Melbourne has one of Australia’s most exciting Indian and Pakistani dining scenes, with strong options across the CBD and Carlton. The best Indian restaurants in Melbourne are not all built around the same kind of meal. Some are made for rich curries and tandoori-style dishes, others for Pakistani barbecue, biryani, street snacks, vegetarian Maharashtrian food or late-night group dinners.
This guide focuses on five Indian and Pakistani restaurants in Melbourne worth knowing: Ziyka Pakistani Indian Restaurant, Aroma Restaurant, Chilli India, Khabbay Restaurant and Chai N Chilli. Together, they cover Lygon Street feasts, CBD curries, halal-friendly dining, vegetarian regional food and casual meals that work for lunch, dinner and groups.
1. Ziyka Pakistani Indian Restaurant
Ziyka Pakistani Indian Restaurant is one of Carlton’s standout choices for desi dining. Located on Lygon Street, it gives the area a strong Pakistani and Indian option among a strip better known historically for Italian food. That makes it especially useful for diners looking for spice, grilled meats, curries, biryani, naan and a fuller group-style meal.
The food direction is generous and flavour-heavy. Ziyka is the kind of restaurant where the best meal is built across the table: kebabs, curries, rice dishes, breads, barbecue items and something rich and saucy to share. It works particularly well for families and groups because Pakistani and Indian food naturally suits communal ordering.
The restaurant is also a strong pick for halal-friendly dining in Carlton. Whether you are planning a casual dinner, late meal, family night or birthday catch-up, Ziyka has the kind of menu that lets people order according to appetite: light starters, big mains, rice, breads and shared plates.
Ziyka is best for Pakistani and Indian food, halal-friendly dining, biryani, kebabs, curries, family meals, group dinners and anyone looking for bold flavours on Lygon Street.
Address: 234–236 Lygon Street, Carlton
Ziyka Pakistani Indian Restaurant Menu
BBQ CHOICE
Lamb Kabab
Lamb mince, marinated overnight & cooked on charcoal
Chicken Reshmi Kebab
Chicken mince marinated with traditional spices, cooked on charcoal grill & served with mint
Chicken Malai Boti
Boneless Chicken marinated with traditional spices with fresh cream cooked on charcoal grill & served with mint
Chicken Kasturi Boti
Boneless chicken cooked on charcoal with onion sauce & freshly ground spices
Chicken Tikka Boti
Boneless chicken marinated with traditional spices, cooked on charcoal grill & served with mint
Tikka Boti Platter
4 pieces Malai Boti, 4 pieces of Tikka Boti
Ziyka Platter BBQ
4 pieces Chicken Kebab, 4 pieces of Malai Boti, 4 pieces of Tikka Boti
Ziyka Supreme Platter
2 pieces Chicken Kebab, 2 pieces Lamb Kebab, 4 pieces of Malai Boti, 4 pieces of Tikka Boti, 4 pieces of Kasturi Boti
MUTTON CHOICE
Mutton Karahi (With Bones)
Goat with bones cooked in onions, tomatoes, yoghurt, herbs & spices in Pakistani style
Mutton Karahi Kali Mirch
Goat cooked in secret Ziyka recipe with kali mirch
Mutton Dhaba (With Bones)
Goat with bones cooked in special authentic Ziyka sauce in Pakistani style
Goat White Special
Goat cooked in white creamy nut sauce with authentic Pakistani spices
Lamb Karahi Boneless
Lamb in authentic Pakistani style
Lamb Karahi Kali Mirch (Boneless)
Lamb in authentic Pakistani style cooked with Kali Mirch
Lamb Palak
Diced lamb cooked with spinach in cashew nut paste, onions and green chilli
Lamb Masala
Diced pieces of lamb pan fried with onions, tomatoes & spices
Lamb Korma
Diced pieces of lamb cooked with tomatoes, onions, nuts & cream
Lamb Rogan Josh
Lamb cooked in yoghurt and cream with special spices
Lamb Achari
Delicious boneless lamb stewed in special mixture of spices & pickles
Lamb Madras
Lamb cooked in onions & tomato sauce in traditional spices.
Starters
Chicken Chilli (Dry)
Chicken Manchurian
Chicken 65
Paneer Chilli Dry
Crispy Prawns
Gol Gappay (6 pieces)
Chilli Chicken with Fried Rice
Gobi Manchurian
Gobi 65
Paneer 65
Chilli Mushroom
Samosa Chat (Served with Imli + Mint Raita)
Samosa (2 Serves + Mint Raita)
Dhai Bhalay
Lahori Fish
Chilli Soya Chap
Soya Chap 65
Kids Meal ( Fries & Nuggets )
Chicken
Chicken Shinwari
Chicken cooked in tomatoes, black pepper, green chillies & ginger in authentic Pakistani style
Chicken Karahi Kali Mirch (Boneless)
Boneless chicken cooked in Kali Mirch with secret Ziyka karahi recipe
Chicken Karahi Kali Mirch (With Bone)
Chicken with bones cooked in kali mirch with secret Ziyka karahi recipe heritage style
Chicken Kebeb Karahi
Lahori Chicken Karahi (with Bones)
Chicken Bharta
Delicious finger cut chicken, fusion of cabbage, carrots, capsicums cooked in authentic Pakistani Style
Chicken Karahi (Boneless)
Diced Chicken cooked in authentic Pakistani Style
Chicken White Karahi
Breast Diced Chicken cooked in onion & creamy sauce
Chicken Cheese Handi
Breast Diced Chicken cooked in cheese sauce, yoghurt & herbs
Chicken Kasturi Handi
Breast Diced Chicken cooked in onion sauce & freshly ground spices
Ziyka Special
Thigh diced Chicken cooked in almond puree, yoghurt & spices
Chicken Kebab Masala
BBQ Chicken Kebabs cooked on the clay oven & toasted with onions & capsicum
Chicken Tikka Masala
BBQ Chicken marinated overnight & cooked in tomatoes & onion based sauce with traditional herbs & capsicums
Chicken Jalfrezi
Boneless Chicken cooked with capsicums & onions with manchurian sauces
Chicken Ginger
Boneless Chicken marinated with ginger, garlic & cooked in chef special sauce and spices
Chicken Madras
Boneless Chicken cooked in onion & tomato sauce in traditional spices
Chicken Palak
Boneless Chicken cooked in a light creamy sauce with herbs & spices
Chicken Achari
Delicious Boneless Chicken stewed in special mixture of spices & pickles
Chicken Handi
Boneless Chicken stewed in onion & tomato based sauce with chef spices
Chicken Korma
Boneless Chicken cooked with spices in almond sauce & garnished with roasted cashews
Butter Chicken
Chicken cooked in makhani sauce, cashew nuts & fresh cream with spices
VEGGIE
Lahori Paneer
Special cottage cheese cooked in authentic lahori sauce in Pakistani style
Paneer Karahi
Special cottage cheese cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce flavoured with fresh coriander & chilli
Palak Paneer
Indian cottage cheese cube cooked in fresh green spinach with combination of creamy sauce & herbs
Dal Channa
This classic channa dal recipe features sweet nutty split chickpeas with a variety of spices & aromatics
Paneer Masala
Special cottage cheese cooked in a rich tomato cream sauce with traditional herbs & spices
Shahi Paneer
Chunky pieces of cottage cheese cooked in onion, tomatoes & nuts in a rich curry
Mutter Paneer
Cooked with peas, special cottage cheese, onion & tomato sauce
Mutter Mushroom
Fresh mushroom cooked with peas, roasted spices, onion, tomato & garlic gravy
Malai Kofta
A creamy & rich preparation mode of tomatoes & cashew nuts with cottage cheese & dumplings
Veggie Masala
Pan-fried mix vegetable cooked with onions, tomatoes, green chillies & Thai chilli sauce
Dal Makhni
Black lentils slow-cooked overnight finished with fresh cream & desi butter
Paneer White Karahi
Desi White Karahi made with Paneer
Sea Food
Prawn Masala
Peeted prawns cooked with gravy and a touch of spices
Prawn Madras
Peeted prawns cooked in onions & tomato sauce in traditional spices
Prawn Lahori Karahi
Peeted prawns cooked in rich tomato sauce with garlic & mixed spices
Rice Corner
Chicken Biryani
Goat Pulao
Paneer Biryani
Chicken Fried Rice
Plain Rice
Saffron Rice
Bread Corner
Sesame Kulcha
Roghni Naan
Kalwanji Naan
Plain/Garlic/Butter Naan
Plain/Garlic/Butter Roti
Sides
Garden Salad
Mint Raita
Drinks Corner
Lemon Lime Bitter
Sprite/Coke/Fanta
Tea Corner
Kadak Chai
Kashmiri Chai
Cardamom Chai
Dessert
Gulab Jamun
Ziyka Delicious Breakfast (Broadmeadows)
Nehari Combo
Nehari served with 2 kulchas and glass of lassi or chai
Paya Combo
Paya served with 2 kulchas and glass of lassi or chai
Halwa Puri Combo
Halwa Puri served with 2 puri and glass of lassi or chai
Family Combo
Paya, nihari, Chana, halwa, 4 kulchas 2 puri, jug of lassi or tea
Paya
Channay
Nehari
French Toast (3) with tea
Extras
Aloo Pratha
Plain Paratha
Omelette Egg
Fry Egg
Lassi Jug
Chai
2. Aroma Restaurant, Melbourne
Aroma Restaurant is a strong Melbourne CBD choice for Pakistani, Indian and Middle Eastern-influenced food. Located on Little Collins Street, it is especially useful for diners looking for a central halal-friendly restaurant with big flavours, late dinners and generous dishes designed for sharing.
The menu style is hearty and comforting. Aroma is the kind of place where karahi, biryani, barbecue meats, kebabs, curries, naan and rice make sense as the centre of the meal. A good order usually includes something from the grill, something rich and saucy, bread, rice and a few starters so the table gets a fuller sense of the kitchen.
This is not a quiet fine-dining restaurant, and it does not need to be. Aroma’s strength is in satisfying food, familiar South Asian flavours and a CBD location that works for casual dinners, after-work meals, late eating and group catch-ups.
Aroma Restaurant is best for Pakistani food, halal-friendly dining, curries, biryani, grilled meats, casual dinners, late meals and anyone looking for a filling Indian and Pakistani restaurant in Melbourne CBD.
Address: Shop 2 & 3, 540 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Aroma Restaurant, Melbourne Menu
STARTERS
This is a section of your menu, customize it any way you want.
Kebab Platter
Chargrilled minced lamb, shrimp, & chicken with fresh herbs.
Samosa
Deep fried stuffed pastry with spiced potatoes & peas. served with tamarind chutney
Alu Tikki
Deep fried spiced potato patties served with yogurt & tamarind sauce.
Assorted Pakora Platter
Assortment of deep fried paneer and vegetables in chickpea batter. Served with mint & coriander sauce.
Amritsari Fried Fish
Talapia dry rubbed with spices & deep fried in chickpea flour. Served with mint & coriander sauce
Palak Chaat
Fresh baby spinach flash fried with onions, tomatoes, & coriander topped with sweet yogurt, tamarind & mint sauce.
Chicken Lolipop
Deep fried with spiced batter topped with chef's special sauce.
Chicken Shammi Kebab
Minced chargrilled chicken patties with fresh herbs.
Dahi Puri Chaat
Wheat puffs filled with potatoes and chickpeas topped with yogurt, mint, & tamarind sauce.
TANDOORI
Adraki Lamb Chops
Chargrilled lamb chops marinated with yogurt, ginger & garlic.
Shrimp Achari Tikka
Chargrilled shrimp marinated with yogurt & pickled spices.
Salmon Tikka
Chargrilled salmon fillet marinated with mint based yogurt
Lamb Seekh Kebab
Minced lamb charbroiled with herbs & spices.
Tandoori Chicken
Chargrilled bone-in chicken marinated with yogurt & spices.
Chicken Tikka
Chargrilled chicken breast marinated with yogurt & spices.
Kastoori Paneer Tikka
Chargrilled paneer marinated with chickpea batter
CHUTNEY'S
Mint & Coriander
Tamarind
TANDOORI BREADS
Cheese & Chilly Naan
White flour bread stuffed with cheese & chilies.
Kashmiri Nan
Sweet, fruity, & nutty nan originated in Kashmir.
Makki Ke Roti
Indian style cornbread cooked on a flat pan
Onion Kulcha
Nan stuffed with onions & dry mango spices.
Amritsari Kulcha
Crisp, soft, leavened bread stuffed with potatoes, onions, & spices.
Tandoori Roti
Whole wheat.
Flaky Lachha Paratha
plain multi-layered / whole wheat bread
Alu Paratha
Whole wheat bread stuffed with potatoes & spices.
Pudina Paratha
Flaky whole wheat paratha with mint.
Naan
white flour bread cooked in a clay oven topped with butter.
Garlic & Herb Naan
White flour bread with garlic & rosemary.
Olives & Basil Naan
White flour bread topped with olives & basil.
GOAT & LAMB
Lamb Roganjosh
Kashmiri style boneless lamb cooked with ginger, garlic, & tomatoes.
Lamb Pasanda
Boneless lamb cooked with yogurt & cream sauce.
Spinach Lamb
Boneless lamb cooked with spinach sauce.
Rara Chaap Punjabi
Ground lamb cooked with grilled chaap full of robust hearty flavor.
Goat Curry
Bone-in goat cooked in a gravy with onions, tomatoes, & spices.
CHICKEN
Butter Chicken
Chicken breast in creamy, buttery tomato sauce.
Channa Chaap Punjabi
Popular Indian street food. Chickpea patty loaded with spices & gravy on top.
Chicken Saag
White meat chicken with ginger, garlic, spinach, onions, & tomatoes.
Kadai Chicken
Chicken breast cooked with stir fry vegetables & spices
Amritsari Chicken
Authentic North Indian dish made with a fresh creamy gravy, butter, & fresh tomatoes.
Chicken Mugulai
Smothered in a thick curry containing almonds, cashews, & aromatic spices.
SIDE DISHES
Jeera Pulao Rice
Matter Pulao
Raita
yogurt / tomatoes / cucumber / cumin
Papad
lentil flour / black pepper
BIRYANI
Vegetable Biryani
Basmati rice flavored with exotic spices. Layered with vegetables cooked in a thick gravy with golden fried onions, mint, & cilantro. Served with Raitha on the side.
Chicken Biryani
Basmati rice flavored with exotic spices. Layered with chicken cooked in a thick gravy with golden fried onions, mint, & cilantro. Served with Raitha on the side
Lamb Biryani
Basmati rice flavored with exotic spices. Layered with lamb cooked in a thick gravy with golden fried onions, mint, & cilantro. Served with Raitha on the side.
Goat Biryani
Basmati rice flavored with exotic spices. Layered with goat cooked in a thick gravy with golden fried onions, mint, & cilantro. Served with Raitha on the side.
Shrimp Biryani
Basmati rice flavored with exotic spices. Layered with shrimp cooked in a thick gravy with golden fried onions, mint, & cilantro. Served with Raitha on the side.
VINDALOO
Vegetable Vindaloo
Take a taste of Goa with vegetables in a spicy, tangy, onion based curry with vinegar, garlic, & potatoes.
Chicken Vindaloo
Take a taste of Goa with chicken in a spicy, tangy, onion based curry with vinegar, garlic, & potatoes.
Lamb Vindaloo
Take a taste of Goa with lamb in a spicy, tangy, onion based curry with vinegar, garlic, & potatoes.
Goat Vindaloo
Take a taste of Goa with goat in a spicy, tangy, onion based curry with vinegar, garlic, & potatoes.
Shrimp Vindaloo
Take a taste of Goa with shrimp in a spicy, tangy, onion based curry with vinegar, garlic, & potatoes.
JALFREZI
Vegetable Jalfrezi
Bengali stir fry curry dish with vegetables stir fried with a spicy sauce & green chilli peppers
Chicken Jalfrezi
Bengali stir fry curry dish with chicken stir fried with a spicy sauce & green chili peppers.
Lamb Jalfrezi
Bengali stir fry curry dish with lamb stir fried with a spicy sauce & green chilli peppers
Goat Jalfrezi
Bengali stir fry curry dish with goat stir fried with a spicy sauce & green chilli peppers
Shrimp Jalfrezi
Bengali stir fry curry dish with Shrimp stir fried with a spicy sauce & green chilli peppers
SEAFOOD
Goan Fish Curry
Fish fillet cooked with special Goan sauce
Salmon Tikka Masala
Tandoori salmon cooked with butter & cream sauce
SALADS
House Dressings Caribbean, Mango, Cilantro, Lime, Blood Orange Shallot
Chicken Tikka Salad
Marinated chicken on a bed of mixed greens,, red onions, shredded carrots, & lightly roasted chickpeas
Tandoori Fish Salad
Spiced fish marinated in warm spice on a bed of mixed greens, red peppers, onions, olives, & lightly roasted chickpeas.
Paneer Salad
Seasoned homemade cottage cheese on a bed of mixed greens, green peppers, red onions, shredded carrots, corn kernels, & lightly roasted chickpeas.
VEGETABLES
Paneer Tikka Masala
Homemade cottage cheese in tikka masala sauce with roasted peppers & onions.
Saag Paneer
Spinach stewed with garlic, ginger, fresh chilis, & spices with homemade cottage cheese.
Matter Paneer
Peas & homemade cottage cheese in a tomato-onion sauce with spices
Paneer Pasanda
Homemade cottage cheese fried & served in a lusciously smooth onion-tomato gravy.
Sarso Ka Saag
Creamy mustard greens & spinach cooked with garlic & spices.
Alu Gobi
Stir fried potatoes & cauliflower cooked with turmeric & spices
Baigan Bhartha
Roasted & mashed eggplant sautéed with tomatoes, onions, garlic, & spices.
Masaladar Soy Champ
Delightful combination of soya in a tomato-onion gravy flavored with cumin, turmeric, & coriander
Channa Masala
Chickpea dish with an onion- tomato gravy cooked with ginger, garlic, & spices.
Dal Makhani
Black lentils & red kidney beans slow cooked with spices, butter, & cream
Dal Tadka
Yellow lentils tempered with ghee (purified butter), garlic, ginger, & spices in an onion-tomato sauce
Bhindi Do Pyazza
Fried okra with caramelized onions, spices, & herbs
FUSION
Chicken 65
Deep fried chicken sautéed in a tangy chili sauce stir fried with curry leaves, ginger, garlic & red chili.
Chili Chicken
Boneless crispy chicken marinated in a sweet, spicy chinese inspired sauce stir fried with onions, bell peppers, ginger & garlic.
Shrimp in Hot Garlic Sauce
Jumbo Shrimp caramelized & roasted in a hot, zesty garlic sauce.
Veggies in Hot Garlic Sauce
Seasonal vegetables caramelized & roasted in a hot, zesty garlic sauce.
Chili Paneer
Crispy batter fried paneer tossed in a sweet & spicy chili sauce stir fried with onions, bell peppers, & garlic.
Hakka Noodles
Stir fried wheat noodles with fresh vegetables, bell peppers, soya sauce, spices, & chili oil
Gobi Manchurian
Crispy deep fried cauliflower tossed in a sweet, sour & spicy Manchurian sauce stir fried with ginger & garlic
Malai Kofta
Crisp fried balls of potato & cottage cheese with mixed vegetables covered in a creamy sauce of tomatoes, onions, spices, & nuts.
Deserts
Gulab Jamun
Little fried balls of milk based dough soaked in a warm & sweet rose syrup
Gajjar Halwa
Traditional North Indian dessert made with fresh grated carrots, milk, ghee, sugar, & cashews.
Kheer
Indian rice pudding made basmati rice, sugar, milk, & cardamom garnished with nuts.
Kulfi
Indian creamy & delicious milk based ice cream Classic & mango flavors.
Rasmalai
Juicy discs of paneer soaked in syrup & served in a thickened milk cream, garnished with nuts
3. Chilli India
Chilli India is one of the most convenient Indian restaurants in Melbourne CBD, located inside Melbourne Central. It is a practical choice for shoppers, office workers, students, commuters and anyone looking for a quick but satisfying Indian meal around La Trobe Street.
The appeal is range and convenience. Chilli India covers many of the Indian dishes people look for in the city: curries, biryani, dosa, uttapam, rice dishes, breads, vegetarian options, meat curries and spice-forward comfort food. That makes it useful for lunch breaks, pre-movie meals, shopping-day dinners and casual CBD eating.
Chilli India works well when you want Indian food without making the meal too formal. It is more of a high-convenience city restaurant than a hidden destination dining room, but that is exactly why it belongs on this list. Melbourne CBD needs places where you can get dependable Indian food quickly, and Chilli India fills that role well.
Chilli India is best for quick Indian meals, casual dinners, vegetarian-friendly choices, biryani, dosa, curries, Melbourne Central lunches and anyone who wants Indian food in a very central location.
Address: Shop GD086, 211 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
Chilli India Menu
Vegetarian Starters
65 Specials (V)
Marinated with chilli, Indian spices and deep fried.
Chole Batura
Veg Manchurian
Samosa Chat
Popular Indian chat where samosa is served with chickpea curry and spices
Papdi Chat
Deep-fried pastry, potato, chickpeas served cold with chef's special spiced yogurt garnished with onion and coriander
Karivepaku Gobi (Cauliflower)/ Paneer
Spicy traditional South Indian dish, where Gobi / Paneer is sauteed with curry leaves
Crispy Corn (V)
Fried corn kernels sauteed with spices.
Onion Pakora (V)(VG)
Bite sized pieces of onions and fried in a lightly spiced batter.
Egg Entrees
Chilli Specials (V)
A spicy, crispy dish that is sauteed with bell peppers, onions and a chilli paste. A Indo Chinese hakka dish.
Dragon Specials (V)
This is Indo Chinese hakka dish is batter fried and sauteed in tomato chilli sauce with grounded spices.
Podi Gobi (V)
Cauliflower. Batter fried cauliflower and sauteed with spices. This dish is a Southern Indo Chinese.
Podi Paneer (V)
Batter fried cottage cheese and sauteed with spices. This dish is a Southern Indo Chinese.
Onion Egg Pakora (V)
Sliced boiled egg, onions and fried with spiced chickpea batter.
Egg Dosa
South Indian thin rice pancake.
Egg Entree
South Indian thin rice pancake.
Non Vegetarian Starters
Chicken Tikka (GF)
Boneless chicken marinated with spices, ginger and garlic cooked in a tandoori. A mild flavoured dish.
Chicken Lolipop
Chicken 65
Dices of boneless chicken marinated with spices and batter fried.
Dragon Specials
Spicy Indo Chinese and batter fried sauteed with sauce.
Dry Goat (GF)
Goat marinated and cooked dry.
Chilli Chicken
Dices of boneless chicken marinated, fried and sauteed with chilli paste.
Chettinad Fried Chicken (GF)
Chicken fried with coconut oil. A South Indian dish.
Guntur Chicken
Fried chicken tossed with crunchy mixed spices from Guntur.
Podi Chicken
Chicken sauteed in Andhra spices.
Chicken Manchurian
Dices of boneless chicken marinated, fried and sauteed with a Indo Chinese sauce.
Fish 65
Fish pieces marinated with spices and batter fried.
karivepaku Chicken
Chilli Prawn
Prawns marinated, fried and sauteed with chilli paste.
Chilli Fish
Fried fish sauteed with chilli paste.
Chicken Tikka Pakora
Fried Chicken in tandoor with yoghurt and spices.
Prawn Manchurian
Prawns marinated, fried and sauteed with a Indo Chinese sauce.
Prawn 65
Prawns marinated with spices and deep fried.
Fish Manchurian
Marinated fish pieces fried and sauteed with Indo Chinese sauce.
Vegetarian Curries
Mixed Vegetable Konkan (V)(GF)
Made with coconut cream and spices.
Paneer Tikka Masala (V)(GF)
Cottage cheese cooked with cashews, onion, tomato puree, butter and cream.
Punjabi Palak Paneer (V)(GF)
Dices of cottage cheese cooked in spinach puree with butter, cream and spices.
Shahi Paneer (V)(GF)
Dices of cottage cheese cooked with tomato puree with butter, cream and spices.
Dhal (V)(GF)
Malai Kofta (V)
Fried dumpling balls made from mashed potato, mixed vegetables and paneer. Served with a side of cream.
Rajasthani Chickpeas Masala (V)(VG)(GF)
Chickpeas cooked with onion, tomato puree and spices.
Sukhi Bhindi (Fried Okra) (V)(VG)(GF)
Sukhi Bhindi. Fried okra with coconut and spices.
Eggplant Masala (V)(GF)
Dices of eggplant cooked with ginger, garlic and tomatoes.
Kadai (V)(GF)
Cooked with spices, ginger, garlic and tomatoes.
Vegetable Korma (V)(GF)
Mild flavoured, vegetables with cashews, badam and a touch of yoghurt and cream.
Mushroom Tikka Masala (V)(GF)
Mushrooms cooked with cashews, onion, tomato puree, butter and cream.
Aloo Palak (V)(GF)
Dices of potato in spinach with mild spices and butter.
Bhindi Curry (V)(GF)
Okra cooked with onion, tomatoes and spices.
Palak Sabzi (V)(GF)
Vegetables cooked with spinach puree in butter, cream and spices.
Mushroom Palak (V)(GF)
Dices of mushroom in spinach with mild spices and butter.
Non Vegetarian Curries
Butter Chicken (GF)
A dish cooked with butter, almonds, cashews and flavoured spices.
Goat Masala (GF)
Goat slow cooked with onions, tomatoes and spices.
Chicken Tikka Masala (GF)
Chicken tikka with a sauce prepared with ground cashews, tomato puree and cream.
Lamb Rogan Josh (GF)
Lamb cooked gently with onions, tomatoes and ground spices.
Chicken Korma (GF)
Mildly flavoured chicken with cashews, badam and a touch of yoghurt and cream.
Andhra Chicken Curry (GF)
Chicken curry made in a Andhra style with spices.
Chicken Daniya (GF)
Chicken cooked with spices, ginger, garlic and lots of coriander.
Palak Specials (GF)
Puree of spinach cooked with butter, cream and spices.
Chicken Vindaloo
Your Choice of meat( Chicken) cooked in hot vindaloo sauce garnished with coriander , a delicacy from Goa.
Chicken Curry (GF)
Chicken cooked in a style with lots of onions, ginger and garlic paste.
Lamb Vindaloo
Your Choice of meat( Lamb) cooked in hot vindaloo sauce garnished with coriander , a delicacy from Goa.
Prawn Curry (GF)
A wholesome prawn curry made with spicy coconut sauce, straight from the land of coconuts and Kerala.
Lamb Korma (GF)
Mild flavoured lamb with cashews and yoghurt.
Kadai Specials (GF)
Cooked with spices, ginger and garlic.
Egg Masala (GF)
Made with boiled eggs, onion, tomatoes and spices. A chilli India.
Konkan Specials (GF)
Karnataka made with coconut cream and spices.
Beef Korma (GF)
Mild flavoured beef with cashews and yoghurt.
Tandoori Breads
Garlic Naan
Naan spread with garlic and butter.
Plain Naan
Indian flatbread cooked in tandoor.
Butter Naan
Naan spread with butter.
Cheese Garlic Naan
Chicken Tikka Naan
Naan stuffed with chicken tikka pieces.
Sagar Kulcha
Flaky bread stuffed with spiced paneer and potato.
Coriander and Mint Naan
Naan spread with chopped mint and coriander.
Onion Kulcha
Naan stuffed with thinly sliced onions.
Cheese Naan
Naan stuffed with cheese.
Cheese Chilli Naan
Kashmiri Naan
Naan stuffed with nuts and raisins.
Rice Dishes
Hyderabadi Goat Dum Biryani
Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani
Chicken 65 Biryani
Plain Rice
Vegetable Dum Biryani
Flavoured rice cooked with vegetables and spices.
Extras Chilli egg
Extras Raita
Family Pack Chicken Dum Biryani
Saffron Rice
Jeera Rice
Haleem Goat
Family Pack Goat Dum Biryani
Jumbo Pack Goat Dum Biryani
Papads
Four pieces.
Extras Salan
Coconut Rice
Jumbo Pack Chicken Dum Biryani
Curry Leaf Rice
Steamed rice mixed with dried curry leaf powder, tamarind and ghee.
Family pack chicken 65 Biryani
Jumbo Pack Chicken 65 Biryani
Family Pack Vegetable Dum Biryani
Onion Salad
Jumbo Pack Vegetable Dum Biryani
Desserts
Rasmalai
Made using cheese (paneer).
Gulab Jamun
Made using powdered milk, flour, baking powder and ghee. The dough is then moulded into balls, deep fried and coated with sugar syrup.
Bread Halwa
Sweet paan
Apricot Delight
Noodles
Chicken Noodles
Veg Noodles
Podi Chicken Noodles
Egg Noodles
Podi Veg Noodles
Noodles stir-fried with vegetables sauteed in traditional Indian spices and sauces.
Beverages
Juice 300ml Varieties (Tropical juice 425ml)
Please Customise for Flavour Choice $4.95
Fuze Iced Tea 500ml Varieties (Peach Tea 500ml)
Please Customise for Flavour Choice $4.95
Fuze Iced Tea 500ml Varieties (Lemon Tea 500ml)
Please Customise for Flavour Choice $4.95
Fuze Iced Tea 500ml Varieties (Mango Tea 500ml)
Please Customise for Flavour Choice $4.95
Mount Franklin Still 600ml
Mango lassi
Thumps up
Goli soda mojitho
Butter milk
Goli soda lemon lime
Goli soda orange
Limca
Ginger beer
Juice 300ml Varieties (Orange juice 425ml)
Please Customise for Flavour Choice $4.95
4. Khabbay Restaurant
Khabbay Restaurant brings another strong Pakistani and Indian option to Carlton’s Lygon Street. It is a good choice when you want a generous, casual meal built around barbecue, curries, rice, breads and the kind of dishes that suit families and groups.
The food direction is hearty and traditional. Khabbay is especially useful when the table wants grilled meats, biryani, rich curries, naan and shareable dishes with plenty of spice and comfort. It is the type of restaurant where ordering several plates is usually better than ordering one dish each, because the variety is part of the experience.
Khabbay works well for family dinners, group meals, casual celebrations and late dinners around Carlton. It also gives diners another halal-friendly Lygon Street choice, which is helpful for groups looking beyond the suburb’s more familiar Italian restaurants.
Khabbay Restaurant is best for Pakistani food, Indian food, halal-friendly dining, barbecue platters, biryani, curries, family meals and relaxed group dinners in Carlton.
Address: 140–146 Lygon Street, Carlton
Khabbay Restaurant Menu
VEG ENTRÉE
Mushroom Tikka
Mushrooms, capsicum, & onions coated with a flavourful marinate, grilled on charcoal, served with mint raita.
Paneer Tikka
Delicate pieces of cottage cheese marinated in yogurt, spices, grilled on charcoal with capsicum & onions served with mint raita.
Chilli Mushroom
Delicious, crunchy deep-fried mushrooms sauté with spicy green chillies, onions, crispy capsicum & sauces
Chilli Paneer
Delicately diced fried paneer sauté with spicy green chillies, onions, crispy capsicum & sauces
Samosa Chat
Two pieces of samosas topped with hot chickpeas, mint raita and sweet tamarind sauce.
Samosa Serve
Two pieces of samosa served with sweet tamarind sauce & mint raita
Papri Chaat
Potatoes, chickpeas, tomatoes, onions topped up with mint yoghurt, sweet tamarind sauce & crispy papri
Gol Gappe
Gol Gappe filled with potatoes, chickpeas, onions, topped up with mint yoghurt, sweet and tamarind sauce along with green chilli sauce
BBQ CHOICE
Grilled Charcoal Fish
Barramundi fish with bones marinated overnight with spices, grilled on charcoal served with tamarind sauce.
Chicken Sheesh Tao
Boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated with traditional spices and tamarind sauce, served with grilled vegetables & mint raita.
Chicken Tikka Boti
Boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated with traditional pickle spices, grilled on charcoal, served with mint raita.
Chicken Achari Boti
Boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated with traditional pickle spices, grilled on charcoal, served with mint raita.
Chicken Malai Boti
Juicy boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated in cream & spices, grilled on hot Smokey charcoal, Served with mint raita.
Chicken Cheesy Boti
Juicy boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated in cream & spices, grilled on charcoal with melted cheese, served with mint raita.
Chicken Sesame Boti
Juicy boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated in cream, spices, coated sesame seeds, grilled on charcoal, served with mint raita.
Chicken Kastoori Boti
Boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated in a creamy blend of spices, grilled to perfection with a bold black pepper crunch, served with mint raita.
Chicken Seekh Kebab
Juicy mince kebabs marinated with fresh garlic, ginger, onion, herbs & spices cooked on grilled charcoal, served with mint raita.
Chicken Reshmi Kebab
Juicy mince kebabs marinated with traditional spices, herbs, cream & cheese grilled on charcoal, served with mint raita.
Lamb Seekh Kebab
Lamb mince kebabs marinated with fresh garlic, ginger, onion, herbs & spices, grilled on charcoal, served with mint raita.
KHABBAY'S SPECIAL
Mix Platter
Choose any two (tikka boti/Malai boti/chicken kebab/lamb kebab) served with salad, masala rice, bread & dips
Khabbay’s Special Platter
1 skewer of chicken tikka boti, 1 skewer of malai boti, 2 chicken kebabs, 2 lamb kebabs served with mint raita
Khabbay’s Super Platter
1 skewer of chicken tikka boti, 1 skewer of malai boti, 1 skewer of cheesy boti, 2 chicken kebabs, 2 lamb kebabs served with mint raita
Khabbay’s Supreme Platter
1 skewer of chicken tikka boti, 1 skewer of malai boti, 1 skewer of achari boti, 1 skewer of cheesy boti, 4 chicken kebabs, 2 lamb kebabs served with mint raita
CHICKEN CORNER
Butter Chicken
Marinated grilled tikka simmered in a rich, creamy and buttery tomato-based gravy.
Chicken Tikka Palak
Marinated grilled tikka cooked in tomatoes, onions, spices and fresh spinach.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Marinated grilled tikka simmered in a creamy, tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices.
Chicken Kebab Masala
Chicken mince kebabs simmered in a creamy, tomato-based sauce infused in aromatic spices.
Lahori Chicken Karahi
Chicken with bones cooked in onions, Tomatoes, Yoghurt, herbs and spices in authentic Pakistani–Style.
Boneless Chicken Karahi
Diced boneless chicken thigh pieces cooked in onions, tomatoes, yoghurt, herbs and spices in Authentic Pakistani-Style.
Chicken Handi
Boneless chicken thigh marinated in yoghurt, cream & spices, cooked in mixture of onions, & tomatoes.
Chicken Methi Handi
Boneless chicken thigh marinated in yoghurt, cream & selective spices, cooked in mixture of onions, tomatoes & fenugreek.
Chicken Ginger
Boneless chicken thigh cooked in yogurt and tomatoes along with fresh ginger and spices.
Chicken Jalfrezi
Boneless chicken thigh cooked in yoghurt, tomatoes and spices with capsicums and onions.
Chicken Madrasi
Boneless chicken thigh sauté with mustard & curry leaves, cooked in yoghurt, tomatoes, spices & coconut cream.
Chicken Achari
Boneless chicken thigh cooked in special mixture of spices & pickle along with fresh tomatoes.
Chicken Rajasthani
Boneless chicken thigh cooked in tomato-based gravy with kashmiri chillies & spices.
Chicken Makhni
Boneless chicken thigh cooked in yogurt, creamy butter sauce, & spices.
Cheesy Handi
Boneless chicken thigh cooked in creamy & cheesy sauce along with spices.
Chicken Hara Masala
Boneless chicken thigh cooked in onion and creamy sauce, mixture of green herbs & traditional spices.
MUTTON CORNER
Mutton Karahi
Goat with bones cooked in fresh tomatoes, yoghurt, herbs and spices in authentic Pakistani–Style.
Lamb Kebab Masala
Lamb minced kebabs simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices.
Lamb Palak
Diced tender lamb cooked in tomatoes, onions, spices and fresh spinach.
Lamb Korma
Diced lamb cooked in rich Almond based gravy with a blend of authentic spices.
Lamb Rogan Josh
Diced lamb cooked on slow heat with tomatoes, kashmiri chilli, yogurt and spices.
Lamb Achari
Diced lamb cooked in rich tomato sauce with pickle spices, and yogurt.
Lamb Vindaloo
Diced tender lamb simmered in a hot and vibrant vindaloo sauce.
SEAFOOD CORNER
Prawn Masala
Prawns tossed with onions and capsicums along with tomato based creamy gravy.
Prawn Karahi
Prawns cooked in traditional Pakistani style with onions, tomatoes, yogurt and spices topped with fresh ginger and coriander.
Prawn Madras
Prawns sauté with mustard & curry leaves, cooked with fresh tomato, yogurt, spices & coconut cream.
VEGGIE CORNER
Paneer Karahi
Pieces of cottage cheese along with onions and capsicums cooked in rich tomato and onion sauce topped with fresh ginger and coriander.
Paneer Masala
Cheese cooked in smooth cashew sauce, toasted onions, capsicums, finished with touch of cream.
Paneer Makhni
Popular punjabi dish made with paneer, tomatoes, cashews, spices, cream and butter.
Shahi Paneer
Mughlai paneer cooked in a creamy sauce made with onions, yoghurt and nuts.
Palak Paneer
Indian cottage cheese cubes cooked in fresh green spinach & combination of creamy sauce and herbs.
Matar Paneer
Peas and cottage cheese cooked in creamy tomatoes, spices and onion sauce.
Matar Mushroom
Fresh mushroom and green peas cooked in creamy tomato gravy along with traditional spices.
Daal Mash
Sauté yellow lentils delicately cooked in fresh tomatoes and spices topped with fresh ginger & coriander.
Daal Makhni
Slow-cooked black lentils and kidney beans in a rich, creamy butter sauce.
Lahori Channe
White chickpeas soaked overnight, cooked in traditional spices and topped with fresh coriander.
Veggie Achari
Mix of fresh vegetables cooked with fresh tomato and authentic pickle spices.
Veg Masala
Mix of fresh vegetables cooked in creamy onion and tomato sauce with traditional spices.
Veg Korma
Mix vegs cooked in rich Almond based gravy with a blend of authentic spices.
Malai Kofta
Vegetable fried dumpling toasted in rich tomato and creamy sauce.
TRADITIONAL
Beef Nihari
Chicken Haleem
BREAD CORNER
Plain Roti
Plain Naan
Butter Roti
Butter Naan
Garlic Naan
Kalwanji Naan
Sesame Kulcha
DIPS AND SALADS
Mint Raita
Tamarind Sauce
Salad
Onion Salad
RICE
Chicken Tikka Biryani
Chicken Biryani
Plain Rice
SWEETS
Gajar Halwa
Gulaab Jaman
Kulfi Pistachio
Kulfi Mango
DRINKS
Any Can
Any Holsten Drink
Cardamom Chai
Masala Chai
SIDES
Kids Chips & Nuggets
5. Chai N Chilli
Chai N Chilli gives Melbourne CBD a more regional Indian food experience. Located on King Street, it is especially known for vegetarian Maharashtrian and Mumbai-style food, which makes it different from broader curry houses and North Indian restaurants.
This is the place to think about when you want Indian snacks, street-food energy and vegetarian comfort dishes. The menu direction includes dishes such as vada pav, misal pav, thalipeeth, poori bhaji, puran poli, chaat and masala chai. These are the kinds of dishes that give the restaurant a clear identity rather than making it feel like a generic Indian menu.
Chai N Chilli is especially useful for vegetarian diners because vegetarian food is not treated as a side category. It is central to the restaurant’s purpose. That makes it a strong choice for casual lunches, quick dinners, Indian snack cravings, chai breaks and anyone interested in Maharashtrian flavours in the CBD.
Chai N Chilli is best for vegetarian Indian food, Maharashtrian dishes, vada pav, misal pav, masala chai, casual lunches, quick dinners and diners looking for a more regional Indian restaurant in Melbourne.
Address: 181/183 King Street, Melbourne
Chai N Chilli Menu
Featured Items
Vada Pav
Pav Bhaji
Dabeli
Mumbai Grilled Sandwich
Matki Usal+ 2 Bhakri (मटकी उसळ + २ भाकरी)
Mumbai Bhelpuri
Poori Bhaji Aamras (पुरी भाजी आमरस )
Breakfast Menu
Masala Tea
Indian Black Tea brewed with aromatic Spices and Herbs
BRU Coffee
Indian BRU coffee
Pohe (Onion /Potato)
Flattened rice cooked with onion / potatoes and spices and garnished with coconut & Sev
Idli Chutney Sambar
Savoury steamed rice cakes with chutney and lentil and vegetable stew
Thalipeeth
Savoury multigrain flat bread served with butter and peanut chutney
Upma
Savoury porridge made with semolina and veggies served with chutney, garnished with sev and desiccated coconut
Veg Puffs
Mixed veggies cooked in aromatic spices and baked inside a puff pastry until golden and crispy
Vada Paav
Soft bread stuffed with deep fried spicy potato patty served with green and tamarind Chutney
Misal Paav
Spicy curry made with moth beans topped with bhujia and onion served with bread
Vada Usal
Spicy curry made with moth beans topped with potato patty and onion served with bread
Snacks
Aloo Tikki Chaat
Boiled potatoes cakes, shallow fried, with peas and various curry spices. Served along with tamarind and coriander-mint sauce, yogurt, chopped onion
Ragda Pattis
Potatoes, white peas, and various curry spices, served hot along with a side of tamarind and coriander-mint sauce & chopped onion
Pav Bhaji
Smashed veggies served with a generous amount of butter topped along with some fresh chopped onions and eaten with bread
Papadi Chaat / Palak Papdi Chaat
Crunchy base of poori or deep fried spinach gram flour batter topped with sweet and sour chutney, yoghurt and sev.
Bombay Grilled Sandwich
Healthy Brunch option bread slices with spicy chutney, vegetables, cheese grilled to golden brown served with tomato catchup
Kanda Bhaji
Onion slices dipped in gram flour and spices deep fried and served with tamarind and mint sauce
Poori Bhaaji
Potato veggie with served with deep fried bread
Kothimbeer Vadi
Coriander fritters served with chutney
Assorted Paratha
Unleavened dough stuffed with assorted fillings of paneer, potato, green peas and cooked on a flat griddle.
Samosa
Plain flour deep fried shell stuffed with mashed boiled potato, onions, green peas, lentils, spices and green chi... served with tamarind and mint sauce
Drinks Menu
Sol Kadi
Refreshing drink made from coconut milk and spices
Mango Lassi
Made from yogurt and mango pulp
Salted Lassi
Made from yogurt and Salt
Thumps Up
Coke | Diet Coke
Soft Drinks
Sweets
Ukadiche Modak 1 pc
Steamed rice flour shell filled with grated coconut, jaggery and cardamom filling served with melted ghee.
Mango Modak 1 pc
Steamed rice flour shell filled with grated coconut, mango pulp and cardamom filling served with melted ghee.
PuranPoli 1 pc
Sweet flat bread stuffed with a sugar and jaggery chickpeas filling served with ghee.
Pineapple Sheera
Luscious dessert made with sweet and tangy fresh pineapple cooked in ghee roasted semolina garnished with aromatic saffron and nuts
Shrikhand
A very popular Indian sweet dish made with hung yogurt, saffron, almonds and mango pulp
Gulab Jamun 1 pc
Soft, milk based sweet dumpling made with evaporated milk and soaked in cardamom flavored sugar syrup
Moong Halwa
A classic Indian sweet dessert made with moong dal and ghee
Final word
The best Indian restaurants in Melbourne cover a useful mix of regions, styles and occasions. Ziyka Pakistani Indian Restaurant is the Carlton pick for Pakistani and Indian feasts on Lygon Street. Aroma Restaurant is the CBD halal-friendly choice for Pakistani curries, barbecue and biryani. Chilli India is the Melbourne Central option for convenient Indian meals, dosa, curries and quick dinners. Khabbay Restaurant is the Lygon Street favourite for Pakistani barbecue, curries and group dining. Chai N Chilli is the King Street vegetarian restaurant for Maharashtrian dishes, Mumbai snacks and masala chai.
Together, they show why Melbourne’s Indian and Pakistani dining scene is so strong: generous, regional, halal-friendly, vegetarian-friendly and varied enough to suit everything from quick city lunches to big family dinners.