THE Venetian Macao’s authentic Indian restaurant, Golden Peacock, has been awarded a highly-coveted star-rating by the illustrious Michelin Guide to Restaurants and Hotels in its Hong Kong & Macau 2014 edition. The Golden Peacock is listed in the guide’s one-star category, which signifies “a very good restaurant in its category,” and “a place offering cuisine prepared to a consistently high standard.” The popular restaurant is one of only nine Indian restaurants worldwide currently starred by Michelin, and is the only one in Asia.

The Golden Peacock is soothingly lit with an inviting, modern design featuring an elegant mix of wood, metal, masonry and tile, complemented by unmistakable embellishments of classic Indian design motifs. Featuring bronze and browns, plus subtle touches of colour in reds, yellows and blues, the decor is attractive yet unassuming, providing a relaxed and stylish atmosphere in which to enjoy a respite after a round of shopping or sightseeing.

From commonly enjoyed northern and southern Indian fare to the more unusual Jain cuisine, the menu choices is comprehensive. Everything is prepared by a team of 17 chefs, including 13 specially selected from all over India. At the helm is Justin Paul, a native of Kerala, who proved his mettle when he catered to 5,000 Indian guests attending the IIFA Awards at The Venetian Macao.

The authenticity of Golden Peacock comes not only from the chefs, recipes and preparation techniques, but from the ingredients themselves. Spices, bright red pomegranates and even clay serving pots are imported direct from India, and nearly everything is prepared from scratch in-house — from yogurt, paneer and ice cream to masalas, sauces, pickles and chutneys. All food is prepared according to halal standards.

A glass-enclosed area gives diners a view of chefs working at twin 250° Celsius tandoor ovens, dishing out succulent spears of roast chicken and lamb from one and delicious naan from the other. A bar area provides an informal venue for chit-chatting, and doubles as an additional serving area during buffet hours. Two overhead television sets provide suitably themed entertainment while the restaurant’s upstairs mezzanine offers a more private dining experience.

Golden Peacock is located on the first floor of The Venetian Macao, near the South Lobby, adjacent to McSorley’s Ale House. For reservations or to book private events, call (+853) 8118 9696 or email goldenpeacock.reservation@venetian.com.mo. — Compiled by Anandhi Gopinath

This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on December 17, 2013.