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Restaurant

Chennai Express

Downtown
4.4$
OPEN12:30 pm - 10 pm
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Chennai Express Downtown, Montreal: Menu, Reviews & Reserve (2026)
IndianBoutique-CounterBrunch
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About

Chennai Express offers an authentic journey through the vibrant flavors of South India, specializing in classic dishes prepared with traditional techniques and fresh, aromatic spices. The menu highlights regional specialties, featuring expertly crafted dosas with an array of fillings, fluffy idlis served with sambar and chutney, and rich, flavorful curries simmered to perfection. Savory tandoori specialties, marinated and cooked in the clay oven, provide a delightful contrast to the South Indian fare. The dining experience is designed to be a welcoming exploration of Indian culinary heritage, presenting a diverse selection of well-executed dishes that capture the essence of authentic Indian cooking. It's a destination for those seeking genuine taste and quality.
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5★
72%
4★
9%
3★
8%
2★
10%
1★
1%

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Reviews for Chennai Express

Food
Service
on Google4.2 (1100+)
*as of 2026-07-01
5★
72%
4★
9%
3★
8%
2★
10%
1★
1%

Review Summary

Chennai Express is widely regarded as a top destination for authentic South Indian cuisine in downtown Montreal, particularly famous for its crispy and flavorful dosas. While the establishment functions as a small, shared food court space with very limited seating that is better suited for takeout than a traditional dine-in experience, the prompt and friendly service combined with reasonable prices makes it a local favorite. Although opinions on the authenticity of the chutney and sambar are somewhat divided, the majority of visitors praise the food as delicious and highly recommend the menu, noting that the welcoming staff adds to the overall positive experience.
Page 1 of 1 - 8 Reviews
5.0

Took my friend here after a long day of work & it was the perfect casual dining experience. Ordering was very casual, the gentleman behind the counter was very friendly & receptive when I asked for a recommendation. Ended up choosing masala dosa with chicken & potatoes & it blew me away! The dosa was masterfully cooked to order, he brought it out to us on the shallow tiled counter along the side wall, right by the open doors. The meal was satisfying & warm but still light & my friend & I absolutely demolished it like it was the last meal we'd ever eat. He came over to gather our trash shortly after & check in on us & I had to give him a hug.

Jun 17, 2026
on Google
5.0

The chicken masala dosa was so good, I nearly cried. Don't go for ambience.

Sep 26, 2025
on Google

Found this place closer to our hotel. The briyani was good(not spicy) & chicken pieces were very soft. I wanted to have their masala tea, though it was not readily available, the owner prepared it for me as per my preference. Appreciate the service👏🏻👌🏻

May 22, 2025
on Google

We were visiting & came across this South Indian spot in a shared space with two other fast food choices (pizza & wok). This place is the real deal - authentic South Indian flavours at an affordable price. We had the idlis which were freshly steamed & served with tasty chutney & sambar. The masala dosa was excellent - perfectly crispy with a well spiced potato masala. Finally, the chicken biryani was marinated, fragrant & delicious. Highly recommend!

Ps - seating wise, there's a long table with high chairs, but because these are shared between the three restaurants, there may not always be availability (it is first come first serve). The takeout option worked best for us!

Mar 25, 2025
on Google

The masala dosa was absolutely excellent - crispy, flaky, & served with delicious coconut chutney & sambar. The chicken biryani was good, with flavorful spices that satisfied my craving for traditional South Indian cuisine.

Jan 19, 2025
on Google

This is a small restaurant in a shared space with one pizza place & a Chinese noodle place. The staff is kind & humble. I tried sambhar idly & chicken dosa here. The cost was nominal & the taste was so good. Had an authentic sambhar here with fluffy idlys. Recommended place for South Indian food in Montreal.

Nov 25, 2024
on Google

This is a nice little place in the center of downtown on st Catherine Street . This place has been my usual now for several years . My usual orders are chicken curry , lamb curry & chicken biryani for takeways . I always call in advance & schedule my pickup as its very crowded on busy hours . When I have dine in , I usually order plain dosa & idlis . Idlis are usually served in the evening & fresh so I recommend to call & place an order for them in advance .

Oct 22, 2024
on Google

A small kiosk amidst hustle & bustle of Montreal downtown. Delicious food & courteous owner. Excellent pricing. We ordered masala dosa & chicken biryani. Masala in the dosa was well prepared (perfectly boiled & mashed potatoes with perfect combination of south Indian spices). Chicken pieces in the biryani were well cooked & soaked in spices to a perfect measure. If you are looking to sit down & enjoy the food, you have to pick your time of visiting this place wisely. We visited at lunch hour, so the place was jam packed as it has two other food joints there. Overall, 5/5 in my book.

Aug 15, 2024
on Google