Desi Dhaba — Restaurant in Melbourne

A True Gem for Indian Cuisine Lovers

If you’re looking for an authentic Indian dining experience, Desi Dhaba is the place to be! This restaurant is a celebration of Indian flavors, culture, and hospitality, and it doesn’t disappoint.

From the moment you walk in, the ambiance transports you to a vibrant dhaba (roadside eatery) in India. The decor is a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern aesthetics, with bright colors, traditional Indian artwork, and even Bollywood music playing softly in the background. It sets the tone for a delightful culinary journey.

Food: The menu is extensive, offering a mix of traditional Indian dishes and some innovative twists. I started with their tandoori platter, and wow! The smoky aroma, tender meat, and the burst of spices were simply outstanding. The paneer tikka for vegetarians was equally amazing—charred to perfection with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

For mains, the butter chicken was hands-down the best I’ve ever had. The creamy tomato-based gravy was rich and flavorful, with just the right balance of spices. Their dal makhani was a close second—slow-cooked, creamy, and packed with flavor. Pair these with their buttery naan or fluffy basmati rice, and you’ve got a feast fit for a king!

Another standout dish was the lamb biryani. Fragrant, perfectly spiced, and accompanied by a refreshing raita, it was an absolute treat. Vegetarians will love their palak paneer and veg korma, which are equally delicious and thoughtfully prepared.

Drinks and Desserts: Don’t miss their mango lassi—it’s thick, creamy, and refreshingly sweet, the perfect accompaniment to the bold flavors of the food. For dessert, I highly recommend the gulab jamun and kulfi. The gulab jamun was warm, soft, and soaked in just the right amount of syrup, while the kulfi had a rich, creamy texture with a hint of cardamom.

Service: The staff at Desi Dhaba are warm, attentive, and knowledgeable. They’re happy to make recommendations, accommodate dietary preferences, and ensure you have a memorable dining experience. Despite the restaurant being busy, our food arrived promptly, and every dish was served with a smile.

Value for Money: For the quality and quantity of food, Desi Dhaba offers excellent value. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. Whether you’re dining solo, with family, or a large group, you’ll leave feeling satisfied and happy.

Overall: Desi Dhaba is more than just a restaurant—it’s a destination for anyone who loves Indian food or is curious to explore it. The combination of authentic flavors, a welcoming atmosphere, and outstanding service makes it a...

I have visited this restaurant twice, and unfortunately, both experiences were extremely disappointing and unsafe. After dining there yesterday, I’ve been seriously unwell. I’ve been vomiting non-stop since last night and suffering from severe gastro symptoms. This isn’t just about poor service or bad food – it’s about a serious lapse in food safety and hygiene standards.

Let me break down the experience. First, the food itself was a disaster. The dish I ordered was so overly salty that it was completely inedible. When we sent it back, the replacement wasn’t even properly cooked, which raises serious concerns about their kitchen practices. Additionally, I specifically ordered spicy chicken, but they brought out sweet chicken instead. It felt like the staff weren’t paying attention to our order or didn’t care to get it right.

The service was equally lackluster. The staff were unprofessional and seemed completely uninterested in their work. There wasn’t a single smile or welcoming gesture – just dull, disinterested expressions. It gave the impression that they didn’t want to be there and weren’t invested in providing even basic hospitality.

What’s more, the cleanliness of the restaurant left a lot to be desired. The place looked like it hadn’t been cleaned properly in a long time. Tables were sticky, and the overall atmosphere felt unhygienic. In hindsight, the state of the restaurant should have been a red flag, but I gave it the benefit of the doubt, which I now deeply regret.

Both of my visits to this restaurant have resulted in food poisoning, and this latest experience has been particularly awful. Management needs to take immediate and drastic action to address their food preparation, cleanliness, and staff training. Food poisoning is not something to take lightly – it’s a serious health hazard, and no customer should have to go through what I’ve experienced.

I strongly advise others to avoid this restaurant until these issues...

We recently visited Desi Dhaba in Melbourne, and it was an exceptional experience that transported us straight to the heart of India. This restaurant truly stands out for its authenticity, with dishes that are bursting with traditional flavors and spices.

What we had: Tandoori Meat Platter ($29.5): An impressive assortment of tandoori meats, each piece marinated to perfection and cooked just right, offering a delicious introduction to the meal. Punjabi Butter Chicken ($23.9): Absolutely divine. The chicken was tender, bathed in a rich, creamy sauce with a beautiful balance of spices that was comforting and addictive. Goat Vindaloo ($23.9): For those who like it hot, this dish delivered. The goat was tender, and the sauce was a vibrant mix of tangy and spicy flavors that packed a serious punch. Garlic Naan ($5): The perfect sidekick to every dish, soft, warm, and fragrant with garlic, it was ideal for sopping up all that delicious sauce.

The ambiance of Desi Dhaba adds to the allure, with eclectic decor that captures the vibrant energy of India, making the dining environment as delightful as the food.

What really made our visit memorable was the service. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring we felt welcomed and well taken care of throughout our meal.

Desi Dhaba isn't just a place to eat; it's a destination. For anyone in Melbourne craving authentic Indian cuisine, this restaurant is a must-visit. It offers a genuine taste of India's culinary richness, combined with heartwarming hospitality that makes you want to return. We'll definitely be...