AR Indian Restaurant & Bar, Takeaway

indian restaurant — Waikiwi · Invercargill

About AR Indian Restaurant & Bar, Takeaway

AR Indian Restaurant & Bar is a local dining establishment and takeaway located on Ruru Street in Waikiwi, Invercargill. Founded with the mission to bring authentic, high-standard Indian cuisine to Southland, the kitchen is steered by over 16 years of multi-cuisine culinary experience extending across the Middle East and Central Asia.

Alongside an extensive menu of classic Indian curries, tandoori specialties, and vegetarian staples, the restaurant is distinct in Invercargill for its dedicated Desi Chinese menu, blending Chinese preparation techniques with bold Indian spices. Catering to both sit-down gatherings and evening takeaways, AR Indian also hosts private events and group banquets in its spacious dining room.

AR Indian Restaurant & Bar: Traditional Curries and Unique Desi Chinese in Waikiwi

Situated at 2 Ruru Street in Waikiwi, AR Indian Restaurant & Bar has established itself as an essential culinary destination for Invercargill diners seeking deep, authentic flavours. Conceived with the ambition of delivering exceptional Indian dining backed by sixteen years of diverse culinary expertise across the Middle East and Central Asia, the restaurant pairs time-honoured northern and regional Indian classics with thoughtful hospitality.

From slow-simmered rich curries to tandoor-roasted breads and savoury appetisers, the kitchen focuses on authentic spicing and preparation techniques that cater to both relaxed sit-down dinners and quick, satisfying takeaways.

Invercargill's Home for Desi Chinese

One of the most distinctive features of AR Indian Restaurant is its dedicated Desi Chinese selection—a specialty style unique to them within Invercargill. Blending the sizzle and wok technique of Chinese cooking with the deep, complex heat of Indian seasonings, Desi Chinese is celebrated comfort food across South Asia.

Diners can indulge in wok-tossed staples including spicy Chicken Chilli, tangy vegetable and chicken Manchurian, savoury fried rice, and Veg Hakka noodles. These hybrid dishes offer a fiery, aromatic alternative to traditional takeaway fare and have earned a loyal following among local spice enthusiasts.

Comprehensive Banquets and Regional Curries

For groups looking to explore the menu together, AR Indian provides substantial banquet feasts for two or more guests. The Vegetarian Banquet delivers a multi-course progression beginning with crispy samosas, onion bhaji, hara bhara kabab, and grilled paneer tikka, followed by hearty mains such as dal makhni, chana masala, veg korma, and butter paneer alongside hot naan and papadums.

Meat lovers can opt for the Non-Vegetarian Banquet, introducing tandoori chicken tikka and sekh kababs before moving into beloved classics like rich butter chicken, tender lamb rogan josh, and beef korma. Individual diners can also explore regional highlights like coastal Prawns Malabari, spinach-rich Chicken Saagwala, and spiced Baingan Masala.

Lunch Deals, Daily Specials, and Celebrations

Accessibility is key to the AR Indian experience. Midweek visitors can take advantage of regular Tuesday to Friday lunch specials and lunch combos paired with freshly baked butter naan and drinks. Meanwhile, evening patrons enjoy bundled everyday takeaway packages and dedicated Monday dinner deals.

Beyond everyday dining, the venue accommodates seated celebrations and private functions for up to 100 people. With tailored multi-course sharing menus designed for larger gatherings, AR Indian provides a warm, accommodating setting for family milestones and community events in Southland.

Signature items

  • Butter Chicken
  • Desi Chinese Chicken Chilli
  • Lamb Rogan Josh
  • Butter Paneer
  • Non-Vegetarian Banquet
  • Prawns Malabari

Menu

Rice

  • Steamed Rice — Fluffy aromatic white rice.
  • Jeera Rice — Basmati rice tempered with fragrant cumin seeds.
  • Peas Pulao — Basmati rice gently cooked with green peas and mild spices.

Breads

  • Butter Naan — Tandoor-baked flatbread brushed generously with melted butter.
  • Naan — Freshly baked traditional Indian flatbread.

Banquets

  • Vegetarian Banquet — Multi-course feast featuring Samosa, Onion Bhaji, Hara Bhara Kabab, Paneer Tikka, Dal Makhni, Chana Masala, Veg Korma, Butter Paneer, Rice, Naan, and Papadum.
  • Non-Vegetarian Banquet — Multi-course feast featuring Samosa, Onion Bhaji, Chicken Tikka, Sekh Kabab, Butter Chicken, Lamb Rogan Josh, Beef Korma, Mix Vegetable, Rice, Naan, and Papadum.

Appetisers

  • Samosa — Crispy spiced pastry filled with savoury ingredients.
  • Onion Bhaji — Crispy spiced onion fritters.
  • Hara Bhara Kabab — Spiced vegetarian spinach and green vegetable patties.
  • Paneer Tikka — Marinated cubes of cottage cheese grilled with spices.
  • Chicken Tikka — Tender chicken pieces marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled to perfection.
  • Sekh Kabab — Spiced minced meat skewered and roasted.
  • Papadum — Crispy thin lentil wafers.

Beef Dishes

  • Beef Korma — Tender beef gently simmered in a rich, mild, and creamy sauce.

Lamb Dishes

  • Lamb Rogan Josh — Aromatic lamb curry slow-cooked with traditional spices and herbs.

Desi Chinese

  • Chicken Chilli — Indo-Chinese style chicken stir-fried with chillies, peppers, and savoury sauces.
  • Manchurian — Crispy fried bites tossed in a tangy, garlicky Desi Chinese sauce.
  • Fried Rice — Wok-tossed rice with vegetables and Indo-Chinese seasonings.
  • Veg Hakka — Classic Indo-Chinese stir-fried noodles with crisp vegetables.

Chicken Dishes

  • Butter Chicken — Classic tender chicken simmered in a creamy, mildly spiced tomato sauce.
  • Chicken Saagwala — Boneless chicken pieces cooked in a spiced spinach gravy.

Seafood Dishes

  • Prawns Malabari — Succulent prawns cooked in a fragrant coastal Malabar curry sauce.

Vegetable Dishes

  • Dal Makhni — Slow-cooked creamy black lentils simmered with aromatic spices.
  • Chana Masala — Tender chickpeas stewed in a tangy spiced tomato gravy.
  • Veg Korma — Assorted vegetables simmered in a mild, creamy aromatic sauce.
  • Butter Paneer — Cottage cheese cubes bathed in a rich, buttery tomato gravy.
  • Malai Kofta — Delicate vegetable and paneer dumplings served in a creamy gravy.
  • Saag Paneer — Fresh cottage cheese cubes cooked in a spiced spinach curry.
  • Vegetable Korma — Mixed seasonal vegetables cooked in an aromatic rich sauce.
  • Baingan Masala — Eggplant seasoned and braised with hearty masala spices.
  • Mix Vegetable — Medley of garden vegetables cooked in spiced Indian curry sauce.

Combos & Specials

  • Lunch Special — Regular curry paired with steamed rice, available Tuesday to Friday lunchtime.
  • Lunch Combo — Regular curry, rice, butter naan, and a soft drink, available Tuesday to Friday lunchtime.
  • Dinner Special — Regular curry served with rice, available on Monday evenings.
  • Everyday Deal — Takeaway special including 2 curries, rice, and 2 butter naans.

Frequently asked questions

What unique cuisine does AR Indian serve in Invercargill?
AR Indian is the only restaurant in Invercargill serving Desi Chinese cuisine, featuring dishes like Chicken Chilli, Manchurian, Veg Hakka, and fried rice made with Indian spices.
What lunch specials are available?
Lunch specials run Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, offering a regular curry with rice, or a combo including curry, rice, butter naan, and a soft drink.
Can AR Indian host private functions and group bookings?
Yes, the venue accommodates sit-down functions of up to 100 people, with multi-course banquet sharing menus available for group bookings.
Are there set banquet menus for groups?
Yes, vegetarian and non-vegetarian banquets are available for a minimum of two people, featuring a selection of entrees, mains, rice, naan, and papadums.
Can I order takeaway online?
Yes, online ordering for takeaway is available through their website for evening dinner services and weekday lunch hours.

Tips

  • {"body":"Make sure to try the Chicken Chilli or Manchurian, which provide a spicy Indo-Chinese fusion unique in Invercargill.","title":"Sample the Desi Chinese"}
  • {"body":"If dining with friends or family, order the vegetarian or non-vegetarian banquet to sample multiple entrees and curries.","title":"Book Banquets for Groups"}
  • {"body":"Lunch specials are available Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM; evenings open daily from 4:30 PM.","title":"Check Lunch Hours"}

Good to know

  • {"family":"Kids menu section and family-friendly dining options available.","dietary":"Comprehensive vegetarian menu available including paneer dishes, dal makhni, and chana masala."}