Top 10 Indian Dishes You Shouldn’t Miss in Melbourne

Melbourne boasts of a rich food culture in which worldly cuisines mix with ease, and Indian food has established a solid footing in the Melbourne food arena. The Indian food with its rich spices, comforting curries and bold flavours mix with the Nepalese influences to form a wonderful and satisfying culinary experience. Street-style snacks and hearty curries are just some of the dishes available to all palates, including must-try nepalese vegetarian dishes that add variety to the experience. Here in this guide, we have listed dishes that must be tried and where to do it whether it is in Old Durbar, where most of these flavours are all gathered under one roof.

The reason why Indian Cuisine is so popular in Melbourne.

The Indian cuisine is flourishing in Melbourne due to the amazing variety of flavours- spicy, smoky, creamy and mild. The cuisine is inherently cosy and is meant to be shared, which makes it ideal as both a casual and group meal. The abundance of Indian and Nepalese restaurants in the city has also exposed the diners to more dishes, such as curries, naan, and street food delicacies. Such restaurants as Old Durbar are characteristic of this mixture, as they are able to provide a variety of traditional Indian or Himalayan-related food that would be attractive to a wide range of people, especially at a nepalese & indian restaurant in melbourne.

Top 10 Indian food dishes that you should taste in Melbourne.

Butter Chicken -The People Pleaser.

Butter Chicken is the favourite Indian food that is loved by people all over the world, and it is not difficult to understand why. It is a rich, slightly spiced and extraordinarily comforting creamy tomato-based curry that is a good dish to start with when trying Indian cuisine. 

Chicken Tikka – Spicy & Charcoal-grilled

Chicken Tikka is marinated and cooked in a tandoor (oven), resulting in a unique smoky and charred taste. It can be served as an appetiser or main course. Old Durbar also offers similar flavours with Nepalese-style grilled meats such as sekuwa, for a twist.

Goat Curry – Robust & Authentic

Goat curry is a rich dish, cooked slowly with spices to enhance the flavours. It’s not as popular, but a treat for traditional food lovers. Old Durbar’s regulars love the goat curry there.

Biryani – Fragrant Rice dish

Biryani is a fragrant rice mixed with spices, herbs and meat or vegetables. It’s a meal in itself and can be served with raita or curry. It’s a great choice for people who love spicy, fragrant food.

Naan & Roti – The Perfect Pair

Naan and roti are the perfect accompaniments to any Indian dish. The fluffy breads are great for dipping in curry, with garlic naan as a favourite. Old Durbar has fresh bread to accompany curries.

Samosa – The Perfect Snack

Samosas are deep-fried pastries with spiced potato or meat filling, giving them a delightful crunch. These are a traditional street snack and can make for a good start to your meal. They are often a favourite starter at Old Durbar.

Pani Puri – Street Food Explosion

Pani Puri is an interactive street food made of hollow puris filled with a spicy, sweet and sour water and other fillings. It’s a flavour explosion in every bite. It’s a lively starter at Old Durbar.

Prawn Masala – Seafood Delight

Prawn Masala is a flavourful dish with juicy prawns cooked in a gravy of spices. It’s a spicy yet satisfying dish. This is an excellent choice if you’re a seafood enthusiast and looking for a comforting yet spicy dish. This recipe is also on the menu at Old Durbar.

Dal (Lentil Curry) – A Staple Food

Dal is an essential Indian dish, cooked with lentils and gentle spices. It’s nutritious, filling and veggie-friendly. It can be part of a thali, complementing other, spicier foods. You can enjoy it as part of a thali at Old Durbar.

Thali – A Taste of India

Thali is a one-plate meal that combines several dishes to give you a taste of many flavours. It’s ideal for foodies who want to sample a variety of flavours. Old Durbar serves a Nepali thali, which mixes both Indian and Himalayan flavours.

Where to Eat These Indian Dishes in Melbourne

Melbourne is home to plenty of Indian restaurants with varied menus. But some, such as Old Durbar, are unique in serving both Indian and Nepalese food. It has branches all over Melbourne, making it accessible for both tourists and locals, including locations across indian restaurant brunswick, flinders, nunawading.

Old Durbar: A Good Place to Begin

Old durbar serves traditional flavours and a diverse menu of Indian and Nepalese cuisine. It offers classic dishes such as momo and goat curry, and thalis. It provides a laid-back, convenient dining or takeaway service.

Final Thoughts

Melbourne offers a delightful exploration of Indian cuisine, with a taste for everyone. Begin with popular options such as butter chicken and naan, before moving on to more authentic fare. To experience the best of both, try going to Old Durbar and ordering a combination of Indian and Nepalese food such as momo, curry and naan.