Dhaba at the Mill

Dhaba at the Mill is a fine example of a place that’s more than meets the eye. The old flourmill appears a little sleepy and rundown when compared to other prized shopfronts along Piper Street.

But stick your head in and the sounds and scents of India are knocked into you. The smell of cumin and coriander emanate from the kitchen, and an upbeat clanging of Indian music creates a playful atmosphere. It’s much like sister restaurant Horn Please in Melbourne.

It’s also a great dinner choice for the family and larger, louder groups. Cover the table with shared plates and get festive.

This healthy dose of Indian culture is starkly contrasted with the cave-like surroundings, heavy timber beams of old industrial, country Victoria. Somehow, it’s an agreeable collision of two very different worlds.

Entrees tread the same new/old line. Okra fries are dusted with mango powder, and garnished with mint. Potato croquettes have a swimmer crab centre. Papadi chaat or “Indian nachos” is a bed of pappadums slathered in various chutneys and mashed veggies.

Mains are more familiar and include butter chicken, a fenugreek-led beef curry and a hearty, slow-cooked, black-lentil number.

Head to the brightly lit drinks fridge to grab yourself a beer from Bridge Road Brewers, Mountain Goat, Feral or India’s favourite, Kingfisher lager.

On Sundays, an Indian banquet is just $20 a head, all you can eat. Dhaba also has a van set up at Woodend and a few roaming food trucks around Melbourne.

Explore Kyneton further using our detailed Out of Town to Kyneton guide.