Melbourne is a food lover’s paradise, and when it comes to Indian vegetarian cuisine, the city offers an impressive variety of dishes that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. From rich, aromatic curries to street food classics, the vegetarian options are diverse and bursting with bold flavours. Whether you’re a lifelong lover of Indian food or new to its wonders, the vegetarian dishes here are definitely worth exploring.
In this blog, we’ll take you through some of the best Indian vegetarian food spots in Melbourne, where you can indulge in a blend of traditional and contemporary Indian flavours.
Best Indian Vegetarian Food in Melbourne
1. Sambar and Dosa: A Southern Delight
No Indian vegetarian food experience is complete without trying sambar and dosa. This dish hails from South India and is a favourite among foodies all around the world. Dosa is a crispy, thin pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter, often filled with spiced potato, served alongside a tangy, spicy sambar (a lentil-based stew) and a selection of chutneys.
2. Chole Bhature: A Punjabi Classic
If you’re craving something hearty and indulgent, chole bhature is the dish to try. This Punjabi classic features deep-fried, puffy bread (bhature) served with a spicy, flavourful chickpea curry (chole). It’s an explosion of taste with the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savoury elements.
3. Aloo Gobi: Comfort Food at its Best
For many, aloo gobi is the epitome of comfort food. This simple yet flavourful dish features potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi) cooked with turmeric, cumin, coriander, and a variety of other spices that bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. The spiced gravy is just rich enough to serve as a perfect side dish or a main on its own.
4. Baingan Bharta: Smoky and Delicious
If you’re a fan of eggplant, baingan bharta should be on your must-try list. This dish is made by roasting eggplant over an open flame until it’s tender and smoky. The flesh is then mashed and cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices to create a smooth, smoky curry.
5. Palak Paneer: A Creamy, Spinach Delight
Palak paneer is one of the most popular Indian vegetarian dishes, and for good reason. This creamy curry combines fresh spinach (palak) with soft, cubed paneer (Indian cottage cheese). The curry is rich, comforting, and infused with a variety of spices that elevate the dish to another level. It’s the perfect combination of mild flavours and vibrant green hues.
6. Vegetable Biryani: Fragrant and Full of Flavour
Biryani, a beloved rice dish, is a quintessential Indian meal that’s made by layering rice with aromatic spices, vegetables, and often some form of protein. The vegetable biryani is a wonderful choice for anyone who loves hearty, spice-filled rice dishes. The fragrance of basmati rice, paired with a blend of garam masala, cardamom, and other spices, creates a dish that’s as beautiful as it is flavourful.
7. Indian Street Food: Pani Puri and Bhel Puri
For a lighter, more snackable option, Indian street food is the way to go. In Melbourne, you’ll find popular favourites like pani puri and bhel puri, both packed with vibrant flavours and textures. We recommend visiting Old Durbar in Melbourne for an authentic taste of Indian street food. Plus, don’t hesitate to explore other vegetarian options—most street snacks are all about bold flavours and satisfying your cravings in just a few bites!
8. Methi Thepla: A Gujarati Delicacy
A popular dish from Gujarat, methi thepla is a flatbread made from fenugreek leaves (methi), whole wheat flour, and a variety of spices. It’s often eaten with yoghurt or pickle and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. This dish is flavourful, healthy, and filling.
9. Gobi Manchurian: A Crispy, Spicy Delight
Gobi Manchurian is an Indo-Chinese fusion dish that’s incredibly popular in Indian restaurants, and it’s a must-try for anyone who loves crispy snacks with a bit of spice. This dish consists of cauliflower florets that are battered and deep-fried until golden, then tossed in a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and green chillies. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it utterly addictive.
10. Masoor Dal Tadka: Simple Yet Satisfying
Masoor dal tadka is a comfort food favourite that’s rich in flavour and nutrition. Made from red lentils (masoor dal), this dish is cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a variety of spices, and then topped with a sizzling tempering of ghee, cumin seeds, garlic, and mustard seeds (tadka). The tadka adds an extra layer of richness and warmth, making it a hearty dish that’s perfect with steamed rice or warm roti.
11. Kadhi Pakora: A Tangy, Comforting Curry
Kadhi Pakora is a quintessential North Indian dish made from gram flour (besan) fritters served in a spiced yogurt-based gravy. The yogurt gravy is tangy and mildly spiced, making it a comforting and satisfying dish, especially when paired with rice. The crispy pakoras soak up the flavours of the gravy, creating a perfect combination of textures and tastes.
Final Thoughts
Melbourne’s Indian vegetarian food scene is a delightful blend of tradition, innovation, and flavour. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Indian cuisine or a newcomer, these dishes offer a wonderful taste of India’s diverse culinary landscape. From classic comfort foods like palak paneer and aloo gobi to exciting street food options like pani puri and bhel puri, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Next time you’re in the mood for some vegetarian Indian food, don’t miss out on the incredible offerings Melbourne has to offer!
