Australians treat themselves to Indian cuisine

Thousands of Australians, including Victorian premier John Brumby, today treated themselves to Indian cuisine like 'naan' and 'tandoori chicken' as they joined a mass dining event to protest attacks against Indians.

Brumby joined a few leading Indian community members like Primus Telecom chief Ravi Bhatia for lunch at an Indian restaurant 'Desi Dhaba' in the up-market Flinders street.

The mass dining is part of 'Vindaloo Against Violence' campaign launched as a reaction to a spate of attacks against Indians across the city and resulting negative coverage around the world.

Brumby said the response from Victorians to the initiative demonstrated the community's commitment to unite in solidarity with the Indians and celebrate multiculturalism.

"Vindaloo against Violence initiative is a unique opportunity for Victorian to unite and send a message that the actions of an ignorant few will not be allowed to undermine he reputation of Melbourne as a peaceful and friendly city," he said.

Australians, who joined the mass dining, treated themselves to authentic Indian cuisine like 'naan', 'tandoori chicken' and 'chicken tikka'.

An official statement said the state parliament dinning hall also changed its menu to serve Indian cuisine in support of the event.