Babu Ji

Overview

Set against a backdrop of Hindi pop music and projected Bollywood films, Babu Ji has been regarded as one of Melbourne's best Indian restaurants since opening in 2014. 

Famous for its incredible home-style flavours, Babu Ji's menu leans into authentic Indian cooking and street food, while a contemporary twist is evident both in the decor and on the plate. The food is simple yet sophisticated, and most dishes are designed to be shared amongst friends. 

From the pot, there are choice picks like butter chicken and lamb rogan josh, as well as vegetarian options such as blue pumpkin and chickpea curry with roasted cherry tomatoes or black lentils in ginger, garlic and garam masala. 

The street-food menu offers papdi chat, the motherland's version of nachos and salsa, prawn momos and soy chilli cauliflower. The sweet and sour pork marinated in honey glaze with apple chutney and tempered with fennel and onion seeds is the standout. 

There are a range of salads to compliment the mains including a roasted pumpkin salad with ricotta, wild pepper and pumpkin seeds and the naan menu includes a Kashmari naan stuffed with almonds and cashew nuts as well as a gluten free option. 

Be sure to stay for dessert and enjoy a flattened cheesecake in a sweetened creamy milk and a mango lassi. Alcoholic drinks include both the Kingfisher Indian lager and the Babuji lager, both ideal pairings for babu Ji's expertly spiced curries.