Elchi: Redefining Indian Fine Dining in Melbourne’s CBD
In the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, where cultures intersect and celebrations unfold beneath the glow of city lights, Elchi is quietly redefining what Indian fine dining looks and feels like.
At its helm is Manpreet Sekhon, a chef whose journey has not been shaped by a single dramatic moment, but by what she describes as a gradual calling a steady pull toward elevating Indian cuisine onto a refined, contemporary stage.
Yet my introduction to Manpreet Sekhon did not begin within the walls of her restaurant. It began at a book launch an evening layered with conversation, curiosity and spirited debate. Amidst the energy of the room, her presence stood out. There was warmth in her smile, humility in her manner, and an effortless ease in conversation that immediately drew me in.
That evening, I discovered the woman many affectionately call Melbourne’s own “curry queen.”
Before long, our paths crossed again this time as I stepped into the intimate, candlelit elegance of Elchi itself to have a chat about her culinary journey.
1. What defining moment made you realise it was time to open a restaurant like Elchi in Melbourne’s CBD?
“There wasn’t just one moment,” Sekhon reflects. “After opening Eastern Spice and later Masti, I felt I had more to say through food.”
Indian cuisine could be elegant, layered and experiential not only comforting but refined.
Melbourne CBD, she explains, felt like the right stage. “It’s where cultures meet. Where people celebrate milestones. Where romance happens.” From that vision, Elchi was born a space where Indian food stands proudly in a fine-dining setting, experienced in a completely new way.
2. How do you strike the balance between authenticity and innovation on your menu?
“For me, authenticity isn’t about copying tradition, it’s about respecting its soul. I grew up with these flavours. I understand their depth, their emotion. That foundation never changes. Innovation comes in how we present it, how we refine it, and how we surprise guests. Maybe it’s a modern plating style, maybe it’s a contemporary cocktail pairing, or a lighter technique that enhances the spices instead of overpowering them. The goal is never to reinvent Indian cuisine, it’s to elevate it while staying true to its heart.”
3. How intentional were you about designing the overall guest experience beyond what’s served on the plate?
Food, Sekhon insists, is only part of memory-making.
“Dining, to me, is theatre. The plate is the star, but the setting is the stage.”
From lighting and music to the subtle scent of spices in the air, Elchi was designed to feel intimate but not intimidating, luxurious yet welcoming.
4. Was romance always part of your vision, and how has it shaped the culture and standards you uphold here?
“Romance was always part of that vision a space for anniversaries, proposals and Valentine’s evenings. Service is paced, never rushed. The team is trained to read the table to know when to engage and when to quietly step back.”
Manpreet sees food as sensory storytelling. “Indian cuisine is naturally romantic. It’s layered, slow-cooked, deeply aromatic. It invites sharing. It invites conversation.”
“At Elchi, dinner becomes more than a candlelight meal. Thoughtfully curated tasting menus, cocktails that surprise, moments designed to be remembered long after the night ends is part of the experience.”
5. What inspired the decision to welcome guests aged 12 and above, and how has it shaped the atmosphere?
To preserve that tranquil, elevated atmosphere, Elchi welcomes guests aged 12 and above. A decision Sekhon describes as clarity of concept rather than exclusion.
“It’s about protecting the experience. Guests come here knowing they’re stepping into something calm, refined and intimate. And what we’ve created is beautiful. People relax, linger and truly connect.”
As our time together ended, we lingered over a beautifully brewed chai from the Elchi kitchen. In that quiet moment, something softened within me. The warmth of the spices, the intimacy of the space it all felt cinematic. I found myself thinking, almost instinctively, that one day this would be the place I would return to for a truly heartfelt evening with someone special.
For those visiting Melbourne be sure to add to your itinerary and mention this article:https://www.elchirestaurant.com.au/
