If you are in Melbourne and you have a hankering for some real South Indian food, then you are right where you need to be. There are some great South Indian restaurants in the city that not only provide authentic and tasty food but are also economically priced and hence, are ideal for taking the family out. From the crispy dosa with its flavorful accompaniments to the warm sambar and rice, these restaurants will serve great food that won’t cost a fortune. Regardless, if you are a fan of South Indian vegetarian foods or enjoy non-vegetarian foods Melbourne has all types of restaurants for all classes of people. Here are some of the best South Indian restaurants in Melbourne which will fill your tummy and not your pockets.

People can take delicious South Indian food, including dosas, idlis, the South Indian Thali, and the South Indian buffet. Some of these outlets are strictly South Indian tiffin items, which are tasty but not heavy, ideal for family breakfast/lunch. If you are hungry, you can go for South Indian thali with a combination of curries, rice and some side dishes or even go for South Indian Biryani or try South Indian Biryani buffet. The restaurants also satisfy different customers’ tastes and provide meals that contain vegetables as well as animal products. Whether you are looking for South Indian food in Melbourne or wish to explore the best of South Indian cuisine these pocket-friendly joints will not disappoint.

Here are the Affordable South Indian Restaurants in Melbourne for Families

1. Saravanaa Bhavan

Saravanaa Bhavan is a South Indian Vegetarian restaurant that has given a new taste to families in Melbourne who are looking for quality and cheap South Indian food. The Chennai-based restaurant is famous for its tiffin items such as crispy dosas, soft and fluffy idlis, and crisp vadas and it has a long list of mouth-watering vegetarian dishes. If you are craving for a quick bite or a full-fledged South Indian thali, this place offers you authentic taste and a reasonable price. Saravanaa Bhavan is one of the most famous south Indian veg restaurants in Melbourne. It is also a perfect place for everyone who is searching for a family-oriented atmosphere.

Saravanaa Bhavan

2. Streets of Kovai

Streets of Kovai is quite lesser known and is in Ashwood, but they do have a large number of traditional South Indian dishes that are delicious. It specializes in traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine and offers delicious South Indian dishes like biryanis, curries, and dosas. It’s an ideal place for families who wish to try out the more authentic flavors of South India while being at ease in a comfortable environment. Streets of Kovai is one of the most famous south Indian Non-vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne. For the ones who are craving for the South Indian tiffin and thali then it is a great place to visit.

Streets of Kovai

3. Southall

Southall restaurant in Hampton is one of the most beautiful restaurants that offer South Indian food that is trendy but relaxed. The restaurant is famous for Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian dishes, particularly the South Indian Thalis, Dosas, and Biryani to provide a wholesome dining experience. Southall’s South Indian buffet is especially good for families because it provides a taste of many different dishes at once. It is a wonderful place for people who want to taste home-style food from South India as the place is very friendly for everyone.

Southall

4. Chilli India Melbourne at Melbourne Central

Chilli India provides an exciting restaurant dining experience that is located in the middle of Melbourne CBD. The foods offered by the restaurant include the South Indian and other regional Indian foods but the South Indian meals are a wonderful blend of spicy curries and foods such as dosas, idlis, and biryanis. Chilli India is one of the most famous south Indian Non-vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne. Chilli India is an ideal place for those who want to have a tasty meal in a hurry and with a moderate price and if you have a family then Chilli India is the place to go for having South Indian food.

  • Timing: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Daily)
  • Address: Shop GD086, 211 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Chilli India Melbourne at Melbourne Central

5. Dosa Hut – Indian Multi Cuisine Restaurant Melbourne CBD

Dosa Hut is located in the Melbourne CBD area and it provides several South Indian tiffin choices, and it is suitable for families. Apart from dosas, the restaurant has a vast menu that has thalis, biryanis, and vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries. People like it because Their South Indian buffet is a favorite among families, and there is everything to enjoy in an informal atmosphere. Dosa Hut is one of the most famous south Indian veg restaurants in Melbourne. Dosa Hut is a perfect place for everyone who wants to taste Indian food and get a real Indian experience without overpaying for a meal in the center of Melbourne.

Dosa Hut – Indian Multi Cuisine Restaurant Melbourne CBD

6. Sri Ganapathi South Indian Vegetarian Restaurant

In case you are in Noble Park and you are wondering where to get a good South Indian vegetarian restaurant then Sri Ganapathi is the place to be. This cute restaurant offers a mind-boggling variety of vegetarian South Indian food like dosas, idlis, sambars, and curries. Another one that should be ordered is their South Indian thali and the tiffin menu since they are a well-balanced tasty meal. The environment of a place is well suited for families who are in search of affordable and genuine South Indian cuisine.

Sri Ganapathi South Indian Vegetarian Restaurant

7. Classic Curry Indian Restaurant Melbourne

At the Classic Curry Indian Restaurant situated at Elizabeth Street, customers can enjoy a variety of Indian foods including foods from the south of India. Their menu has a broad range of South Indian foods and among them are dosas, idlis and Biryani. If you want something quick, like a sandwich, or you feel like eating a full meal, you can go to this restaurant because it serves delicious food and has a casual and friendly atmosphere like a family restaurant. Because of its low cost, it could be recommended for families who decide to spend a day in the city.

Classic Curry Indian Restaurant Melbourne

8. Babaji’s Kerala Kitchen South Indian Restaurant Belgrave

If you want to know what Keralan food tastes like then Babaji’s Kerala Kitchen in Belgrave has a great selection of South Indian foods. Offering authentic Kerala-style curries, Appams, dosas, and much more, Babaji’s is the South Indian experience in Melbourne’s suburbs. The environment in this restaurant is quite inviting and relaxing and that is why any family that wants good South Indian food can always come to this restaurant for vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals.

Babaji’s Kerala Kitchen South Indian Restaurant Belgrave

Conclusion

Thus, Melbourne has a plentiful of cheap South Indian restaurants suitable for family lunches and dinners. From crispy dosas and delicious sambar to heavy South Indian thalis and tiffins, these restaurants offer the true taste of South India in the middle of the city. Whether one wants to have a full-blown South Indian meal, a hearty meal of biryani, or even some appetizers including idlis and vadas, these restaurants serve it all. Most importantly, they are pocket friendly making sure that the consumer has the best experience dining while not having to break the bank.

In case you are looking for South Indian meals around Melbourne or you are looking for a place where you can take your whole family to eat South Indian food then the above restaurants will suit you best. From everyday eateries such as Saravanaa Bhavan and Dosa Hut to local gems like Sri Ganapathi and Babaji’s Kerala Kitchen, here are the best South Indian Restaurants in Australia that can fulfill your family’s craving for delicious and affordable South Indian cuisine. So the next time you’re thinking about some South Indian food, you now know where to go.