Chennai Express is described as a compact, mostly takeout spot with friendly service and strong South Indian flavors, where crispy dosas, soft idlis, and flavorful chutneys and sambar are frequent highlights. The masala dosa and chicken biryani are repeatedly praised, with some reviewers calling the dosa among the best in town, while a few note the sambar leaning toward dal and the chutney not always authentic. Ambience is not a focus and seating is limited to a shared counter in a small food court, but the takeaway option and careful packaging are appreciated. Prices are reasonable and the owner is described as polite and humble, making it a reliable place to go for a quick, flavorful meal when in the area.
Probably the best dosa in town!
The masala dosa was very good. & the chutney & sambar were very delicious.
You have 3 restaurants in the building (kind of small food court) very good service.
He's a really sweet host, but if you're looking for authentic taste - neither the chutney, nor the texture of the dosa are close. The sambhar is more like dal, but ok.
Aug 28, 2025
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
As someone who's spent a considerable amount of time in Chennai, I feel like I'm qualified to review this place. The masala dosa was probably the best I've had anywhere. Period. The sandbar & chutney were super authentic. I cannot recommend this place enough!
Very decent dosa, chutney & sambhar was very good, dosa was Krispy & nice. Freshly prepared. Masala wasn't very great though. It was a quick dinner & a good one.
Located next to footlocker store. Ordered idly & masala dosa, take away, nicely packed. Not enough space or conducive environment for dine in. Food was nice, came with sambhar & coconut chutney..idly were soft. Hope to eat again if visiting Montreal again.
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
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
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.
The service was excellent, & the staff member/owner whoever served us was incredibly kind & humble. I would highly recommend the idly sambhar-it was exceptionally fresh, much better than at other places. The dosa was perfectly crisp, with a crust that didn't get soggy, which was impressive. Overall, a great experience with delicious food & hardworking, courteous staff.
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.
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 .
