Babaji's Kitchen South Indian Restaurant & Food Truck

Authentic food - great atmosphere and yummy food.

For those who might not like spicy food, the curries (goat and beef, ones I tried) can be a little spicy.

The thali plate was average and the textures were bad in the coconut curry - kind of like raw shredded coconut from the bag. The roti was cold and chewy. The atmosphere was odd. Don't know why this place is on broadsheet.

Absolutely loved the ambience, lovely staff and kids enjoyed the coloring while we got to eat in peace.we had the porotta beef curry, lamb biriyani (5 star from me), chicken fry, definitely gonna be back for more. There is not many places you get the Kerala taste for sure

So I just wanted a little rice and two small vegetarian curries. I didn’t realise I could just get a ‘thali’ plate with 5 curries and rice for $18. Get to the counter and it was $36! I asked if they could change it…I ate less (vegetarian, so no meat!) and paid twice as much…they refused to change it and said we don’t do that for dine in etc etc as if it made sense…? I’m a local and always go to Bukhara in Upwey for my weekly Indian, it looks like that won’t change.

Just a note as I can’t reply…I never got any menu when I dined in, which is why I was so confused. An apology was given to me about the miscommunication at the register.

Went for Onam with friends from Kerela, I loved the food but they were the real test and said it is as close to home food as it can be. Win!

I had a nostalgic evening at Babaji’s - eating dishes my mum and grandma used to cook when we were young. Loved all the beautiful vegetarian variety, amazed that there are still people around cooking such dishes, thankful to be the lucky few this night to have walked in and shown graciously to a table and served such wonderful Keralan fare.
Thank you to the lovely, friendly staff who looked after us. Such warm hospitality is rare these days.

Picked up a bunch of the same take-away thali meals for a home birthday lunch. Got them back home and the main preparation was stone cold in all the meals - although the side dishes were all OK. In that situation you can't immediately ask for another serving as you can when dining in. I communicated with the restaurant later and they apologised for it, but no future partial discount etc.was offered, which was surprising. Not keen to go back after that experience.p. S: Unfortunately the reply from Babaji's following my review above was rather disingenuous and contradictory. There was no 'amicable conversation' - only a Messenger text/reply (with no wish for the business to make amends in any way). The young man making up the order after I came in to collect it appeared very much 'under the pump', and clearly an error was made. It happens. Its always better for a business to just own the mistake and offer a reasonable gesture in good faith - rather than deflecting the issue by attempting to 'shoot the messenger', or creating a bogus impression of being targeted by a recalcitrant reviewer. That's not good business or customer relations.

Onam vegetarian sadya hit the spot for this homesick Kerala boy! Had to add some sides of the fish fry which was delectable. Great service and vibe. We will be back.

Lovely Onam sadhya. Took me to a nostalgic journey to Kerala. Loved the food that was served with so much love and all the waitresses said all the names so beautifully ' pulisherry', 'mooru', 'payasam' which was so wonderful so hear. Highly recommend!

Thank you for making our Onam special and flavoursome. Can't thank you more for serving sadhya eventhough we haven't had made any advance booking. Staffs, ambience, taste and background malayalam music made felt that we are eating in Kerala. Max, highly appreciate your dedication and passion.

This isn't your average Indian restaurant. A little slice of Kerala in Belgrave. Our Onam sadhya was truly authentic and we left with happy little 'Maveli' bellies. Thank you and we can't wait to come back!

I've been blown away by Babaji for the level of authentic taste they bring to Kerala food. I've tried the sadya a few times and every dish is spot on each time. The food reminds me of home, back in Trivandrum. The pineapple pachadi, erissery and parippu are absolute favourites. If they have the duck ularthiyathu, do not think twice before ordering. It is legendary!

The food here is amazing. So much flavour! Definitely will be returning. It was honestly the best Indian food I have ever had.

Might not seem palatable to Indian senses and you may find it bit bland. Sambhar was good. But the dosa stuffing looks just as it its aalu matar sabzi (potato peas vegetable bland in taste). And to my surprise the Mumbai franki vegetarian wrap was having the same stuffing as dosa which was a total disappointment.
(Opinions based on vegetarian diet)

Experience South Indian flavours in Dandenong ranges. This kitchen serves a rare taste of authentic Kerala cuisine with lots of love and passion.

Their chettinad chicken dosa is a must try.

+4 for food, hospitality and cleanliness

-1 for tea. Taste needs some moderation.

Enjoy!

Best Indian food in Melbourne. Not only for it's taste and value, but for how awesome Billy and Max are. They're in and with the community up here. Very charitable, very compassionate, such hard workers, really nice to see their smiling faces everywhere in the hills.

Love Babaji’s food and atmosphere. Cannot wait until we can come back and dine in with our family. Always great friendly service.

I've dined in (pre-lockdown, obvs) and had takeaway a few times from Babajis now. Apart from being consistently delicious (currys, biryani, idli, dosa - I've tried it all now), the atmosphere inside the place was fabulous, and the service is always superb. I love the owner, Billy. She rules. Like, her personality is so good they could put it on the menu. I love the whole thing. Babaji's is great and if I'm not eating Babaji's I wish I was. Every Babaji's experience for me has been 5 stars.

Love the food and great hospitality, Billy you are awesome. Love the ambience and authentic food

Best Indian food ever! So delicious, so fresh, so much love goes into every dish and the owners Billy and Max are such kind, genuine people who do so much good for the community. Eat in or take away, the food is ALWAYS amazing, you can't go wrong with Babaji's!