Chapati & Daaru

Chapati's new Crossley Street home continues its reign as one of the city's most vibrant modern Indian kitchens, but it's the addition of the daring cocktail bar sibling—Daaru—that’s really setting tongues wagging (and burning). This dynamic duo delivers a complete spice experience, from street food to cocktails, under one roof.

While Chapati's ground floor remains Melbourne's go-to for modern Indian street food—think aromatic curries, tender tandoori meats and their famous Chicken 65, Daaru (meaning "liquor" in Hindi) makes for the most chatpata drinking experience. This moody 35-seater cocktail bar, housed in Gingerboy's former space, shakes up boundary-pushing concoctions like the Tandoori Temptress (tequila kissed with charred spices) and Sunset Over the Himalayas (a smoked whiskey sour that's pure theatre). Even classics get reinvented—their espresso martini packs a jalapeño-pink pepper punch.

The connection? Bold flavors that dance between food and drink. Daaru's snack menu mirrors Chapati's playful spirit with bites like beetroot "pinky kebabs" and paneer-loaded fries—perfect for pairing with cocktails or enjoying solo. Owner Arjun Dewan describes it as "flavor exploration," and with instrumental beats setting the vibe, the experience delivers.

Book your table here.

Words: Arshia Anand

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