommend the kaju katli cocktail!
Ve Mena Maharani Mist Cocktail
Special mention to the new healthy protein salad (chicken) and the absolutely delicious Maharani Mist cocktail on the menu!
Priyan Palani Ras Malai
And honestly, ending with Ras Malai and Pistachio Kulfi is never a bad idea.
Jen S Garlic Naan
The garlic naan were seasoned and cooked perfectly.
Joanne
Beyond the menu
Distinctive dining touches that elevate the meal beyond standard neighborhood curry houses.
Hands-On Hospitality and Thoughtful Course Pacing
Owner Swati personally leads dining room service, ensuring water glasses are continuously topped up, menu questions are thoroughly explained, and dishes arrive with unhurried course pacing.
Seamless Dietary Accommodations and Tofu Swaps
Traditional dishes are adapted thoughtfully for plant-based diners, including offering tofu substitutions across paneer curries and an extensive spread of vegan and gluten-free choices.
Mithai- and Spice-Infused Signature Cocktails
The bar crafts signature cocktails inspired by regional Indian sweets and spices, including a cashew-confection Kaju Katli drink and the mango-chilli Bombay Heat.
The Sprawling Desi Bento Box
A structured multi-dish combination box that lets diners choose a starter and two curries, complete with fresh bhel puri that offers enough volume to comfortably share.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Desi Bento and how large is it?
The Desi Bento is a popular combination option featuring your choice of a starter and two curries, accompanied by bhel puri. While listed for one person, guests note the portion is generous enough that it can comfortably satisfy two.
Are there vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options?
Yes, the kitchen offers extensive vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices, including tofu substitutions for paneer dishes, vegan curries, and gluten-free options clearly accommodated by the staff.
What signature drinks or cocktails should I try?
Good Old Mantra is known for inventive, Indian sweet- and spice-infused cocktails, including the signature Kaju Katli-flavoured Maharaja cocktail, the refreshing Maharani Mist, and the Bombay Heat with mango and chilli.
Is parking available near the restaurant?
Yes, the restaurant has nearby parking available, with both free parking lot and free street parking options in the surrounding Carnegie area.
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