Indian Restaurant near Carlton for Comforting Vegetarian Dishes
Carlton has always been a food suburb. Students walking down the street after class. Families meeting for dinner. Friends catching up on a weeknight. There are many places to eat here, and people who live in Carlton know when food feels rushed and when it feels made with care.
Chai n Chilli is an Indian restaurant that locals near Carlton visit when they want vegetarian Indian food that tastes the way it should. We cook proper meals. We do not rush the process. We do not overcomplicate the plate. We just make food that is warm, filling, and satisfying.
Reserve Your Table Now!
Real Home Style Indian Cooking near Carlton
Our master chef Sonali grew up by seeing her mother and grandmothers cook every day in Maharashtra. Food was never fancy. It was made fresh. Spices were added by hand. Nothing came from a packet.
Food was never fancy. It was made fresh. Spices were added by hand. Nothing came from a packet.
That is how we cook at Chai n Chilli.
At our Indian restaurant near Carlton, guests will find puran poli rolled and cooked properly. Shrikhand made fresh. Chirote prepared the way it has always been done. These are dishes people remember from home kitchens, not something created for show.
They carry stories. They carry tradition. And they taste like someone has taken their time.
From Chats to Desserts, We Serve Ultra Lavish Catering Concepts
Dive into the tangy flavours of attractively laid elaborate chat platters or pamper your senses in sublime desserts. Whatever is on your mind, we bring it on your plates! No matter what is the nature or scale of your party, our expert team of chefs help you pull off an indelible soiree.
Flavours that Brings Back Memories of India
Preparing Indian spread is not everyone’s cup of tea! It takes a great deal of understanding about the intricacies of Indian flavours to create an extraordinary culinary experience. Our chefs are all well-trained with a passion for Indian food and prepare a menu that gives strong “Indian Vibes”.
Meat Free Indian Meals That Still Feel Hearty
Chai n Chilli is completely vegetarian. That is a choice we are proud of. It keeps the menu focused and true to the kind of food Sonali grew up eating.
At our Indian restaurant menu near Carlton, you will see
- Paneer bhurji made fresh to order
- Pithala served with warm bhakri
- Matki sprouts cooked with care
- Vada pav and misal pav that bring real street food flavour
- Thalis that give you a little bit of everything
The traditional spices are used with balance. Nothing feels heavy or overpowering. You finish your meal with complete satisfaction.
Desserts are treated just as seriously. Gulab jamun soft and warm. Moong dal halwa rich but comforting. Shrikhand chilled and smooth. A cup of chai at the end simply feels right.
More Than Just an Indian Restaurant near Carlton
Food is a tradition. At our Indian restaurant near Carlton, we carefully prepare every dish, just like it's prepared at home. No reheated tricks or artificial flavours; it is just good food made fresh daily.
Our founder and chef, Sonali, carries decades of culinary wisdom and pours it into every thali, sabzi, and puri that leaves the kitchen. Whether craving comfort food or something festive, our kitchen honours classic techniques that let ingredients shine.
A Simple and Relaxed Place to Eat near Carlton
Diners near Carlton prefer to avoid noise or drama often. Sometimes you just want a comfortable table and a good food.
Our Indian restaurant space near Carlton stays easy and welcoming. No pressure. No rushing you out the door. Plates arrive hot. Portions are generous. The service feels friendly and natural.
People come here for:
- Easy weeknight dinners
- Family meals
- Catch ups with friends
- A filling vegetarian option after work or uni
It is a chosen place where you can sit a little longer if you want to.
Event Catering from a Trusted Indian Restaurant near Carlton
Chai n Chilli also caters for events around Carlton and nearby suburbs.
Many people who first visit our Indian restaurant at Melbourne location later call us when they need food for:
- Birthday parties
- Wedding functions
- Office lunches
The catering food is cooked the same way as what we serve in the restaurant. Freshly prepared. Properly packed. Full of flavour. It travels well and still tastes the way it should when served.
What Makes Us Our Indian Restaurant Different Near Carlton
Carlton has plenty of options. People return here because the food stays consistent and familiar.
Fully vegetarian cooking
Family recipes passed down through generations
Fresh ingredients used daily
Years of experience in hospitality
Friendly and down to earth service
Convenient party hall available in Clayton for private functions
Nothing feels forced. Nothing feels overdone. It is simply good food cooked properly.
Melbourne: 181/183 King St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Timings: Mon-Sat 10:30 am - 8:45 pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
For Bookings Call us on: 03 981 1 6544
Clayton: 125 Carinish Rd, Clayton VIC 3168
Timings:
5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday:
10:30 am - 3:00 pm & 5.30 pm - 9.00 pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
For Bookings Call us on: 03981 1 6544
Plan Your Next Meal near Carlton Soon!
If you are in Carlton and looking for an Indian restaurant that locals genuinely pick to visit every often, Chai n Chilli is here for you.
Come in, order your favourites, try something new, and enjoy vegetarian Indian food made with care.
What Our Customer Says

I have been to this restaurant so many times and the food is always delicious and tasty. Mumbai sandwich and dabeli is yummy. Very friendly staff and great customer service. Do try masala tea!!!
Abhishek Gavankar

Always look forward to our visits to Chai n Chilli! The food is absolutely yummy. Personal favourites are the Sabudana Vada and Dabeli, although everything is exceptional! It’s always our first choice when craving home food! We had also approached Sonali for catering for a home event, and the food did not disappoint! It was beautifully prepared and all our guests loved it. Thanks team Chai n Chilli!
Venu Kulkarni

All items were just awesomely tasty...had Vadapav, Masala Pav, Paneer wrap, Dabeli and Chai. At our request they specially made sugar free Chai. Was in a rush as I couldn't find a nearby parking spot. The owner was assistive and helped us have some items dine-in whilst some provided as takeaway. Thank You! Service was swift too... So many delicacies left to taste yet... Will definitely visit again with more time to spare 😀
Ankit Jain
One of my friends told me about this place and since then I have visited this place quite a few times. The owner/host is absolutely sweet and friendly. You can always experience a warm welcome. It is open for limited hours. Great authentic Maharashtrian food. Love the sabudana vada and dabeli. 100% recommendedSpoorthy Reddy

Excellent food. Chai and chilli provides you with the authentic Marathi style food alongside following all street foods if you are craving to have Indian masaaledaar food then must visit Chai and chili for sure. The new recent dish they have added is Ragada Pani- Puri the essence that Dish makes you feel is uff just made me cry so much. Nothing beats the authentic misal pav and vada pav Mumbai style Must visit
Vidhita Kanojia

I love the concept of bringing true authentic Maharashtrian food to Melbourne. The owner is very sweet and kind. He ensures the food is palatable and true to its taste. The chef, His wife is an incredible women working so hard to serve every customer on time with hot fresh food. Everything taste fresh, because of this, sometimes the food comes to your table late. But, the wait is worth it. I tried the vada pao, masala chai, kat vada and Kharbas. Kharbas, is a traditional Maharashtrian sweet dish. Its made of milk and I would highly recommend this to try. The owner is quite secretive about his sources of raw material to make these authentic dishes. The restaurant is open from 2:30 pm to 7:45 pm only Monday to Friday. So make sure you meet this time requirement. In the future, I do hope they open on the weekends too so we can enjoy a great plate of Misal pao on a late sunday afternoon. Thank you so much, and I look forward on visiting soon!!!

Getting authentic Mumbai food in Australia is truly a blessing, thanks to Chai n Chili! A wide selection of the favorites, delicious food, cozy ambience and a warm welcoming owner make this place a must for every foodie! Highly recommended on ur trip to Melbourne!!
Rucha Natu
Definitely a 5 star worthy place. Truly a place that serves Marathi cuisine/ street cuisine WITHOUT the adulterated north Indian taste. I had Vada Pav, Misal, Masala tea, sabudana wada and puran poli. Everything was perfect and legit authentic. Everything was hot and puran poli was made to order hot. Definitely going to visit the place atleast twice a month. The image of sabudana wada is misleading though. You get 4 not 2 😄. Couldn’t resist and forgot to click a picture. Edit: Went again for Round 2. Thalipeeth IS A MUST HAVE. I REPEAT .. MUST HAVE. I dont remember seend it in my plate as I probably finished it in 6 seconds. Was served with real LoNi (loni isn’t really butter, its the elixir that is made when you churn buttermilk). I mean they could have served with curd, but loni is what makes it REAL authentic. Image addedAnupam Kelkar

It's probably the only Authentic Maharashtrian restaurant in Melbourne. Authentic taste with Verity of options available. Taste is really good. Specially Vada pav and Thalipith is amazing. Never had such soft pav anywhere before. Service is very quick. Staff is very friendly and polite. Owners look after you as well. Must visit place.
Omkar Deshpande

Best Maharastrian food in Melbourne…nice spot, nice views from the place..owners are friendly….great getaway to mumbai chatakdar khau galli food
Omkar Hulawe

The best Indian street food in Melbourne. Homely touch given by all the ladies working in the kitchen, service by the gentleman at front who will engage with you with his lovely smile is really good. By far the best compare to all the Indian street food in Melbourne. Will surely come here quite often and bring as many friends as mine. Thanks again very much for your attentive service and really delicious food. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👏🏻
Jay Mehta

Missing Maharashtrian food? Well u don't have to as this heavenly places serves the best Maharashtrian dishes...Amazing amazing amazing!!!! authentic taste and wonderful service...u have to wait for ur order as this place is super busy but it's worth the wait. We ordered Indian chai,misal paav,vada paav ,pooran Poli, thaalipeeth and bread pakoda and we just loved it ♥️
Zarana Patel
Mind blowing Food ... and the Amazing owners do everything they can to give you a great dining experience...if you are up for authentic spicy Indian Food with real flavours yet have the healthy touch of home made yet professional cooking ...this is the place... Thank you GuysBhavini Gandhi

The food was amazing 😋 Authentic India taste. Reminded me of my home. The Aamras puri and the Sabudana wada are a must try. The staff is very friendly and accommodated to all our requests. Will definitely visit again. 😊
Tapan Thakar

Nice food, great service and overall excellent place for nice Mumbai snacks and food. Highly recommend. Only room for improvement is if you are driving here it's a nightmare to find this place. It's in a hidden corner away from main road in front of gate 6 of marvel stadium. Not at all easy to find or park, but if you manage to find it. - a five star place!
Josh Thomas

Absolutely amazing experience with authentic Marathi food. Kat vada usal just like back home. Loved the masala pav, pitla bhakar and sizzling brownie 😍 Thanks for the customer service and your personal touch Kiran Joshi and family! ❤️ Loved the special Pineapple Sheera as well as the interiors. Coming back to eat here again.
Priyal Raja

Tried the sabudana wada and wada paav and was not disappointed. Probably the best ones I've tried in Australia. It is a little bit on the spicier side though! The paav served was not hot, though, but I personally didn't mind it as the wada was hot enough. Service was quick and efficient. Very reasonably priced too, with good quality. Thanks for bringing the delight of Maharashtrian food, which is not as highly represented in Indian restaurants in Aus.
Reetika Vadgaonkar

What an amazing place for authentic Maharashtrian food! I was looking forward to eat here on my Melbourne trip. And I wasn’t disappointed. The service was quick, decor cosy and a humble chatty owner who made me feel at home. I tried most of the things on the menu and everything was delicious
Gayatri Kulkarni

A great place for Indian comfort food. Is more geared towards Marathi food and has all the staples you'd find in a Maharashtrian household. The menu is quite big and no matter what you order, it will be delicious. Have tried so many different dishes over my many visits and have loved them all. Vada pav is a must for me. The taste is on the spicier end tho. Would recommend if you're looking for homelike Indian food and snacks.
Aakriti Gupta
FAQ's
Yes, Chai n Chilli is a trusted Indian restaurant near Huntingdale, serving authentic Maharashtrian and North Indian vegetarian dishes made fresh daily with traditional recipes.
Our favorites include crispy Sabudana Wada, spicy Bread Pakoda, fiery Kat Vada Usal, fresh Paneer Wraps, tangy Chhole Kulche, and soothing Chiku Milkshake, all prepared with authentic Indian flavors.
Yes, we provide comprehensive vegetarian catering near Huntingdale for birthdays, family functions, prayer meetings, and corporate events, with bulk meal orders and party hall hire available.
We pride ourselves on a 100% vegetarian kitchen, authentic Maharashtrian recipes made from scratch, fresh ingredients without preservatives, and decades of culinary expertise ensuring quality and tradition.
Call us at 03 9811 6544 or visit our Clayton restaurant to book a table, order catering, or inquire about party hall hire for your next event near Huntingdale.
