Craving that smoky, chargrilled taste: juicy meat or veggie skewers, seasoned just right, grilled over fire and served with bold spices? That’s shekuwa (or sekuwa), a beloved Himalayan street-food style; and Melbourne does it well in a few standout spots. If you want real, hearty, grilled Himalayan or Indian-Nepalese flavours, these restaurants deliver.
Best shekuwa restaurants in Melbourne
1. Old Durbar Nepalese and Indian Restaurant
Old Durbar is widely regarded as one of the most consistent places for Nepali-style food in town. With locations in Brunswick, Nunawading and Melbourne CBD, it’s accessible no matter where you are.
Their menu reflects traditional Nepali tastes, offering dishes that evoke the mountains and street-food culture of Nepal.
What to try
- Their charcoal-grilled dishes: while Old Durbar is best known for momos and Nepalese classics, many fans of Nepali cuisine recommend it when you’re chasing authentic grilled flavours; the kind that reminds you of Nepal’s street stalls.
- Share a mixed platter if you can; great for tasting grilled meats or tikka alongside classic curries or sides, giving a full taste of what Nepali-Indian cuisine can offer.
Perfect for: When you want a dependable meal that gives you variety (grilled meat, dumplings, curries) in a friendly, laid-back setting.
2. Balti Curry House – Fitzroy North
Though more firmly in the Indian-Nepali comfort-food camp rather than strict Himalayan street-food, Balti Curry House does a solid job merging Indian and Nepali flavours. Their charcoal or tandoori-style dishes aim to replicate that grilled taste many crave.
Why consider it
- Their spices tend to hit hard and bold; which works perfectly for grilled dishes.
- If you’re after a hearty meal (grilled meat or paneer, naan, curries, and a little Nepalese-Indian fusion) this place balances the mix well: big flavours, warm atmosphere, reliable portions.
Good for: Groups, casual dinners, or those who like their grilled food with a side of Indian curry variety.
3. Aagaman Restaurant – Multiple Locations (CBD, Port Melbourne, Rosanna, etc.)
Aagaman brings together Indian and Nepalese dishes with a modern touch, and their menu includes tandoori- and grill-style items that align with what you expect from good shekuwa.
They offer a versatile menu (from tandoori platters to kebabs and grilled meats) which suits those after smoky, chargrilled flavour without wandering too far out of the city.
What to try
- Mixed grill platters (meat or veg): a solid way to sample several grilled items in one go.
- Tandoori or kebab items if you’re after that slightly smoky, fire-kissed taste rather than a heavy curry.
Best for: People in or near the city, those wanting a mix of Indian and Nepalese grilled dishes, or dinners out with friends and drinks.
4. Nepal Dining Room – Malvern East
Though not as widely known as Old Durbar or Aagaman, this place earns respect among locals for offering grilled “sekuwa”-style dishes — think marinated chicken thigh or goat skewers, herbs, spices, and that chargrilled finish that brings out deep flavour.
What stands out
- Their grilled chicken sekuwa is a house-special: perfect for those who like their meat smoky and seasoned with Himalayan-style spices.
- The vibe is more intimate and restaurant-like compared to a street-food stall: good for a quiet dinner that still gives you that grilled flame taste.
Go here if: You’re south-east side, after a proper sit-down Nepalese meal; with grilled meats, slow-cooked dishes, and a relaxed environment.
5. Avatar Indian Cuisine – Replacing the previous grill-house listing
Avatar Indian Cuisine brings a mix of Indian and Nepalese dishes to the suburbs, and their menu includes grill-style dishes that mirror traditional sekuwa offerings. Expect well-marinated meats or veggies grilled with care; smoky, juicy and full of character. It offers a balance of flavour and comfort, suitable for anyone after a casual but satisfying grilled meal.
Why go: For a suburban option with grill-style dishes and a friendly, welcoming setting.
How to choose the right spot: What to expect
What you’re after | Pick from |
| Traditional Nepalese-style meal with variety (momo, curries, grill) | Old Durbar |
| Indian/Nepalese fusion with bold curry + grill options | Balti Curry House, Aagaman |
| Licensed venue + contemporary vibe + grill platters | Aagaman |
| Quiet sit-down dinner with grilled meat and Nepalese mains | Nepal Dining Room |
| Balanced grill-style dishes in a suburban setting | Avatar Indian Cuisine |
Is charcoal-grilled Nepalese food worth hunting for?
Absolutely. If you’re after smoky, spicy, fire-kissed flavours that echo Himalayan street kitchens, Melbourne’s growing Nepalese and Nepalese-Indian restaurant scene delivers.
From the reliable warmth of Old Durbar to the modern convenience of Aagaman, and hidden gems like Nepal Dining Room or friendly suburban grill spots like Avatar Indian Cuisine, there’s a plate of shekuwa somewhere ready to surprise you.
If you’ve only ever tried curry or momo, make your next order something from the grill (a mixed platter, a skewer, or a smoky tandoori dish) and let those rich, charred flavours give you a taste of Nepal right here in Melbourne.
Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
