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Inner South › St Kilda › Kake Da Dhaba
Kake Da DhabaBWorth Trying
33 Inkerman St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
· Indian restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (528 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Low-frills North Indian spot delivering flavorful curries and great-value thalis; service is warm but inconsistent and sweetness levels polarize diners.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Kake Da Dhaba delivers reliable casual Indian dining anchored by exceptional value and quick service, with solid food quality that satisfies comfort-food cravings. However, occasional inconsistency in execution and a functional-rather-than-appealing interior prevent it from reaching higher territory. It's a dependable neighborhood favorite for budget-conscious curry lovers, not a destination establishment.
Restaurant Summary
This snug St Kilda nook runs on no-frills charm, counter smiles, and steaming curries. Diners rave about value and speed, with one noting the thali as "a perfect curry fix after a long day." Expect friendly counter service and food-forward focus over decor. The cooking leans classic North Indian dhaba style: butter chicken, rogan josh, vindaloo, and a weekday thali that stacks rice, naan, raita, pickle, and dessert at wallet-kind prices. Flavors skew bold and rich; spice can be tuned, though a few find sauces too sweet. Come for hearty comfort, not finesse. Families do well here thanks to kid-friendly staples like butter chicken, biryani, fries, and soft naan. Portions are generous, and you can ask for mild. There is no explicit kids menu, but simple dishes and quick service make it easy for children.
At a Glance
- Excellent value with A$17-18 mains and A$20-22 thalis
- Friendly, helpful counter team with quick turnaround
- Sweetness level of some curries divides opinion
- Occasional order errors and inconsistency reported
- Strong vegetarian breadth including soya chap specials
What Sets It Apart
- weekday_thali_value
- tiny_hole_in_the_wall_charm
- spice_level_customization
What People Love
- Generous portions that feel like a steal
- Comforting, boldly spiced gravies
- Warm interactions with staff and owner
- Thali sets that cover all the bases
Points of Concern
- Some diners find butter chicken and several curries overly sweet despite spice requests
- Scattered reports of wrong items or slow checkout during busy times
- Inconsistent execution on specific dishes (e.g., aloo paratha, lamb texture)
- Review patterns are consistent with organic feedback overall; a few generic raves exist but not coordinated
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleHybrid
Average CostA$30-40 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair one rich curry with a drier kadai-style dish to balance heaviness
- Share a thali and add one extra naan for a hearty two-person meal under A$40
Perfect For
- Weeknight curry fix without the fuss
- Budget-friendly group takeaway orders
- Solo diners after a quick, hearty meal
- Locals seeking a dependable new go-to
Location Insights
Area: Lively inner-bayside suburb with backpackers, apartments, and late-night spots; casual dining hub near the beach.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical urban nuisances late night but well-lit main streets.
Nearby: Close to Acland/Fitzroy Street strips, bars, cafes, and tram lines; mixed residential and hospitality venues.
St KildaSt Kilda offers a casual and eclectic dining environment with a mix of trendy cafes, casual eateries, and multicultural restaurants. The area is popular for its laid-back vibe, beachside leisure, and nightlife, making it a hotspot for social dining and casual meals.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:30–14:30, 16:00–22:00
Tuesday10:30–14:30, 16:00–22:00
Wednesday10:30–14:30, 16:00–22:00
Thursday10:30–14:30, 16:00–22:00
Friday10:30–14:30, 16:00–22:00
Saturday16:00–22:00
Sunday16:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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