Bala Da Dhaba
This is a lesson in not relying on my memory! We had dinner at Bala Da Dhaba a few weeks back but, of course, I didn’t get around to posting until now. The problem is that I cannot remember the names of all our dishes.
Well, we started off with the samosas, which resemble a little tribe sitting cross-legged around a campfire. They were described as ‘spicy’ on the menu but I could have handled quite a bit more spiciness. Some beautifully tender and moist chicken tikka followed.
\
I haven’t been a fan of paneer in the past but we tried this one and I really enjoyed it more than I havd expected to. I suppose it was because the curry was tasty and the paneer absorbed this flavour.
The waiter recommended the special Punjabi fish masala (it had a really long name and if we could repeat it, he would have given it to us free). One of my favourites for the night – all sour and tangy, I’m salivating just thinking about it now.
I think the final dish was lamb something. Maybe someone can identify it?
All in all, a better dining experience than what we have had in the past. We’re not usually big fans of Indian food but the fish would have me going back. On second thoughts, I would probable get takeaway though because it took me at least a week to air my clothes out after that night!
July 17th, 2007 at 1:18 am
I really wish my husband liked Indian food – I have to eat it when I am not eating with him
July 17th, 2007 at 11:25 am
I think that the lamb is either the Korma or the Madras> I haven’t tried the fish but perhaps I will.
July 17th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
I totally agree with you Cindy. If I don’t write up a post within the week, I forget what all the dishes are for unfamiliar things. I remember which ones I liked and what they taste like, but the names slip right out of my mind.
July 17th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
i’ve only had indian food one time & i have no idea what the dish was called. it was meat & stuff wrapped in a flat, burrito shaped affair. it was good but for some reason i’m too chicken to try dishes like you’ve pictured here. i’m not usually afraid of any food so i don’t know what it is about indian food!
July 19th, 2007 at 5:12 am
Indian food is so delicious. I have the same problem Deborah. My wife doesn’t really care for it. I don’t know how people could dislike it? The spices are amazing.
July 19th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Is this the Bala Da Dhaba in Johnston St, Fitzroy?
July 19th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
Deborah & Stephen: I’ve always been a reluctant diner at Indian restaurants so I guess I understand how your partners feel. Maybe they just need more work to convince?
Ed: I think korma sounds right. maybe the fish was the madras (not masala)…and you gotta try it.
Thanh: good to hear I’m not the only one with a memory like a sieve
Candy: sounds like a roti wrap. there’s also a long crepe-like thingy with filling called dosai.
kitekato: I think that one is Guru da Dhaba. This one is in Ripponlea.
July 26th, 2007 at 6:38 pm
What fantastic photos! You’re giving me a real craving for curry
July 30th, 2007 at 10:29 pm
mmmmm..tasty! i love indian food!
August 2nd, 2007 at 5:18 am
Oh, how I LOVE samosas! And I have not had them since I was last in London…now I’m craving them and I don’t trust my samosa making abilities enough to attempt making them myself. These samosas look so good, I can almost taste them!
August 5th, 2007 at 8:35 am
Indian food is fab. Your photos look great. Makin me extremely hungry and it’s 8.30am
August 9th, 2007 at 9:04 am
I LOVE Bala Da Dahba. It is my fav. Indian restaurant in Melbourne. They do a really great Saag Paneer. I’ll have to make sure it gets onto my list of eats for our September Oz trip.
August 11th, 2007 at 9:44 pm
Is that the one on Malvern road in Glen Iris? I’m pretty sure that’s the name of it (I know there’s a few of them) but that used to be my local! Love the rogan josh.
August 27th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
Oooh. I love indian food. I am such a fan of hot and spicy food. I could eat curry everyday! The samosas look absolutely delicious!
August 30th, 2007 at 1:19 am
Goodness, this looks and sounds delicious. I guess it’s time to make Indian cuisine again. My good friend and I were just talking about it yesterday. I think these photos have made my decision.
September 15th, 2007 at 11:14 am
Yummy! my son is living in Melbourne and he loves spicy food especially indian food. Could you please furnish me the address of this restaurant for ‘Bala Da Dhaba’. Would appreciate very much.
September 17th, 2007 at 11:12 am
Sure thing! We went to the Elsternwick restaurant:
Bala Da Dhaba
1455 Malvern Rd Glen Iris 3146 Tel: (03) 9822 5069
56 Glen Eira Rd Elsternwick 3185 Tel: (03) 9523 8683
November 3rd, 2007 at 10:32 am
First time I’ve logged on to your most appealing site. Your photo’s are really great and it’s not pregnancy that’s affecting your memory – we all suffer the same problem!
Best wishes for the forthcoming addition to your family – the ultrasound was a surprise!
Re Indian. I think BdD a very good restaurant tho’ my wife actually prefers the Indian food at the Chadstone food hall.
For another couple of excellent places try Milan@Kew which is very professional Nth Indian or Mehfil at Springvale a tiny family restaurant – real domestic Indian and very inexpensive
November 29th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
absolutely agree there!! the food is just divine there. although something needs to be done about the ambience and the service level. the one on malvern road is actually way better than the other one in ripponlea, its got more space (ripponlea one is pretty congested), the setup is way better (love the candles!) and the wait staff is heaps betta. overall thumbs up!!