Melbourne restaurateur Jessi Singh has finally opened his first restaurant in Sydney, following ample success down south and abroad in America. Now his first New South Wales sojourn Don’t Tell Aunty is here, setting up shop in the space previously occupied by 4Fourteen. His latest venue follows the same mantra as predecessors, again serving Singh’s ‘unauthentic Indian’ cuisine.

Singh’s latest venture has launched in partnership with Amar Singh. The Sydney haunt has been inspired by the home of a traditional Indian aunty, where you can show up unannounced and be welcomed for a gossip and a decent feed. But this isn’t traditional Indian by any means; “there’s no ghee or oil in the curry, there’s whiskey in the chai and the men do the cooking,” explains Singh.

Forget what you know about Indian fare, for this restaurant hopes to change your mind when it comes to curry. Don’t Tell Aunty celebrates creativity and rule-breaking, with a menu that spans dishes from across the various regions of Indian, with inspiration taken from American and Australia thrown in. Among the dishes available include a handful of Singh signatures, including Colonel Tso’s Cauliflower; an Indo-Chinese style deep fried cauliflower cooked in tomato and chilli sauce, and Papadi Chaat; an Indian-take on nachos.

The wine list has been designed by international winemaker and sommelier Rajat Parr. His resulting array of drops is a collection from around the globe, and comes accompanied by a self-serve beer fridge, and ample cocktails. The signature of this latter category is the Don’t Tell Aunty, features approachable a beetroot and mezcal cocktail rimmed with black lava salt.

The 85-seat venue has been designed by Singh and his team, with the kitsch in mind. Walls screen classic Bollywood films, wand retro soundtracks play on loop. But that’s nothing compared to the vibrant pink and blue walls that greet guests, accessorised by gold and copper accents. Varied seating is integrated throughout; from large tables to a 12-seat bar at the venue’s centre. “Don’t Tell Aunty is a good time place where you can laugh loudly and be taken care of like one of the family”, says Singh. “It’s filled with just as much love as our aunty’s home, but with our own unique spin.”

Don’t Tell Aunty is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday through Saturday. 414 Bourke Street, Surry Hills; donttellaunty.com.au, @donttellaunty.