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Restaurant

Shahi Qila

2/309 Thomas St, Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia

Recommended by 73 people

Updated

Find Shahi Qila

2/309 Thomas St, Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 469 736 955
HoursMonday: 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM Saturday: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM Sunday: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Plan your visit

About Shahi Qila

Tucked away in Dandenong, this tiny counter dishes out deeply spiced Pakistani home-style cooking with zero fuss. Expect a full bain-marie stocked with slow-cooked stews, rich nihari, and tender lamb shank alongside hot naan and spiced rice. Morning crowds arrive early for weekend Desi Nashta—think flaky halwa puri, simmered choley, and slow-simmered paya paired with hot doodh patti chai. Keep cash in your pocket before heading in.

  • Weekend Desi Nashta: Morning staples include halwa puri, spiced choley, rich paya, and doodh patti chai.
  • Heated Bain-Marie Service: A hot counter stocked daily with slow-simmered curries, biryani, and tender lamb shank ready to plate or pack.
  • Cash-Only Counter: No electronic card facilities on-site, so carry cash for dining in or takeaway.
RestaurantPakistaniRestaurantCafe

What's On at Shahi Qila

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Shahi Qila

From morning Desi Nashta to slow-simmered bain-marie curries, discover why locals choose Shahi Qila.

  • Authentic Slow-Cooked Pakistani Curries

    The kitchen prepares slow-cooked Pakistani traditional specialties including rich nihari, tender lamb shank rosh, and authentic beef paye with robust spicing.

    Their Nihari is to die for.

    Anum Memon

  • Ready-to-Serve Bain-Marie Selection

    A heated bain-marie counter keeps an array of freshly prepared curries, stews, and biryani ready for immediate selection, dining, and multi-day takeaway.

    they had a full bain-marie of curries and stews.

    Tony T

  • Nostalgic Flavours That Taste Like Home

    Diners who long for home cooking experience comforting nostalgia from traditional dishes like daal maash, paye, and biryani prepared just as they would be across Pakistan.

    Tastes like home.

    Zainab Ahad

  • Invigorating Spices and Traditional Comfort

    Generously spiced, authentic recipes deliver a deeply satisfying, revitalising lift compared to standard fast dining options.

    i come here to get food and it jump starts my body.

    Aliakbar Aliakbar

  • Traditional Weekend Desi Nashta Breakfast

    Weekend mornings feature a traditional Desi Nashta service complete with warm poori chana, halwa puri, rich paya, and fresh doodh patti chai.

    Best Nashta ever in Australia

    Khalil Ahmed

  • Hidden Gem in Thomas Street

    Tucked away in a quiet Dandenong alley, this unpretentious dining room offers an authentic, budget-friendly stop for hearty regional cuisine.

    hidden gem in Dandenong.

    Tony T

Authentic, slow-simmered meat curries and aromatic rice dishes

  • Paya

    “paya “ was yummy and delicious reminds me the taste of HYDERABAD(INDIA)

    shaik bilal

  • Nihari

    Their Nihari is to die for.

    Anum Memon

  • Rosh Lamb Shank

    it was nice to eat such a delicious lamb shank at this price

    Remzi Kaptan

  • Lamb Biryani

    I really loved the briyani as well as the really well cooked shank.

    Tony T

Other favorites

Traditional breakfast staples, slow-cooked lentils, and classic drinks

  • Halwa Puri & Choley

    Had Halwa puri & choley with egg Paratha was good.

    Eat Love Gram

  • Cultural Tea

    cultural Tea (tea with milk) and it is definitely the best tea yet in Melbourne.

    ammar hassan

  • Daal Maash

    Maash daal with green chillies was the best!

    Zainab Ahad

  • Mango Juice

    Try mango juice too you wont regret it.

    Zain Ali Merchant

Frequently Asked Questions

What payment methods are accepted?

Keep cash handy when visiting, as cards are not accepted.

Do they offer a traditional Pakistani breakfast?

Yes, Shahi Qila serves a traditional morning Desi Nashta featuring items like halwa puri, choley, paya, nihari, and doodh patti chai.

How does ordering from the counter work?

Dishes like curries, stews, and biryani are displayed in a heated bain-marie counter, making it easy to see the daily options and grab quick takeaway or dine-in meals.

Is parking available near the restaurant?

Yes, parking is convenient, with free parking lot, paid parking lot, and free street parking options available nearby.

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