Chennai Express feels like a comforting throwback to home for many diners, with crispy ghee dosa, a highly praised masala dosa, and idli served with tasty chutney and sambar. The setting is a small corner spot inside a shared food court with limited seating, making it more of a takeout or quick-serve option than a dine-in destination. The menu earns compliments for whole-spice flavors and affordable prices, while service is described as friendly and the owner as pleasant. Opinions on authenticity vary, with some finding the chutney and sambar very authentic and others noting that the sambhar can resemble dal and the ambience is not the focus. Dishes like chicken masala dosa and biryani receive high praise, with some reviewers calling it the best dosa in town or a reliable cheap lunch, and several mention good value and consistency. A few reviews note room for improvement in freshness and that the dining space is limited; overall, Chennai Express is seen as a flavorful, dependable south Indian option in downtown Montreal.
This place shares the space with other restaurants, & there is limited seating. But the food is good, authentic South Indian, & service is quick. I'd recommend the masala dosa.
A hidden heaven for South Indian food. Fantasic crispy podi masala dosas! & if you give Venki a call before you arrive he'll make you a batch of steaming hot idlis. Delicious food which I keep coming back for ✨
Apr 13, 2026
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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.
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!
Jun 24, 2025
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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!
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.
