Melbourne is a city that offers a myriad of dining experiences, and Indian cuisine is no exception. With its plethora of best Indian restaurants in Melbourne, it’s become a destination for those who crave the intense flavours, rich spices, and diverse dishes of Indian food.
The Essence of Indian Cuisine: Exploring Curry and Tandoori
Indian cuisine, rich in spice and flavour, is characterized by its regional diversity and the depth of its flavours. Curry and tandoori, two of the most popular Indian dishes, are prime examples of this culinary heritage.
From creamy, buttery lamb curry to smoky, charred tandoori chicken, these dishes reflect the wealth of Indian cuisine. Whether it’s a delicate biryani, a spicy vindaloo, or a comforting bowl of lentil dal, Indian cuisine captures the imagination and tantalizes the tastebuds with its mix of textures, flavours, and aromas.
| Popular Indian Dishes | Description |
|---|---|
| Curry | A dish prepared with a sauce, typically containing various spices and herbs. |
| Tandoori | Food marinated in a mix of spices and yogurt, then cooked in a tandoor (a traditional clay oven). |
| Biryani | A mixed rice dish usually featuring spices, rice, and meat or vegetables. |
| Vindaloo | A spicy curry dish, often made with meat, vinegar, chillies, and other spices. |
Tonka: Fusion of Modern and Traditional Indian Cooking
Tonka is a standout among Melbourne’s Indian restaurants, blending modern Indian cuisine with traditional methods. Located in the bustling heart of the CBD, Tonka presents Indian cuisine with a creative twist. Their set menu allows guests to sample an array of dishes, such as the confit duck with sirkay wali gobi and chestnut puree — a modern reinterpretation of the classic Indian dish.
The restaurant exudes an upscale vibe, with a sophisticated interior and a stunning cocktail bar, making it a favourite among the best Indian restaurants in Melbourne.
The Babu Ji Experience: Indian Dining Redefined
Located in the hip neighbourhood of Fitzroy, Babu Ji offers an Indian dining experience unlike any other. Babu Ji combines the heartiness of home-style Indian fare with the sophistication of fine dining.
With a menu featuring classic dishes like paneer tikka and butter chicken, Babu Ji offers a vast array of flavours to savour. The restaurant also has an extensive selection of vegetarian and vegan options, with dishes like the rich and creamy palak paneer.
Their unique self-service beer fridge, an unusual feature in an Indian restaurant, is another highlight that sets Babu Ji apart.
‘Horn Please’: A Savoring Experience in Melbourne
Horn Please is a beloved fixture in Melbourne’s Indian restaurant scene. Known for its bold street food snacks, it delivers some of the most exciting Indian street food in Melbourne.
Diners rave about the crispy, spicy chickpea-battered okra fries and the pani puri, bite-sized puri filled with flavoured water, tamarind chutney, and other fillings, typical of Indian street food. Paired with a well-curated list of cocktails, Horn Please truly lives up to its motto to “spice up your life.”
Elchi: Mastering the Art of Indian Flavours
Elchi is a hidden gem among Melbourne’s Indian restaurants, known for its focus on North Indian Cuisine. The restaurant’s ambience, service, and food quality are standout aspects, making it a popular choice for diners seeking an authentic Indian food experience.
Menu highlights include their Amritsari fish, straight from the tandoor, and the lamb cutlets that are a meat lover’s delight. The garlic naan, a classic Indian bread, is the perfect accompaniment to their delectable curries.
The Vibrancy of Delhi Streets Reflected in Melbourne’s Food Scene
The heart of Indian street food lies in the bustling lanes of Delhi, and this vibrancy is reflected in Melbourne’s Indian restaurants. They offer a taste of Delhi streets, replicating the rich flavours, spices, and textures that make Delhi street food so cherished.
With eateries serving up authentic Indian dishes like pani puri, tikka, and chicken tikka, it’s like taking a culinary journey to Delhi without leaving Melbourne.
The Homely Charm of Curry Cafe
Curry Cafe located in Melbourne’s vibrant Fitzroy neighbourhood, offers a cosy, homely environment. Known for its authentic and diverse Indian fare, Curry Cafe is a go-to destination for Indian food lovers.
Their menu includes dishes like the flavourful Punjabi curry and their popular butter chicken. The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh ingredients and aromatic spices ensures an excellent food experience every time.
Masti: Indian Food with a Heart
Masti is an Indian restaurant that brings the heart and soul of Indian cuisine to the tables of Melbourne. Their menu is a well-crafted mix of street eats and curries, with each dish showcasing a corner of the subcontinent.
The restaurant also offers a range of Indian-inspired cocktails that complement the dishes. The lamb curry with roasted coconut and black cardamom is a standout, along with the crispy whole Amritsari fish, making Masti a top choice for those seeking one of Melbourne’s best Indian restaurants.
Tandoori: A Taste of Indian Cuisine’s Fiery Delight
Tandoori dishes are an integral part of Indian cuisine, and Melbourne’s Indian restaurants have embraced this cooking style with gusto. From succulent tandoori chicken to tender lamb kebabs, tandoori dishes offer a fiery delight that captivates the palate.
Whether it’s served straight from the tandoor at Babu Ji or included in the rich and varied menu at Tonka, tandoori is a star of the show in Melbourne’s Indian dining scene.
The Daughter In Law Experience: A New Age Indian Feast
Daughter in Law breaks the mould with its self-dubbed ‘unauthentic Indian’ menu. The brainchild of Jessi Singh, this restaurant takes classic Indian dishes and gives them a unique twist, offering an Indian dining experience unlike any other in Melbourne.
One such offering is the tandoori lamb cutlets, served with chestnut puree, a dish that beautifully melds traditional Indian flavours with a modern touch.
Enter Via Laundry: An Unexpected Indian Culinary Gem
Enter Via Laundry is an unexpected culinary gem in Melbourne. Run by Helly Raichura, it offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
The restaurant operates on a set-menu basis and serves dishes straight from the tandoor, like tandoori prawns and chicken tikka. However, it’s the small details and the chef’s passion that make Enter Via Laundry an unforgettable dining experience.
Experiencing Punjabi Curry in Melbourne
Punjabi curry, with its robust flavours and hearty ingredients, is a quintessential dish of North Indian cuisine. Melbourne’s Indian restaurants offer a wide range of Punjabi curries, from the classic lamb curry to the richly spiced goat curry.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting bowl of dal makhani or a plate of butter chicken, Melbourne’s Indian restaurants offer an array of Punjabi curries to cater to every preference.
Delhi: The Heart of Indian Cuisine
Delhi, the heart of Indian cuisine, has significantly influenced Melbourne’s Indian restaurant scene. From street food like pani puri and tikka to elaborate dishes like biryani, Delhi’s culinary diversity is well-represented in Melbourne’s Indian restaurants.
Whether it’s the North Indian dishes served at Elchi or the authentic Delhi street food at Horn Please, Melbourne offers a taste of Delhi’s vibrant food culture.
Best Indian Restaurants Melbourne: A Food Lover’s Guide
Melbourne’s Indian restaurants range from casual eateries offering quick bites to upscale dining establishments serving multi-course meals. Each has its unique offerings, making Melbourne a food lover’s paradise.
Here are some of the best Indian restaurants Melbourne has to offer:
- Babu Ji: Known for their traditional dishes with a modern twist.
- Tonka: An upscale dining experience featuring a fusion of traditional and modern Indian cuisine.
- Daughter in Law: Offers an innovative approach to Indian cuisine, breaking away from tradition.
- Curry Cafe: A cosy, neighbourhood restaurant known for its authentic and diverse Indian fare.
- Enter Via Laundry: Provides a unique dining experience with a set menu and intimate setting.
Savoring the Best Restaurants Melbourne Has to Offer
While Indian cuisine holds a prominent place in Melbourne’s dining scene, the city has a plethora of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. From Italian trattorias and Thai eateries to Chinese dim sum houses, Melbourne’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious.
As a food lover, you have the opportunity to take a culinary journey around the world, right in the heart of Melbourne.
Conclusion
Melbourne’s Indian restaurants offer an impressive diversity of dishes, from the comforting and homely to the innovative and modern. They showcase the rich flavours, vibrant spices, and varied textures that define Indian cuisine. Whether you are an Indian food veteran or a first-time explorer, Melbourne’s Indian restaurant scene has something for everyone.
