Nawab Eatery brings the vibrant flavours and timeless traditions of North India to the heart of Mid Canterbury, describing itself as Methven's cultural heart. The menu is built around rich curries, fragrant biryanis and sizzling tandoori dishes, made with premium ingredients and bold spices.
The restaurant offers a warm, elegant atmosphere suited to dining with family, sharing a meal with friends, or stopping in while visiting Methven for the first time. It has built a strong local following, with customers regularly returning multiple times during their stay and describing it as a genuine local gem.
Nawab is popular with visitors passing through after a day on the slopes at Mt Hutt, a long hike, or a soak at the hot springs, with reviewers consistently praising the food quality, friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere.
Nawab Eatery describes itself as Methven's cultural heart, bringing the vibrant flavours and timeless traditions of North India to Mid Canterbury. The menu is built around rich curries, fragrant biryanis and sizzling tandoori dishes, crafted with premium ingredients and bold spices in a warm, elegant setting.
Sitting in a town best known for skiing at Mt Hutt and its hot springs, Nawab has become a regular stop for travellers looking for a good meal after a big day outdoors. Customers describe landing there after six-hour hikes and long days on the slopes, calling it a welcome, comforting find in the heart of Methven.
Reviewers consistently call out the butter chicken and tandoori chicken, the latter noted for its distinctive smoky flavour. Lamb biryani, chicken saag and garlic naan also come up repeatedly as dishes worth ordering. One long-time customer, curious about goat curry, discovered it isn't always listed on the menu — it's mainly kept for staff, but can be made available for patrons who ask, and was described as cooked to a very high standard.
Beyond the food, Nawab is regularly praised for its friendly, attentive service and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere — one reviewer went as far as comparing the calm to a spa treatment. It's described as suited to couples, families and larger groups alike, with both dine-in and takeaway options available.
During busy periods, such as school holidays and peak dinner times, the restaurant can get busy enough that service slows down — reviewers note this is simply down to demand, with staff remaining friendly throughout and the food living up to the wait. A selection of wines is also available to go with the meal.
Nawab Eatery is located in Methven, in the heart of Mid Canterbury, and can be reached by phone to make a booking. Bookings can also be made online through the restaurant's website. Whether it's a first taste of Indian food or a well-earned meal after a day on the mountain, Nawab has built a reputation as one of Methven's most recommended places to eat.