Signature Series: Banyalla's Blue Eye with Coconut Coriander Emulsion and Crispy Kale

The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges offer a huge range of award-winning wines and cocktails, quality multicultural dishes, restaurants and cafes showcasing local produce and culinary talent creating the food we love to eat.

If you’re dining in our region, take the time to discover these incredible signature dishes and the unique stories behind what makes them some of the best bites and bevs.

Located within the RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort, Banyalla offers guests a light-filled dining space with a contemporary menu showcasing local ingredients and an expansive wine list drawing inspiration from surrounding vineyards.

At the helm, executive chef Himanshu Sharda (pictured below) is no stranger to fresh food done simply and well. Growing up at the base of the Himalayan Mountains, his family operates a large apple orchard that also grows stone fruits.

His philosophy around designing a menu is simplistic and honest. As such, Banyalla is a fusion of refined elegant dishes, showcasing local producers.

The Signature Dish: Blue Eye, Coconut Coriander Emulsion, Crispy Kale

Not only a standout menu item for diners, this dish was the winning main course at RACV Chef Showdown competition event, held recently at the RACV City Club.

“This dish is inspired by my love towards Indo-Aussie cuisine,” says chef Sharda. “A blend of aromatic flavours with fresh local produce to suit the Aussie palate."

“I love Blue Eye as it is one of the finest fish from Southern waters, it gels well with my nine-spice coconut emulsion inspired by my hometown Naugoan located at the base of the Himalayas.”

Recently Banyalla was awarded ‘Best Regional Hotel Restaurant in Victoria with a 100% perfect score’ at the AHA State Awards for 2023. It’s a testament to the quality of food and service that Banyalla delivers to its guests.

They regularly hold special wine dinners and events, which can be found via their social media channels.

Banyalla is open Wednesday – Saturday for dinner and Sunday for lunch. They also offer a private dining room with a feature marble table, that’s perfect for corporate or business events dining as well as those extra special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays and family celebrations for up to 38 guests.

Want to discover more incredible signature dishes and the unique stories behind them?

Read more in the Signature Series.