Maison ChaïShaï is praised for authentic Indian and Pakistani flavors, a standout chai program, and a diverse menu that covers classic street foods, hearty mains, and creative twists like butter chicken poutine. The ambiance is described as warm, colorful, and welcoming, with a family-run vibe and generally friendly service, though a few visits note slower pacing or inconsistency. Flavors are repeatedly highlighted as delicious and satisfying, with chai, Kashmiri chai, samosas, dahi puri, pani puri, biryani, and desserts like Gulab Jamun earning frequent praise, while some guests find portions small for the price or question value. Many reviewers say they would return for the food and atmosphere and appreciate the reasonable prices and the option to try traditional and fusion dishes in one place.
Slow slow slow....
I've been here a few times, & it has gotten progressively worse on each visit . Today, it was over 45 minutes for a Biryani.... A simple rice dish. There are only 3 other people in the restaurant.
Update (Sep'25): Been back twice more & service is back to normal speed. However, now I have run into the owners both times, & they are very happy to have feedback & a discussion.
Sep 23, 2025
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ChaiShai is a must-try for any Indian food lover. Their food is incredible & bursts with flavour! The Samosa Channa Chaat, Chicken Biryani, Haryali Chicken are all absolutely amazing. Their take on poutine (butter chicken poutine) is really original & so good too (as is their take on grilled cheese sandwich - the Bombay). & the desserts are amazing - the BEST Gulab Jamun! Their masala chai & Kashmiri chai are perfection in a cup. The service is warm & so hospitable, truly a special place.
I recently went to an event at Chaishai, & honestly, I was blown away by how welcoming the owners, Nahid & Samad, were. They made everyone feel so comfortable & really went out of their way to check in on each guest.
I had the biryani
& wow. If you're craving real, flavorful, authentic biryani, this is the spot. & don't even get me started on the chai… hands down one of the best I've had. So full of flavor no exaggeration!
Please check them out & support this lovely family run business. Nahid & Samad truly deserve a shoutout for their kindness & positive vibes. Can't wait to go back!
I love going there, the food & the staff are awesome. The girls working there are so sweet & lovely. Thank you Hiba & Palak (sorry if I got your names wrong). I highly recommend the butter chicken, the chicken biryani, & the chai masala. I'm obsessed
Maison ChaïShaï is located conveniently adjacent to Concordia University in downtown Montreal. Whenever I'm homesick this place can offer a culinary escape through its fusion of subcontinental street food & Halal eats. The Gold Gappa/Bhelpuri is the most nostalgic street food, personally it felt a bit underwhelming to me in terms of my local tangy & spicy flavors. I also tried their Hyderabadi Biryani. As soon as the plate arrived I was filled by its rich & aromatic spices, tender meat, & perfectly cooked basmati rice. Maison ChaïShaï is also really well decorated, with a Desi decor that complements the cuisine.
Absolutely delicious! The atmosphere was welcoming & the service was so friendly. We ate butter chicken, chana masala, chicken Biryani, samosa, golgappa (highly recommend!!), cheese cake, & masala chai (also highly recommend!). Everything to share with 4 friends. Will come here again next time I'm in Montreal.
Jan 19, 2024
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Maison ChaiShai offers an incredible dining experience with a delightful fusion of Indian flavors. The Butter Chicken Poutine is a unique twist that's both comforting & flavorful. The Chicken Biryani is a standout dish, showcasing aromatic spices & tender meat. The overall dining experience at Maison ChaiShai is a treat for anyone seeking exceptional Indian cuisine.
Small portions, some of the chicken wraps are very dry. Nevertheless I must admit that the biryani rice is so aromatic & tasty as well as the onion pakoras. The staff is very friendly
Update: The restaurant reached out to me & apologized for the food quality on account of new staff. They offered me a biryani on the house & it was a night & day difference. It was good. I was once again impressed with the polite & friendly staff. Looking forward to dining again.
This review is based on my recent takeout order of Biryani & mango lassi. I really wanted to like this place. The staff were very polite & had a smiling face. The ambience was cozy.
Unfortunately the food was subpar. The rice in biryani felt undercooked & hard. A worrying trend I've seen in another restaurant as well. No dish warrants hard rice. The chicken was so bland it gave a raw taste. Ironically the only saving grace was the low quantity which cut short my disappointment.
The mango lassi was ok. It's such a shame when your local restaurant turns out this way. I hope they listen to feedback & improve.
Sep 20, 2023
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