Tamarind of Gisborne is a family-run Indian restaurant on Gladstone Road in Te Hapara, proudly serving the city since 2012. It was founded by food-loving couple Pooja and CJ Singh, whose passion for creating and enjoying exceptional meals — and a chance discovery at a wine and food festival that Indian cuisine pairs beautifully with certain wines — grew into a restaurant where the whole community can gather.
The kitchen is built on fresh, locally sourced ingredients: tender lamb and fresh seafood come from trusted local suppliers and fisheries, keeping the menu diverse, nutritious and affordable. The drinks list stays just as local, featuring vibrant Gisborne wines alongside Gisborne Gold, the popular local beer created by the Singhs' late friend Geoff.
Dine in, order a takeaway, or order online for a 10% discount — delivery is also available through UberEATS and Delivereasy with 10–20% off. Every Monday to Wednesday, all mains are $21 for dine-in and takeaway. Reservations and event enquiries are welcome, and diners young and old are always welcome.
Step through the doors at 663 Gladstone Road in Te Hapara and you're welcomed with a warm 'namaste' — the signature greeting of Tamarind of Gisborne, a restaurant that has been part of the city's dining scene since 2012. Proudly billed as Gisborne's best Indian restaurant, it pairs the vibrant spices of Indian cooking with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from around the East Coast.
Tamarind of Gisborne is the creation of Pooja and CJ Singh, passionate food enthusiasts who have always loved eating, drinking, imagining and creating exceptional dishes together. What began as a shared hobby grew into a restaurant where people from across town can gather to savour their unique cuisine and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere. For the Singhs, eating and drinking well was never just a pastime — it was the foundation for a place where the whole community could share in it.
The idea took shape at a wine and food festival, where the couple discovered just how beautifully Indian food pairs with certain wines. That discovery now shapes the whole venue: the kitchen serves Indian classics while the bar pours vibrant local wines, alongside Gisborne Gold — the popular local beer created by the Singhs' late friend Geoff, whose memory is honoured with every pour.
Supporting local suppliers is central to how Tamarind operates. Tender lamb and fresh seafood come from trusted local providers and fisheries, and the team is quick to thank those suppliers for consistently delivering the ingredients their recipes depend on. Freshness and creativity are the cornerstones of the kitchen, and the menu is deliberately diverse so there is something for every palate. The philosophy extends to the drinks list too, where the emphasis stays firmly on Gisborne: local wines take pride of place next to Gisborne Gold, keeping the whole experience rooted in the region.
Tamarind of Gisborne describes itself as the place where great cooking and a fantastic vibe meet. The food is nutritious, delicious and affordable, and diners young and old are welcome — whether you're planning a romantic dinner or a fun night out with friends. Service is described as unparalleled, and guests are encouraged to simply book a table or stop by and see for themselves.
Every detail is aimed at making a visit feel like an occasion — the kind of place where a midweek dinner can turn into a long evening over shared plates and refilled glasses. First-timers can browse the restaurant's online gallery for a look at the dishes and atmosphere before they arrive.
Beyond the everyday menu, the restaurant also hosts culinary events, giving locals the chance to enjoy delicious food and drinks while socialising with friends. Anyone keen to take part can contact the team for details of what's coming up.
Locals have plenty of reasons to visit midweek. Every Monday to Wednesday, all mains are $21 for both dine-in and takeaway — a deal the team is keen for people not to miss. It applies to dine-in guests and takeaway orders alike, making it just as easy to enjoy the food at your own table. Ordering from home is easy too: online orders placed through the website receive a 10% discount, while delivery through UberEATS and Delivereasy comes with discounts of 10% to 20%.
Tamarind of Gisborne sits at 663 Gladstone Road, Te Hapara. Reservations can be made by phone on 06 863 3232, and the team is happy to help with event enquiries as well. Whether it's the midweek mains deal, a leisurely dinner matched to a local wine, or a takeaway on the way home, this Gladstone Road favourite has been proving since 2012 that Indian food and Gisborne's local flavours belong on the same table.