Papa Chai

Papa Chai is a small modern Indian cafe at Shop 2/415 High Street, Ashburton, built around proper masala chai and Melbourne's favourite Indian street snacks: vada pav, kathi rolls, jaffles and curry bowls. The footpath tables out front take dogs, which makes it a workable lunch stop in the middle of a High Street walk.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the outdoor footpath seating; inside is for assistance dogs only, as is standard for a food venue in Victoria. The setup is compact, so bring your own water bowl and keep the lead short when the shopping strip is busy. Best suited to a calm dog that is happy near foot traffic.

The vibe

This is quick, good-value eating rather than a long sit-down. The vada pav, chicken kathi roll, paneer toastie and butter chicken draw the regulars, the jaffles cross Indian flavours with the old Melbourne toastie, and the chai is the reason most people come back. It runs seven days, opening at 9am and trading into the evening (to 9pm or later at the back of the week), and most of the menu sits under $20, which is part of the draw. Filter coffee and mango lassis fill out the drinks list.

Getting there and parking

Free street parking runs along High Street and the side streets, and Ashburton station on the Alamein line is a short walk away if you would rather arrive on foot with the dog.

Close by with the dogs

Warner Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is close enough for an off-lead run before you order, and the Ferndale, Gardiners Creek and Anniversary Trails loop starts nearby for a proper walk afterwards.

More options are on the Victoria dog friendly restaurants guide and the Ashburton destination page.