Belgrave South Indian Restaurant
Babaji's Kerala Kitchen Belgrave, Melbourne

Experience a little bit of Kerala, South India in Melbourne's Dandenong Ranges...

On the fringes of Melbourne, Babaji's Belgrave brings the tropical flavours of South India to the heart of the Dandenong Ranges.

Looking for somewhere to eat after Puffing Billy?

Just a short stroll from Puffing Billy Steam Railway, Babaji's Kerala Kitchen is one of Belgrave's most loved dining destinations. Whether you're finishing a steam train adventure through the Dandenong Ranges or spending the day exploring 'the hills', we're the perfect place to settle in for lunch, dinner or a cosy chai.

Our menu celebrates the food of Kerala, a tropical state on India's south-west coast known for fragrant spices, coconut-rich curries, crispy dosas and legendary hospitality. 

With colourful interiors, friendly service and plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans and meat lovers alike, Babaji's offers a dining experience that's very different from the ordinary.

Why visitors love Babaji's Belgrave

Visit Babaji's and you'll feel at home. 

Mallu - from Kerala? You'll taste mums cooking.

First time trying South Indian? You'll feel welcomed, and there will be no overwhelm of working out a new cuisine.  We'll guide you, from nervous beginners to those wanting the real Kerala experience (finger eating definitely encouraged) - we'll show you how to eat like a true Mallu!

Since opening our Belgrave doors in 2016, folk drive from across Victoria to Babaji's because we're:

• Located in the heart of Belgrave, surrounded by the rainforest and just minutes from Puffing Billy Railway. 
• One of Victoria's most awarded Indian restaurants.
• Family friendly, with dishes to suit adventurous eaters and cautious ones.
• Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free friendly.
• Dog friendly in our outdoor dining areas.
• Easily accessible by metro train from Melbourne, with Belgrave Station just a five minute walk away.

Whether you're visiting the Dandenong Ranges for the day or making a weekend of it, Babaji's is a warm and welcoming place to relax and enjoy a meal.

What makes Kerala food different to other Indian?

Kerala, 'land of the coconuts', sits on India's tropical Malabar Coast, where spices, coconuts and centuries of spice trading history have shaped one of the country's most distinctive cuisines.

Unlike many North Indian dishes Australians are familiar with, Kerala food is lighter, brighter and often built around fresh coconut, curry leaves, tamarind, black pepper and seafood. It's the home of plenty of fresh fish, flaky parottas with addictive beef fry, crispy dosas, fragrant biryanis and traditional vegetarian banana leaf feasts known as sadya.

If you've never tried South Indian food before, you're in for a treat. 

Signature dishes to try

Not sure where to start?  Some of the most loved dishes at Babajis include:

Dosa

South India's answer to the crêpe. Made from fermented rice and lentils, served with sambar and house-made chutneys.

Kerala Beef Fry

A Babaji's favourite. Slow-cooked dry fried beef tossed with shallots black pepper, curry leaves, roasted spices and chunky coconut.

Babaji's Biryani

Fragrant jeera rice layered with aromatic spices & chicken. Ours is inspired by the many Muslim weddings we've been honoured to cook for in our hometown of Varkala, Kerala. 

Kappa and Fish Curry

A true taste of Kerala. Steamed coconut & curry leave infused smashed tapioca served with our traditional tamarind fish curry.

Sadya

Things to do in Belgrave

Planning a day in the Dandenong Ranges? Pair your visit to Babaji's with some of the region's most loved attractions.

• Ride the historic Puffing Billy Railway.
• Wander through the towering Mountain Ash forests of Sherbrooke.
• Swing through the trees like a monkey at Treetops Adventure ropes course. 
• Visit Grants Picnic Ground and spot native birdlife & echidnas.
• Catch a film at the historic Cameo Cinema.
• Explore the cafes, galleries and independent shops of Belgrave.

After a day of exploring the hills, settle in with a dosa, a curry and a warming cup of chai.

Find more things to do in the Dandenong Ranges...

Plan your visit

Babaji's Kerala Kitchen Belgrave is located in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, making it an ideal stop for day-trippers, families, walkers and food lovers.

Whether you're visiting Puffing Billy, exploring the forests or simply looking for one of the best restaurants in Belgrave, we'd love to welcome you.

Bookings are recommended on weekends and during school holidays.

Find Babaji's Kerala Kitchen - Belgrave