Bibi Ji

Indian diner Bibi Ji is bringing the spices of India to Carlton’s Lygon Street, Melbourne’s Italian dining epicenter, with an 80-seat restaurant specialising in dishes inspired by Indian street food. From the team behind the acclaimed Australian-Indian restaurant Daughter-in-Law, Bibi Ji, which translates to ‘mother’ in Punjab, is the brainchild of chef and co-owner, Amar Singh (Horn Please and Dhaba at the Mill).

 

Taking over the former Cafe Notturno site, which boasted a 45-year tenure, Bibi Ji has transformed the space with clashing colours and patterns that miraculously work together to evoke the warmth of Indian gatherings. With a rainbow of fabrics—an ode to the decorations used at Indian weddings—draping across the ceilings, retro photos of Bollywood stars and cricket greats enveloping the walls and red and white booth seating, no corner of the venue remains dull.

 

The menu reflects the lively streets of India but as their menu motto states, ‘not your typical Indian joint,’ there’s a modern spin. Some of the snacks, inspired by Indian street food, remain traditional with the likes of chutney platters, Rava fried prawns and Amritsari marinated fish among the entree options. 

 

The curry options are a blend of Aussie favourites such as butter chicken and Tikka Masala, along with lesser-known recipes. With two tandoor ovens, the team is churning out smoky Tandoori chicken, lamb seekh kebab and more tandoor specialities. For those seeking the complete Bibi Ji experience, the banana leaf thali resembles a tasting platter with plenty of small bowls filled with various curries, chutneys, rice and bread served on a banana leaf platter.

 

The drinks list mirrors the curiosity of the food menu with traditional drinks like the mango lassi spiked with alcohol and the Anna’s Martini combining South Indian filter coffee with vodka and spice. Beer on tap, extensive wine drops, brews from Bodriggy and Young Henry’s and mocktails round out the beverage options.

Image credit: supplied

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