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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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 food here is absolutely amazing-fresh, flavorful, & cooked to perfection. It's a small, cozy spot, making it ideal for takeout. The highlight, though, is the sweet man who's both the waiter & the chef. His warmth & care really shine through in both the service & the food. Must try if you crave Indian style breakfast in a budget!
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
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Food is really really good, top notch. Restaurant is small & shared with some other restaurants but we really liked the food. Authentic South Indian good with a great taste.
Got the masala dosa from here & it was great! Did not expect authentic south Indian food in Montreal. I am from Hyderabad & am very particular about dosa but this place really came through. It was just one gentleman taking orders & cooking when I went on a Friday evening. I wish him & his business well.
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.
