Canberra food review--Blue elephant

Blue elephant is an Indian/Sri Lankan restaurant in Braddon. It has been there for at least ten years, according to MM. One might think that is a good sign, but it perhaps hasn't been easy.

OK. We went there on a Wed night, which is not a typical busy day for Canberra restaurant. We also arrived a bit early (just a bit over 6pm) and were the first. The waiter was certainly happy to see us--only then he found a good excuse to turn the heater on. It was quite chilly that evening. About one hour later there were two other tables occupied when we left (no wonder the place only opens until 8:30 on weekdays). Yes, there was actually a third table. Why I didn't count it? The waiter was having his own dinner with a friend when we were ready to pay...I don't know how often he does that but that is a sure sign of "not-so-busy".

Did I mention the owner happens also be the owner of the place? I guessed that because he was downstairs selling Indian grocery the other day and we brought some dried chickpeas from him. There is a stairway between the grocery store on the ground floor and the restaurant on the first floor.

Now the food. It is actually quite good for the price. MM ordered some banquet dish with a combination of two veggie curries and one chicken veggie. It came with rice, naan and raita. The chicken one was particularly good. I ordered probably the only fish dish they have, which is supposed to be a Sri-lanken speciality with a super long name I don't remember. It tasted good, a bit spicy + coconut + nutmug + five spcies. But I think I only got six pieces of fish in total?

The decor of the place is rather authentic with all the Asian paintings and sculptures. They even have a stage with big (bamboo?) fans on the backwall. Make you think once upoon a time this was a place full of music and people but not any more. A bit sad.

To sum up,

Name: Blue elephant
Location: Braddon
Food: pretty decent for the price.
Price: $12~15 for main dishes
Pecularity: Feels a bit deserted but perfect for people who want to have the whole place for their own. Only open until 8:30 on weekdays.
Whether go back? Probably not, mostly MM likes to eat with another 1,000 people.