Curry Queen Manpreet Sekhon — The Story Behind Eastern Spice, Geelong's Best Indian Restaurant.
Meet Manpreet Sekhon — Geelong's Curry Queen and chef behind Eastern Spice. Award-winning Indian restaurant at Eastern Beach. TripAdvisor Excellence, 10 years running.
Welcome to Eastern Spice — Geelong's best Indian restaurant, brought to life by the culinary genius of Manpreet Sekhon, affectionately known as the Curry Queen. Situated at 1 Bellerine Street, steps from Eastern Beach, Eastern Spice has spent 10 years celebrating the vibrant flavours of India — from slow-cooked curries and tandoori masterpieces to fragrant biryanis and street-food starters — all served with stunning waterfront views across Corio Bay.
Manpreet's culinary journey began at home, learning the intricacies of Indian spice from her mother — a foundation she built on through professional training and a formative stint alongside talented chefs at the prestigious Park Plaza five-star Hotel Punjab. Her extraordinary talent caught the attention of Jiggs Kalra, widely regarded as the Czar of Indian Cuisine, and celebrated television chef Sanjeev Kapoor — two of India's most respected culinary icons. Before opening Eastern Spice, Manpreet brought the same passion to Masti Fitzroyand Elchi Melbourne, earning a reputation as one of Australia's most exciting Indian chefs.
Awards & Recognition
Eastern Spice and Manpreet Sekhon have been recognised by some of the most respected names in food and hospitality:
🏆 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence — 10 consecutive years
🏆 Australian Good Food & Travel Guide — Readers' Choice Award
🏆 Geelong Foodie Poll — Voted No.1 Indian Restaurant
🏆 Recognised by Jiggs Kalra — the Czar of Indian Cuisine
🏆 Endorsed by Sanjeev Kapoor — Master Chef & global culinary ambassador
These accolades reflect what our guests already know: Eastern Spice offers a dining experience that stands apart from any other Indian restaurant in Geelong.
THE BEST OF INDIA, RIGHT HERE IN GEELONG.
Crafted by the Curry Queen Manpreet Sekhon
Our Commitment to Authentic Indian Cuisine in Geelong
At Eastern Spice, our mantra is simple: honour the soul of Indian cooking, and let the food speak for itself. Under the guidance of Curry Queen Manpreet Sekhon, every dish on our menu is rooted in the culinary traditions of India's 28 states — from the rich, slow-cooked curries of the North to the bold, coconut-kissed flavours of the South. Whether it's our signature Punjabi butter chicken, hand-pressed tandoori roti, or a fragrant biryani layered with saffron and whole spices, each plate carries the memory of a recipe passed down through generations and refined by decades of professional craft.
Manpreet's journey into the world of Indian cuisine began long before Eastern Spice opened its doors in Geelong. Having worked alongside award-winning chefs at the Park Plaza five-star Hotel Punjab, and having built the acclaimed Masti Fitzroy and Elchi Melbourne — two of Melbourne's most celebrated Indian restaurants — she brought that wealth of experience to the Geelong waterfront in 2015. Her cooking has earned personal recognition from Jiggs Kalra, the Czar of Indian Cuisine, and celebrated television chef Sanjeev Kapoor — a testament to the standard she holds herself to every service.
We believe that gathering around great food is one of life's greatest joys — and we build every visit around that belief. Families celebrating milestones, couples on date nights in Geelong, friends catching up over a shared feast, or colleagues hosting a business dinner by the waterfront — at Eastern Spice, every table matters equally. Our Menu cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-friendly diets without compromise, because we believe the richness of Indian cuisine belongs to everyone.
सभी का स्वागत है। ਸਭ ਨੂੰ ਜੀ ਆਇਆਂ ਨੂੰ। — All are welcome.
OUR FOOD PHILOSOPHY
Rooted in Regional Indian Tradition
At Eastern Spice Geelong, our food philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for India's regional diversity — a culinary landscape that spans 28 states, from the rich, aromatic gravies of the North to the bold, coconut-kissed curries of the South. We honour time-tested recipes while embracing the kind of thoughtful innovation that makes a classic dish feel alive. Every menu at Eastern Spice is a journey — not a generic "Indian" experience, but a genuine exploration of what India actually tastes like.
The Finest Local Ingredients, Authentic Indian Spices.
We believe great Indian food starts long before it reaches the stove. Our ingredients are locally sourced where possible, and our spices — Kashmiri chilies, whole garam masala, fresh tamarind — are handpicked from trusted suppliers across the subcontinent. Every spice plays a role in the layers of flavour that define our cooking. We stay true to the art of slow-cooking, marinating, and tandoori grilling, because that patience is what separates a truly great curry from everything else. From our classic butter chicken to our spiced lamb chops, every plate reflects that discipline.
Every dish that leaves our kitchen carries Manpreet's fingerprint — her instinct for spice balance developed over years at five-star kitchens in India, and her genuine belief that the best Indian food starts with the best raw ingredients. She sources spices directly, tastes every batch, and adjusts recipes with the seasons. That discipline is what separates a good curry from one you find yourself thinking about days later.
Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-Friendly Indian Food in Geelong
Our menu features a wide range of vegetarian Indian dishes — from paneer tikka and dal makhani to chana masala and vegetable biryani — alongside vegan-friendly curries and gluten-friendly options. Whether you have dietary needs or simply love plant-based Indian food, Eastern Spice is a welcoming table for everyone.
Whether you're indulging in a slow-cooked dal makhani, a smoky tandoori feast, or a fragrant lamb biryani, every dish at Eastern Spice is made to be remembered — not described.
Join us as we bring the soul of India to Geelong, one dish at a time.
Naan-Stop Updates from Geelong's Curry Queen
Follow Eastern Spice for new dishes, special offers, and a behind-the-scenes look at how Geelong's best Indian restaurant comes to life — one curry at a time. #IndianRestaurantGeelong #NaanStopDelicious