Chilli Dhaba Forbury Park

About Chilli Dhaba Forbury Park

Chilli Dhaba's Forbury Park branch serves authentic Indian dishes from 146 Victoria Road in St Kilda, Dunedin — straight from the kitchen to your plate, whether you're dining in or taking the heat home. In 2024 the kitchen took out the Otago Hospitality Award for Outstanding Street Food & Casual Dining, a fitting nod to the bold, honest cooking behind the name: a dhaba is India's beloved roadside eatery, and this one plates up tandoor-fired starters, slow-simmered curries and fresh naan for St Kilda and beyond.

The menu runs deep. Tandoori chicken, chicken tikka and lamb lollipops marinated overnight in the house's secret marinades come out of the clay oven, while the curry list spans butter chicken in its creamy cashew sauce, korma, rogan josh, tikka masala, jalfrezi, chettinad, saag, dopiaza and the fearless diner's vindaloo — every curry available mild, medium or hot, and nearly all gluten free. Vegetarians get a full section of their own (daal makhani, malai kofta, paneer makhani and more), vegans are covered with dishes like channa masala and aloo gobhi, and there's Keralan-inspired Malabari for something coconut-creamy and mild.

Come hungry with a crowd and the family meals do the work: the Chilli Dhaba Feast serves 3-4, and family biryanis stretch to 4-5. Dine-in lunch specials run from 12pm to 2:30pm, and Sundays at Forbury bring a tawa paratha special unique to this branch — the kitchen's other Dunedin home is in Mornington. Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, with pickup, delivery and online ordering.

Chilli Dhaba Forbury Park: Award-Winning Indian Curries and Tandoor Classics in St Kilda, Dunedin

Chilli Dhaba's Forbury Park branch brings authentic Indian home-style cooking to 146 Victoria Road in St Kilda, Dunedin. The name says a lot — a dhaba is India's beloved roadside eatery, famous for bold, honest food — and the kitchen lives up to it, serving tandoor-fired starters, slow-simmered curries, biryanis and fresh naan to your table or packed up to take the heat home. In 2024 that approach earned Chilli Dhaba the Otago Hospitality Award for Outstanding Street Food & Casual Dining.

What the kitchen is known for

The tandoor does a lot of the heavy lifting. Chicken tikka, tandoori chicken and lamb tikka all spend time in homemade yoghurt-based marinades before hitting the clay oven, while the lamb lollipops — lamb chops marinated overnight in the house's secret marinade — are a standout. Starters like vegetable samosas, onion bhajis and pakoras are vegan-friendly and dairy free, fried in a homemade chickpea and rice flour batter.

The curry list runs from the classic family favourite butter chicken — tandoori chicken in a creamy cashew sauce — through korma, lamb rogan josh, chicken tikka masala, bhuna, jalfrezi, chettinad, saag, dopiaza and the fiery vindaloo for fearless brave hearts. Every curry can be made mild, medium or hot, and nearly all are gluten free. There's depth beyond the usual too: Malabari, a mild creamy coconut curry from Kerala, and dopiaza, a slow-cooked Mughlai dish with caramelised onions.

Vegetarians get a full section of their own — daal makhani, malai kofta, paneer makhani, aloo gobhi and channa masala among them — and vegan diners are well looked after with dishes like aloo jeera and daal taka tak. Biryani, the one-pot meal of rice and curry cooked together in herbs and spices, comes in chicken, lamb, prawns and vegetarian versions, and there's even a "rice (but not rice)" section with cauliflower rice and garlic broccoli with almonds. Every main arrives with a portion of soft, steaming basmati rice.

Feeding the family — or just yourself

The Chilli Dhaba Feast is built for sharing: onion bhaji, butter chicken, lamb rogan josh, aloo saag, three portions of rice, three naan, raita and papadums for three to four people. Family biryanis stretch to four or five. On a smaller scale, platters for two make a great grazing start, and the naan list runs from plain and garlic through to chilli cheese, Kashmiri (stuffed with nuts and coconut) and naan stuffed with chopped chicken tikka.

Lunchtime has its own rhythm: dine-in specials run 12pm to 2:30pm, pairing butter chicken with rice, onion bhaji and a soft drink, or chicken biryani with raita, papadum and a soft drink. Sundays at Forbury bring a special of their own — tawa paratha, wholemeal flour stuffed with potato and secret spices, served with pickle, yogurt and sweet lassi.

The practical bits

Forbury Park is one of two Chilli Dhaba kitchens in Dunedin — the other sits in Mornington. Both serve dine-in, pickup and delivery, with online ordering plus Uber Eats and DeliverEasy for the heat-at-home nights. Doors are open Tuesday through Sunday with a lunch service (12:30pm-2:30pm) and a dinner service (5:00pm-8:30pm); the kitchen rests on Mondays.

On the side there's raita, papadums and a row of chutneys — mango, mint, tamarind and vegetable pickle — and the drinks list runs from homemade mango lassi (the menu's own "must try") to ginger beer and lemon lime bitter. Save room for gulab jamun with vanilla ice cream, then start planning tomorrow's curry.

Signature items

• Butter Chicken
• Lamb Lollipop
• Chicken Biryani
• Chilli Dhaba Feast
• Tandoori Chicken
• Mango Lassi

Menu

Mains

• Butter Chicken — The classic family favourite — tandoori chicken in a creamy cashew sauce. Gluten free.
• Butter Chicken Sauce — The creamy cashew butter chicken sauce on its own. Gluten free.
• Kadai Chicken — Chicken cooked in the colourful homemade capsicum curry, known for its spicy, unique flavour.
• Kadai Lamb — Lamb in the homemade capsicum curry. Gluten free.
• Kadai Prawns — Prawns in the homemade capsicum curry. Gluten free.
• Kadai Vegetables — Vegetables in the homemade capsicum curry.
• Kadai Paneer — Indian cottage cheese in the colourful capsicum curry.
• Bhuna Chicken — Special spices fried together on high for a rich, intense flavour. Gluten free.
• Bhuna Lamb — Lamb in a rich, intensely flavoured fried-spice dish. Gluten free.
• Jalfrezi Chicken — Coconut cream based curry loaded with spices and capsicum — a must try.
• Jalfrezi Lamb — Lamb in the coconut cream and capsicum curry.
• Jalfrezi Prawns — Prawns in the coconut cream curry with spices and capsicum.
• Jalfrezi Vegetarian — Coconut cream based curry loaded with spices and capsicum.
• Chettinad Chicken — One for the chilli fans — spicy curry with coconut, curry leaves and spices.
• Chettinad Lamb — Fiery lamb curry with coconut and curry leaves.
• Chettinad Prawns — Spicy prawn curry with coconut, curry leaves and spices.
• Lamb Rogan Josh — Slow cooked lamb in a lovely mixture of herbs and spices. Gluten free.
• Korma Chicken — Simple yet luxurious cream-based curry topped with almonds. Gluten free.
• Korma Lamb — Creamy lamb korma topped with almonds. Gluten free.
• Chicken Tikka Masala — Yogurt based curry with deliciously cooked onions, topped with almonds. Gluten free.
• Lamb Passanda — Rich comfort curry with cream and yogurt, topped with almonds. Gluten free.
• Vindaloo Chicken — Fiery dish loaded with homemade dried spices and peppers, for brave hearts.
• Vindaloo Lamb — Lamb in a fiery dried spice and pepper vindaloo.
• Vindaloo Prawns — Spicy prawn vindaloo loaded with homemade dried spices and peppers.
• Saag Chicken — Mouth-watering curry made with fresh spinach, cream and spices.
• Saag Lamb — Lamb in the creamy fresh spinach curry.
• Saag Prawns — Prawns in the fresh spinach and cream curry.
• Saag Paneer — Indian cottage cheese in the creamy spinach curry. Vegetarian.
• Saag Potato — Potato in the creamy spinach curry. Vegetarian.
• Malabari Fish — Mild creamy coconut curry with aromatic spices, from gods' own country Kerala. Gluten free.
• Malabari Prawns — Prawns in the Kerala-style mild creamy coconut curry. Gluten free.
• Dopiaza Chicken — Classic slow cooked Mughlai dish with caramelised onions and fresh herbs, topped with spring onions.
• Dopiaza Lamb — Slow cooked lamb with caramelised onions and aromatic spices.
• Dopiaza Prawns — Prawns in the caramelised onion Mughlai curry.
• Dopiaza Vegetables — Vegetables slow cooked with caramelised onions, herbs and spices.

Drinks

• Mango Lassi — Homemade yogurt and mango drink — a must try.
• Sweet Lassi — Classic sweet yogurt drink.
• Ginger Beer — Refreshing ginger beer.
• Lemon Lime Bitter — Bubbly lemon lime bitter.
• Apple Juice — Chilled apple juice.
• Orange Juice — Chilled orange juice.
• Soft Drinks — Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Sprite Zero, Fanta and L&P.

Extras

• Raita — Cooling yogurt side.
• Mango Chutney — Sweet mango condiment.
• Vegetable Pickle — Tangy vegetable pickle.
• Mint Chutney — Fresh mint condiment.
• Tamarind Chutney — Sweet and tangy tamarind condiment.
• Papadums (2 pieces) — Crisp papadums, two pieces.
• Papadums (12 pieces) — A dozen crisp papadums to share.

Desserts

• Vanilla Ice Cream — Three scoops of vanilla ice cream.
• Chocolate Ice Cream — Three scoops of chocolate ice cream.
• Gulab Jamun with Vanilla Ice Cream — Gulab jamun served with vanilla ice cream.

Starters

• Vegetable Samosa — Deep fried flaky pastry filled with mashed potato, peas and Indian spices; two per portion. Vegan and dairy free.
• Onion Bhaji — Sliced onions in a homemade chickpea and rice flour batter, fried to crispy golden yumminess; three per portion.
• Vegetable Pakoras — Spinach, onion and potato in chickpea and rice flour batter, deep fried; eight to ten per portion.
• Paneer Tikki — Homemade paneer and potato with fresh herbs and Indian spices, crumbed and deep fried; six per portion.
• Chicken Tikka — Succulent boneless chicken in a homemade yoghurt marinade, cooked in the tandoor; five per portion. Gluten free.
• Tandoori Prawns — Prawns cooked tandoori-style in the tandoor.
• Tandoori Chicken — Chicken on the bone in a homemade yoghurt marinade, cooked in the tandoor to perfection; half or full. Gluten free.
• Lamb Tikka — Tender lamb pieces in the secret marinade, cooked in the tandoor; five per portion. Gluten free.
• Lamb Lollipop — Lamb chops marinated overnight in the secret marinade and cooked in the tandoor; five per portion. Gluten free.
• Platter For Two — Crunchy samosas, onion bhajis, lamb lollipops, lamb tikka and tandoori chicken.
• Vegetarian Platter for Two — Crunchy samosas, pakoras, onion bhajis and paneer tikki.

Vegetarian

• Malai Kofta — Deep fried paneer and potato balls in a creamy sauce topped with cashew nuts.
• Paneer Makhani (Butter Paneer) — Paneer in a creamy cashew sauce — the vegetarian version of butter chicken. Gluten free.
• Daal Makhani — Kidney beans and black lentils slow cooked with homemade crushed spices and fresh herbs. Gluten free.
• Aloo Gobhi — Dry dish of potato and cauliflower with onions, ginger and garlic. Vegan, dairy free and gluten free.
• Aloo Matar (Peas) — Ever popular North Indian dish with green peas, potatoes, tomatoes and cream. Gluten free.
• Aloo Jeera (Cumin) — Delicious potato and cumin, exactly what it sounds like. Vegan, dairy free and gluten free.
• Khumb Matar (Peas) — Mushroom and peas in a creamy tomato base. Gluten free.
• Daal Taka Tak — Also known as tadka dal — soft lentils in a turmeric based curry. Vegan, dairy free and gluten free.
• Channa Masala — Chickpeas in a spicy masala. Vegan, dairy free and gluten free.

Family Meals

• Chilli Dhaba Feast — Onion bhaji, butter chicken, lamb rogan josh, aloo saag, three rices, three naan, raita and papadums; serves 3-4.
• Butter Chicken For The Family — Butter chicken for 3-4 people; not available for dine in.
• Chicken Biryani for the Family — Family-size chicken biryani; serves 4 to 5 people.
• Lamb Biryani for the Family — Family-size lamb biryani; serves 4 to 5 people.
• Prawns Biryani for the Family — Family-size prawn biryani; serves 4 to 5 people.

Naan & Breads

• Naan Basket — Two plain, two garlic and two cheese naan; suitable for four to six people.
• Plain Naan — The classic tandoor-baked favourite.
• Butter Naan — Naan brushed with butter.
• Garlic Naan — Naan with garlic.
• Cheese Naan — Naan stuffed with cheese.
• Onion Kulcha — Naan stuffed with onion.
• Kashmiri Naan — Stuffed with nuts and coconut.
• Chilli Cheese Naan — Cheese naan with a chilli kick.
• Cheese and Garlic Naan — Stuffed with cheese and garlic.
• Chicken Naan — Stuffed with chopped chicken tikka.
• Tandoori Roti — The healthier naan — Indian style bread made from wholemeal flour. Dairy free.
• Butter Tandoori Roti — Wholemeal tandoor bread with butter.
• Aloo Cheese Paratha — Wholemeal bread stuffed with potato and cheese.

Low-Carb Sides

• Cauliflower Rice — Rice, but not rice — a cauliflower alternative. Dairy free and gluten free.
• Garlic Broccoli & Almonds — Garlic broccoli with almonds in place of rice. Dairy free and gluten free.

Rice & Biryani

• Chicken Biryani — A whole meal by itself — rice and curry cooked together in herbs and spices.
• Lamb Biryani — Rice and lamb curry cooked together in herbs and spices.
• Prawns Biryani — Rice and prawn curry cooked together in herbs and spices.
• Vegetarian Biryani — Rice and vegetable curry cooked together in herbs and spices.
• Plain Rice — Soft, steaming basmati rice. Dairy free and gluten free.
• Jeera Rice — Basmati rice with cumin. Dairy free and gluten free.
• Peas Pulao — Basmati rice with peas. Dairy free and gluten free.
• Mushroom Pulao — Basmati rice with mushroom. Dairy free and gluten free.
• Chicken Pulao — Basmati rice with chicken.

Dine-In Specials

• Lunch Specials — Dine in 12pm-2:30pm — butter chicken with rice, onion bhaji and a soft drink, or chicken biryani with raita, papadum and a soft drink.
• Sunday Special (Forbury only) — Tawa paratha — wholemeal flour stuffed with potato and secret spices — with pickle, yogurt and sweet lassi.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Chilli Dhaba Forbury Park?

At 146 Victoria Road, St Kilda, Dunedin (Forbury Park). Phone 03 456 2615. Chilli Dhaba also has a Mornington branch at 43 Mailer Street.

What are the opening hours?

Tuesday to Sunday, with two services: lunch 12:30pm-2:30pm and dinner 5:00pm-8:30pm. Closed on Mondays.

Are there vegan, gluten-free or dairy-free options?

Yes — the menu marks vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free dishes, such as vegetable samosas, onion bhaji, aloo gobhi and channa masala, and many curries are gluten free.

Can I choose my spice level?

Yes — all curries are available in mild, medium or hot.

Can I order pickup or delivery?

Yes. The Forbury Park branch offers pickup and delivery through online ordering, and Chilli Dhaba is also on Uber Eats and DeliverEasy.

Is there a lunch deal?

Dine-in specials run 12pm-2:30pm: butter chicken with rice, onion bhaji and a soft drink, or chicken biryani with raita, papadum and a soft drink. Sundays at Forbury add a tawa paratha special with pickle, yogurt and sweet lassi.

Can Chilli Dhaba feed a group?

Yes — the Chilli Dhaba Feast serves 3-4, family biryanis serve 4-5, and there are platters for two and a naan basket for four to six people.

Tips

• {"body":"Open Tuesday-Sunday for lunch 12:30pm-2:30pm and dinner 5:00pm-8:30pm; closed Mondays.","title":"Mind the split services"}
• {"body":"Dine-in specials run 12pm-2:30pm — butter chicken or chicken biryani combos, each with a soft drink.","title":"Lunch combo deal"}
• {"body":"A Forbury-only Sunday special: tawa paratha stuffed with potato and secret spices, with pickle, yogurt and sweet lassi.","title":"Sunday at Forbury"}
• {"body":"Swap the basmati that comes with mains for cauliflower rice or garlic broccoli and almonds.","title":"Rice upgrade"}
• {"body":"Order online for pickup or delivery; Chilli Dhaba is also on Uber Eats and DeliverEasy.","title":"Skip the wait"}

Good to know

• {"family":"Family feasts and biryanis serve 3-5 people; platters and naan baskets for sharing.","dietary":"Vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options marked on the menu; all curries in mild, medium or hot."}