Chai 'N' Chilli — Restaurant in Melbourne

Chai and Chilli - A Taste of Authentic Mumbai and Maharashtrian Cuisine

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Chai and Chilli, a hidden gem tucked away in the bustling streets of Melbourne. As soon as I stepped foot into the restaurant, I was transported back to the vibrant flavors and aromas of Mumbai, my hometown. The owners of this establishment have truly captured the essence of Mumbai and Maharashtrian cuisine, bringing a taste of my childhood to the heart of Melbourne.

One of the things that struck me immediately was the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the owners. The owner himself was present, attentively moving from table to table, engaging in friendly conversations with each and every guest. His infectious smile and love for talking made me feel right at home. It was evident that he genuinely cared about his patrons' experiences and was dedicated to creating a memorable dining journey for each one of us.

Now, let's talk about the food! The menu at Chai and Chilli is daring and exciting, staying true to the flavors and authenticity of Mumbai's street food. I appreciated the fact that they didn't compromise on the traditional taste to cater to a global audience. From vada pav to pav bhaji, from pani puri to bhel puri, every dish was an explosion of flavors, taking me back to the bustling streets of Mumbai. The spices, the textures, and the presentation were spot on, showcasing the culinary expertise of the kitchen staff.

It's worth mentioning that Chai and Chilli is the first restaurant in Melbourne that truly embraces the Maharashtrian flavor. As someone who grew up relishing these dishes, I am thrilled to have found a place that preserves the authenticity and stays true to the roots of Maharashtrian cuisine. It was about time that someone brought the rich culinary heritage of Maharashtra to Melbourne, and Chai and Chilli has done an exceptional job.

If you find yourself in Melbourne, a visit to Chai and Chilli is an absolute must. Not only will you be treated to an authentic and flavorsome culinary experience, but you will also be greeted with warmth and hospitality that will make you feel like a part of the family. The owner's passion for food and dedication to his guests is truly commendable. So, whether you're craving a comforting plate of vada pav or wanting to explore the vibrant flavors of Mumbai street food, Chai and Chilli is the place to be.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Chai and Chilli to anyone seeking a true taste of Mumbai and Maharashtrian cuisine in Melbourne. Prepare yourself for a journey down memory lane and a culinary adventure that will leave you...

“Melbourne chi maati pan amachi manase”. This review is not only for the restaurant but for the awesome owners which helped me to regain my trust in humanity.

Was visiting from USA and on day one felt like trying Indian food, with all the obvious reviews ended up here and got to taste Misal, kokum and pav bhaji. All the dishes were really tasty and some they altered so that my four year could enjoy it . So I promised them that I would try the Wada pav next time before my vacation/trip ends.

But later that week, had a situation and my son ended up in emergency due to viral infection ( not food related), so when thinking about some simple homemade food that I should be bringing, I decided to call Sonali and without a second thought she sent the daal khichadi which was not on their menu with Kiran. Although I was only knowing them from previous visit to the restaurant but Kiran came all the way travelling for 30 mins plus and left after checking well being of my son without taking any money.

On second day, I was bit hesitant to ask for some food which off the menu but as did not have other option (because we were stuck at new place without knowing anyone). That day Sonali herself came to emergency to deliver the tiffin not only for my son but for all my family with various off the menu items and despite busy business hours for her.

On third day, when my son was discharged, I got call from her to check on our well being and informing that she is sending lunch for the family again ( without even asking for it) and Kiran did deliver it to our hotel on Sunday. This all help they did without any expectation and always avoided taking any money.

In subsequent week, I visited their restaurant quite a few times with my family and we tried most of the dishes. Misal pav is my personal favourite while mild pav bhaji is what my wife liked the most. My son enjoyed shabudana wada but more than that company of Kiran and Amit uncle.

In all these situations though I forgot to try the wada pav so I will have to visit Melbourne again 🤣

Thanks Sonali, Kiran and Amit for all your help. I feel like I know you forever.

Wish you all the best with the...

At the north east end of Docklands lies the unassuming @Chai.N.Chilli which serves Maharastrian and Mumbai street food. We ordered the following: Pav bhaji Bombay grilled sandwich Ragda patties Pani puri Puran poli

I had a small taste of the pav bhaji which comes with an Indian style bread roll which is dipped into the spicy vegetable curry. The ragda patties on the other hand are more my go, a potato based pattie immersed in a tasty curry with a milder white chickpea (dhal) mix and topped with two chutneys.

I wasn't sure what to expect with the Bombay grilled sandwich but was recommended this by my colleagues. Once you much through the chips to get to the quartered sandwich, a crunchy bread, oozing cheese, soft potato slices and a mild spiced onion and vegetable mix oozes flavour. This can get a little messy but is very tasty and unique.

The pani puri is hard to pass up - 8 golden brown crispy hollow balls, crack the top with your thumb, fill with the mild dhal mix, pour the little bottle of mild green spiced water, add the onion mix, and pop the whole thing in your mouth and let the flavours mix. Yum.

Dinner was washed down with a lovely mango lassi. I was also urged to try the puran poli, a thin flat bread which sandwiches jaggery (kind of like brown sugar) and makes for a nice dessert which isn't too sweet but comforting. I also had a taste of shrikhand, a very rich creamy custard which has a nice lemon tang before finishing with a soothing after-taste of cardamom.

Wow, what an array of different dishes and flavours. Completely different to anything I've eaten before. Very satisfying.

#IndianFood #pavbhaji #vegetarian #dhal #MumbaiStreetFood #RagdaPattie #MangoLassi #BombayGrilledSandwich #PaniPuri #dinner #dessert #PuranPoli #melbournefood...