A community-driven South Indian restaurant in Warburton & Belgrave

Babaji’s Kerala Kitchen is a South Indian restaurant in Warburton (Yarra Valley) and Belgrave (Dandenong Ranges) — built on one simple idea:

Good humans helping other good humans.

Why giving back matters to Babaji’s

Babaji’s Kerala Kitchen began in 2014, when Max came from Kerala to start a new life in Australia with Billy from Melbourne’s Dandenong Ranges.

Like many people starting again from scratch, it wasn’t easy. There was hard work, very little money, and a lot of uncertainty. At a time when Babaji’s was just a dream, two kind people stepped in and gave us a helping hand.

First, they helped us start our market stall. Later, they helped us open the doors to our first restaurant - Babaji’s Kerala Kitchen in Belgrave.

Without them, Babaji’s would not exist.

We have never forgotten that.

Everything we do to support our community comes back to one simple idea: good humans helping other good humans.

Community Days | Charity dining in the Yarra Valley

Every month from February to December, Babaji’s hosts fundraising Community Days. 

On these days, we donate 10% of all restaurant turnover to a local community group.

When you dine with us at our restaurants in Warburton or Belgrave, you’re not just enjoying South Indian food — you’re supporting local community fundraising across the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

See upcoming Community Days.

Local impact | Community fundraising in action

Babaji’s Community Days have helped:

Preschools build playgrounds

Scouts attend camps

Local artists rebuild after hardship

2025 / 2026 Community fundraising highlights

Waratah Animal Shelter, Warburton - buying medicine for sick wildlife

Gladysdale Primary School – school kitchen

Belgrave Lantern Parade – traffic control

Selby Community House – phone system upgrade

Upper Yarra Garden Club – event marketing

Body of Wellbeing – community events

Sherbrooke Little Athletics – first aid kits

Wesburn Dog Obedience Club – trainer development

3MDR Radio – broadcasting support

Upper Yarra SES – new truck

Millwarra Primary School – kitchen garden

Apply for a Community Day at Babaji's Kerala Kitchen | Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

Are you part of a local community group across the Dandenong Ranges or Yarra Valley looking to raise funds?

Babaji’s Community Days support:

Schools

Clubs

Community projects

Grassroots organisations

Tell us about your project — we’d love to help.

Pay It Forward meals | Supporting locals doing it tough

We know that for many people, every dollar counts.

If you need a meal, come in and have a chat — you’ll be looked after.

We also work with local food support programs like Community Casseroles and have donated over 1000 meals. 

You can support this by adding a small donation when dining in or ordering takeaway.

More than a restaurant

For us, supporting community is not an add-on. It’s part of who we are.

Babaji’s was built because someone believed in us.

This is our way of keeping that spirit alive.

BABAJI'S COMMUNITY DAY GOOD NEWS STORIES...

Babaji's fundraiser to help Upper Yarra SES