Bhoj

Ph: (03) 9846 7799; Level 2 Shop 14,, 114 James St, Templestowe 3106

Indian, $$ -, * for Food
Open 7 days 5.30-10.30pm; Licensed, BYO, Corkage $1.5 person; AE, BC, DC, MC, V, Seats inside 50, Outside seats 8

Mietta's Review
Tucked away behind a shopping centre in Templestowe Bhoj has held the reputation for being one of Melbourne's great Indian restaurants for many years. The room is unremarkable, but the food keeps them coming back for more. The menu offers a diverse range of dishes and includes traditional Indian dishes but also moves beyond well prepared but familiar curries and tandoor to include interesting authentic dishes not offered at other like restaurants. In the early days Bhoj was packed with locals, now locals find it hard to get a table, because the word is out. To spread the love around, a second restaurant has been opened at 54 New Quay Promenade at Docklands (03 9600 0884).

Other published opinions
The Foodies' Guide 2004,Allan Campion & Michele Curtis,'Bhoj's reputation as not only one of the best Indian restaurants,but also one of the best takeaways,is well deserved.Here you'll find all the classic Indian dishes prepared with just a bit more loving care to make them quite spectacular.' VE+T, March April 2003,'Regional Indian specialties in a family -run locale.' The Age Good Food Guide 2003. Best Indian. Score 15/20. Herald Sun, citystyle, "National Treasures", Bob Hart, 8/4/03. Best Indian.. Age Good Food Guide 2002 - One Hat - Best Indian - Score=15/20 - "The dining room is humble and unpretentious - they come here for food and the food alone, cooked masterfully by Rajesh Mehtaand served by his wife Kavita." Hearld Sun Bob Hart 22/12/01 Very Good Cheap eats 2000 The Age, Epicure 2/5/00 "Bhoj a hard to find gem you probably already know its the finest insiand restaurant in town, but its worth raving about again for Rajesh Mehta cooks in a manner that is extraordinary in its subtle flavors and easy on the wallet." The Sunday Age, eatstreets, Jane Faulkner & Angus Holland 30/4./00 "This place gets so many goosd reviews because of it's interesting variety of dishes, many of which you won't see elsewhere including two soups. but the staple curries are a cut above too especially the silky smooth palak paneer (spinach with cottage cheese). terrific pappadams too good spicey salad and naan as it should be. Highly recommended." Hearld Sun, Food & Drink, Stephen Downes Table Tops, 25/1/00, Score 2.5 Stars. "Chef owner Rajesh Mehta cooks some of Melbournes most subtle and richly complex sub continental flavours here. another modest, straight off the carpark place, its walls are decorated with carved indian panels. Bhoj has a comprehensive list; tandoori dishes curries but also kebab concoctions served in beaten copper urns over hot coals." The Age, Eating and Drinking John Schauble, 12/12/99 Score 2.5 Stars. "It ain't pretty, but that doesn't stop this humble cafe laying claim to Melbournes curry crown." The Age, Epicure review, John Lethlean, 3/11/98. Score 14/20. "A modest suburban restaurant that is making a real effort to introduce unfamiliar food from the subcontient; fine valve for money."