Base Camp

Three to four nights a week I have a hankering for a level of spice that will leave me sweating bullets. I don’t know why I desire this pain, but I do. My most recent craving led us to Base Camp, opposite the Westgarth Cinema in Northcote after we’d received a hot tip from a friend.
This is a surprisingly large venue and was practically full on the Thursday night we went along. The menu, both food and drink, is heavily focused on Nepalese food and traditions. This excited me, particularly the opportunity to drink a Himalayan beer!
We ordered Beef Vindaloo, a pickled chicken special and some garlic naan, which we were told by two separate sources is the best in Melbourne… they were right. It was soft, tasty and the perfect instrument to mop up the spicy curry sauce. Both dishes were great but not as spicy as promised by the three chilli symbol, so unfortunately we were left a little flat.
Don’t get me wrong — the food is delish and filling, it just isn’t as groundbreaking as we had hoped. Highly recommended if you live in the area and need a quick and tasty mid-​week dinner.

Loved Base Camp! The momos are delicious — like Indian-​flavored dumplings. The spicy dipping sauce is a must. We loved the beef dish we got — it was like a beef curry of some sort, it was under their specials. The spicy chicken stir fry (it had 3 chili signs) was not spicy at all. The naan is the softest, fluffiest naan I’ve had in Melbourne — everywhere else does naan much thinner and crispier. Base Camp is unique and a fun deviation from Indian restaurants. Their Himalayan influence is distinctive and fantastic!
Only downside was we waited about an hour for food — perhaps the kitchen wasn’t fully ready at the early hour we arrived for dinner. But the staff was very friendly and apologetic, and I would definitely recommend Base Camp for everyone!

We love Base Camp. I’ve been here three times. I’ve had take their away once. On each occasion the food has been wonderful. I’ve loved every single dish with one small exception (the Kasmiri naan is not that great, but everything else is seriously tasty). We have been here when going to the Westgarth cinema across the road. It’s been great each time. The service has also been terrific. Efficient, attentive and polite. Our most recent experience was ordering take away and that was fabulous too. I used to be a big fan of Curry Café on the other side down High St. I still like it but Base Camp seems significantly superior to me these days. The food and service are better. It’s cheaper and nicer inside. We shall indeed be returning soon.

There are lots of Indian restaurants in town, heck, there’s another Indian restaurant just down the road from Base Camp so why go here? The menu has more of a Nepali flavour, hence the name, and most of the staff are Nepalese.
There is a section on their menu for the food that is more unique to the region, or the Balti. It’s like a curry with meat and veggies all cooked together in a ceramic dish. Doesn’t sound so different but they are yummy, seriously.
Base Camp is just across the street from the Westgarth cinema so it’s the perfect place to go before a movie. There is a wine menu, but you can also BYO. The staff are very friendly and are now than happy to share and exchange experiences of Nepal.
There are also beautiful landscape paintings on the wall and a lot of seating in the restaurant. It’s clean, spacious and well-​lit. Great for a date, a meal with friends or a family dinner. They also have a few banquet options.
It’s a great Indian restaurant with a unique and authentic twist.