Enjoying Indian Cuisine in Melbourne: Dining In, Takeaway, and Home Delivery
Melbourne, known for its diverse and vibrant culinary scene, is a city where food lovers can explore flavors from all corners of the world. Indian cuisine, with its rich spices, complex flavors, and comforting dishes, is particularly well-represented in this multicultural hub. Whether you’re planning a special dinner out, looking for a quick takeaway, or wanting to enjoy Indian food at home, Melbourne has an abundance of options to satisfy your cravings.
Dining In: Savor the Authentic Flavors
Dining in at an Indian restaurant in Melbourne is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the warmth and hospitality that Indian culture is known for. The city offers a wide range of dining experiences, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, each bringing a unique taste of India to the table.
Melbourne CBD is home to some of the city’s most well-known Indian restaurants. Tonka, located on Duckboard Place, is an award-winning restaurant that offers a modern take on Indian cuisine with a menu that combines traditional flavors with contemporary presentation. Delhi Streets, also in the CBD, brings the vibrant street food culture of India to Melbourne, with dishes like pani puri, dosas, and chaat that transport you straight to the bustling markets of Mumbai or Delhi.
For a more traditional dining experience, Richmond and Fitzroy are suburbs that should be on your radar. Jewel of India in Richmond offers a cozy, intimate setting and a menu full of classic North Indian dishes, while Horn Please in Fitzroy is known for its innovative approach to Indian street food, offering a menu that’s both creative and comforting.
Takeaway: Indian Food on the Move
If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious Indian meal, Melbourne’s Indian restaurants have you covered with a variety of takeaway options. Suburbs like Docklands, South Yarra, and Footscray are particularly popular for their Indian takeaway offerings.
Curry Vault in the CBD is a go-to for office workers looking for a quick and satisfying lunch. Their takeaway menu features a variety of curries, biryanis, and snacks that are perfect for a midday meal. Dum Mat in South Melbourne is another great option, offering takeaway versions of their popular dishes, including their signature dum biryani.
For those in the western suburbs, Footscray is a hotspot for Indian cuisine. Restaurants like Aangan offer a wide selection of dishes that you can take away and enjoy at home, from tandoori specialties to rich, creamy curries.
Home Delivery: Indian Delights at Your Doorstep
In Melbourne, the convenience of home delivery means that you can enjoy your favorite Indian dishes without leaving your house. Many of the city’s Indian restaurants offer delivery services through popular platforms like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Menulog.
Suburbs like Hawthorn, Glen Waverley, and Brunswick are particularly well-served by Indian restaurants that offer home delivery. Atta in Albert Park is a fine dining Indian restaurant that delivers its exquisite dishes straight to your door, ensuring you can enjoy a gourmet experience in the comfort of your home. Mukka in Fitzroy also offers home delivery, bringing their authentic Indian street food and homestyle curries right to your doorstep.
Melbourne: A Culinary Hub for Indian Cuisine
Melbourne’s reputation as a food lover’s paradise extends to its Indian dining scene. The city is home to a rich tapestry of Indian restaurants, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments, offering something for everyone.
Suburbs like Dandenong, Glen Waverley, and Clayton have particularly strong ties to Indian culture and cuisine, with numerous restaurants, grocery stores, and cultural events that celebrate Indian traditions. These areas are known for their vibrant Indian communities and have a long-standing reputation for serving some of the best Indian food in Melbourne.
Whether you’re dining in, grabbing a takeaway, or enjoying a meal at home, Melbourne’s Indian restaurants provide an array of options that make it easy to savor the flavors of India. From the bustling streets of the CBD to the culturally rich suburbs, Melbourne is a city that truly embraces and celebrates the diversity and richness of Indian cuisine.
Melbourne is home to a diverse and vibrant food scene, and Indian cuisine is no exception. From traditional curries to modern fusion dishes, there are plenty of Indian restaurants to choose from in the city. Here are ten of the best Indian restaurants in Melbourne that you simply must try.
1. Tonka
Tonka in Flinders Lane offers a contemporary take on Indian cuisine. Their menu features a range of innovative dishes like ‘Goat Brain Puffs’ and ‘Scallop Ceviche with Pomegranate and Ginger’, as well as classic curries and tandoori dishes. With its chic decor and lively atmosphere, Tonka is the perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friends.
2. Horn Please
Horn Please in Fitzroy offers a fusion of Indian and Australian cuisine. Their menu features a range of dishes that combine the flavours of both cuisines, like the ‘Kangaroo Keema’ and ‘Tandoori Lamb Ribs’. With its colourful decor and friendly service, Horn Please is the perfect place for a casual meal or a special occasion.
3. Daughter in Law
Daughter in Law in the CBD offers a modern take on Indian street food. Their menu features a range of small plates like ‘Pani Puri Shots’ and ‘Bhangra Burgers’, as well as classic curries and tandoori dishes. With its vibrant decor and lively atmosphere, Daughter in Law is a great spot for a night out with friends.
4. Aangan
Aangan in Footscray offers a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, as well as a selection of biryanis and dosas. Their ‘Chicken 65’ and ‘Punjabi Kadhi’ are both popular choices, and their desserts are not to be missed. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, Aangan is a great spot for a family meal or a casual dinner.
5. Piquancy
Piquancy in Hawthorn offers a fusion of Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine. Their menu features a range of dishes that combine the flavours of both cuisines, like the ‘Masala Fried Calamari’ and ‘Panang Curry with Lamb Shank’. With its sleek decor and intimate atmosphere, Piquancy is the perfect spot for a date night or a special occasion.
6. Dhaba at the Spice Kitchen
Dhaba at the Spice Kitchen in West Footscray offers a range of classic Punjabi dishes, as well as unique creations like the ‘Chaat Platter’ and ‘Mango Lassi Sorbet’. With its colourful decor and friendly service, Dhaba at the Spice Kitchen is the perfect place for a casual meal or a family dinner.
7. Red Pepper Indian Restaurant
Red Pepper Indian Restaurant in St Kilda offers a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, as well as a selection of biryanis and tandoori dishes. Their ‘Butter Chicken’ and ‘Lamb Rogan Josh’ are both popular choices, and their desserts are not to be missed. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, Red Pepper Indian Restaurant is a great spot for a casual dinner or a night out with friends.
8. Spice Temple
Spice Temple in the CBD offers a contemporary take on Indian cuisine. Their menu features a range of innovative dishes like ‘Lamb Cutlets with Green Mango Chutney’ and ‘Keralan Fish Curry with Tamarind and Curry Leaves’, as well as classic curries and tandoori dishes. With its elegant decor and intimate atmosphere, Spice Temple is the perfect spot for a date night or a special occasion.
9. Babu Ji
Babu Ji in St Kilda offers a modern take on Indian cuisine. Their menu features a range of small plates like the ‘Pani Puri Shots’ and ‘Chilli Chicken Sliders’, as well as classic curries and tandoori dishes. With its colourful decor and lively atmosphere, Babu Ji is a great spot for a night out with friends or a fun dinner date.
10. Curry Vault Indian Restaurant and Bar
Curry Vault Indian Restaurant and Bar in the CBD offers a range of traditional Indian dishes, as well as a selection of cocktails and other drinks. Their ‘Tandoori Chicken’ and ‘Butter Paneer’ are both popular choices, and their desserts are not to be missed. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly service, Curry Vault Indian Restaurant and Bar is the perfect spot for a casual dinner or a night out with friends.
No matter what your preference, there is an Indian restaurant in Melbourne that will satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional curries or innovative fusion dishes, these ten restaurants are sure to impress. So gather your friends and family and head out to one (or all) of these delicious eateries for a night of fantastic food and fun.