With Diwali around the corner, Lygon Street has a new reason to shine. Bibi Ji, the Indian diner at 179 Lygon Street in Carlton, is transforming its space into a celebration of light, colour and flavour.
The restaurant’s founder Amarjeet Singh says, “We planted the seed of an authentic Indian restaurant with street-inspired snacks and cocktails, a space filled with vibrant flavours, good vibes and a feeling of home. That’s exactly what Bibi Ji has become today.”
Bibi Ji means grandmother in Punjabi, and Amar’s vision has always been simple: to serve guests with that same home-like love through every recipe, every meal and every experience, whether it’s a casual dinner or a grand festivity.
This Diwali, the team is going all out. There will be an Indian mandap to set the mood, festive menu highlights paired with Indian sweets, cocktails inspired by the season, and “crackers and colourful moments to complete the festive spirit.” It’s their second Diwali since opening and they’re planning to make it one to remember.
Step inside and you’ll find a burst of colour and texture. The interior, once home to Café Notturno, has been reimagined into a playful, immersive setting. Ceilings are draped with fabric, mirrors catch the light, and the bar gleams with marble and patterned tiles.
The menu blends familiarity with discovery, offering halal and vegetarian options, street-style snacks like dahi puri and Amritsari fish fry, hearty curries such as railway chicken and lamb bhuna, and tandoor dishes that echo the smoky warmth of Indian streets. One of the standout offerings is the banana leaf thali, a platter loaded with curries, rice and accompaniments that invite you to eat with your hands and heart.
During the festival, expect limited-edition dishes like corn ribs dusted with house spices, goat curry slow-cooked in a tomato-onion base, and gajar halwa infused with cardamom. Drinks follow suit with a mango lassi touched with rum, Indian-inspired cocktails, and a wine list that leans local.
Choosing Lygon Street wasn’t an accident. Amar Singh says he wanted to honour the area’s legacy while bringing a new flavour to it. “We wanted to keep the spirit of a neighbourhood diner alive,” he explains, nodding to Café Notturno’s long history. The arrival of Bibi Ji has added a splash of India to the Italian heart of Carlton, part of a growing trend that reflects Melbourne’s evolving cultural mix.
As Diwali nears, the timing couldn’t be better. For those seeking a place that captures the warmth of an Indian home while offering Melbourne’s style and sophistication, Bibi Ji makes for a perfect stop. With its festive décor, comforting food and welcoming spirit, it’s a reminder that Diwali is about light, flavour and togetherness.
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