By Jagmeeta Joy

Whether you are looking to make a quick (and easy) breakfast or are addressing late night hunger pangs, this humble pantry staple never disappoints.

An integral part of baking and many a lip-smacking dish, eggs have been doing a stellar role in cuisines around the world, but arguably more as supporting actors in an award-winning blockbuster, never quite the hero. Or so we thought before we walked into Engineer Eggwala, a fairly new eatery here in Adelaide.

Located on the busy Main North Road, Engineer Eggwala caught our attention with its unique name and equally eye-catching signage. Intrigued, we arrived on a sunny (pun very much intended) day. The interiors are bright and welcoming with an egg-yolk hued ceiling, contrasting green chairs, quirky wall quotes and a spacious cafe-style vibe.

The restaurant’s name is an ode to eggs, of course, as well as the owner’s profession, we are told. While theme-based restaurants are fairly common but one that dedicates nearly 90 per cent of its menu to eggs, is definitely a novelty.

But before you go expecting the like of an Eggs Benedict or the Middle Eastern Shakshuka or other such global favourites, be aware that Engineer Eggwala offers egg delicacies that are Indian at heart. “At Engineer Eggwala, we bring you the true essence of Indian street cuisine. Our menu is a vibrant celebration of flavors, spices, and traditional recipes that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey,” reads their website.

While small bites include the likes of ‘Boil Fry’ (fried boiled eggs seasoned with spices and served with an onion salad), ‘Omelette Bun’ (double egg omelette served in a bun) and ‘Kheema Pav’ (scrambled eggs with onions, green chillies and spices), it’s the mains that got us egg-cited.

It’s a good selection of Indian specials like the quintessential ‘Egg Bhurji’, ‘Egg Paplet’ (omelette with a cheesy and spicy gravy), ‘Egg Ghotalo’ (grated boiled eggs and boiled eggs in a red gravy) and ‘Anda Dhaba style’ (whole boiled eggs in a spice-infused tomato and onion gravy).

Keen to try the restaurant’s speciality, we dove straight into the main course and opted for ‘Egg Mughlai’ paired with Indian homestyle rotis and a glass of ‘Chaas’ (buttermilk). The dish is a decadent three layer mix of an omelette, egg curry and boiled eggs that is served with two buttery buns and papad. Rich and creamy yet not overly spicy, the dish was very filling too.

While the egg dishes are the mainstay of the menu, the line-up of sandwiches are impressive too. Do try the ‘Cheese Chilli Sandwich’. The triple layered grilled sandwich filled with a cheesy onion and capsicum mix was perfect and had comfort food written all over it.

While the dessert section limits itself to Nutella sandwiches, we suggest you wrap up a meal here with some ‘Kadak masala tea’, the OG Indian chai!

The service was efficient and welcoming. As far as prices go, the starters are priced between $3.99 to $8.99 while the mains are priced between $6.99 to $17.99.

So if you are looking for a hearty Sunday brunch or weekday pick-me-up or something egg-stra, do give Engineer Eggwala a try.