Bala Da Dhaba

We recently ordered take out from this place as it is conveniently located right next to Lyrebird, where we were parked outside in the courtyard with beers on a lovely, warm evening. Indian food hit the spot. I asked for «hot-​as-​you-​can-​make-​it» for The Man and I went with medium. Honestly, not too much difference between the spice level in the two, but both were very tasty. We had the Chicken Masala and Lamb Madras. The Masala had a nice complex flavor though the sauce was a little thick. The staff was also very accommodating. I was actually a little short on cash (oops!) and they waved it off and said not to worry about it. Service like that is pretty rare. They earned a regular customer!

Best Indian in Melb so far… Try the very hot, but very delicious chicken vindaloo! Wow

Good value. Good service. Never had anything that was bad from this restaurant. Definately recommend it if you’re up for Indian food

Just sensational, best Indian I’ve had since moving to Melbourne. The Gosht Palak is a must.

Just an extraordinary display of Indian flavours and friendly service. Their fresh naan bread is a delight and the Dahl is wonderfully smoky.

I’m a little sad that the old Bala Da Dhaba burned down. I had some good memories of that joint; good curry, good friends, awful Indian covers of old Eagles songs.
But it’s the same management and the same menu, so it’s not like it’s a total loss. And it’s a good menu. Actually, it’s a pretty average menu — standard Indian food, more or less. But it’s done really well. Seriously, it’s the best Indian I’ve had in Melbourne. Only complaint I can raise about them is that the in-​house portions tend to be a bit smaller than the takeaway.

I went to a friend’s house the other night and the takeaway menu’s came out. Presented in front of me, the same as the Dalai Lama is given objects to choose from as a child, not know what it meant at the time I chose Bala Da Dhaba. The correct choice indeed.
I had the Malai Kofta and garlic naan, another good choice. The curry was full of flavour not dissimilar to the real thing when I was in India. And the naan, oh so much garlic, you can never have too much garlic.

I’ve never been a huge fan of Indian food and have been put off from some horror stories of having a funny belly for days. I’ve had to change my attitude, as now I can’t say that due to Bala Da Dhaba being an exceptionally good restaurant. The food is truly amazing and I was surprised at how much I could eat. I don’t know a lot about Indian cuisine but I was very impressed with the vegetarian dishes such as the Muttar Paneer and the Malai Kofta.
The waiters are very friendly there where it is a great place to go with a few people to share some of the delectable dishes with a BYO beer or wine. My only criticism is that the setting is very formal and when I’m not in that mood I now get the food to go and head next door to the Lyrebird Lounge, where I can sit in the courtyard on a balmy night and listen to some live music. Either way, the food is where Bala is a winner and will most definitely satisfy the curry lovers but may turn a few, just like it did with me.