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.
I ordered 3 teas from Chaishai Montreal (2 masala chai & 1 karak chai) after hearing a lot of good things, especially from a friend who recommended it. I personally prefer chai made with real milk rather than powdered milk, & I've tried many places that use powder, so I had higher expectations since they specialize in chai.
Before ordering, I even asked the staff, & she told me they use real milk along with a concentrate. But when I actually tried the chai, it didn't taste like it was made with real milk - it felt more like the same basic taste I've had at other places using powder.
Maybe it's because we took it to go instead of drinking it fresh there, but overall it was pretty average & didn't live up to what I expected.
Not a terrible experience, just not as good as I hoped.
Mar 17, 2026
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One of the best Indian/Pakistani food spots in town. The chai is authentic & a must have! I've had almost everything on the menu & highly recommend the Dahi Puri & Pani Puri. The Gulab Jamun Cheesecake is very good too & everything savory is a must-have. Beautifully done venue, very accessible.
When Maison Chaishai first opened a few years ago, I was genuinely excited about it. I visited on my own to try it, then brought friends & recommended it as a great new Indian street food spot. At the time, customer service felt like a priority.
So when I won a'meal for two' Instagram giveaway in 2022, I was excited to return. There was no expiry date stated, & when I contacted the restaurant to ask how to redeem it, they replied asking when I could come - clearly acknowledging the prize.
Due to major life changes & moving provinces, I didn't follow up right away & admittedly forgot. When I returned to Montreal this past October & saw the restaurant running another giveaway, I reached out again via Instagram to redeem my original prize but received no response.
Since I was nearby with my family, I went in person. I explained the situation clearly, fully aware the prize was for two people & more than willing to pay for additional items. The employee was kind but clearly new & said she'd need to speak with a manager.
When I spoke with a member of the management/owner's family, I was told nothing could be done & that I should contact the promoter. When I calmly explained that there was no expiry date, that the prize had been acknowledged, & that I had already tried contacting them with no reply, the conversation escalated unnecessarily. I was told I was wasting their time & that they were too busy to deal with this.
Even if the restaurant chose not to honor the prize, the situation could have been handled with basic courtesy or a small gesture. Instead, the interaction was dismissive & unwelcoming, & I left feeling embarrassed, especially in front of my family. We decided to leave without eating anything & spent our money elsewhere.
This wasn't about the cost of a meal - it was about how a returning customer was treated. Honoring the giveaway or simply handling the situation kindly would have built goodwill. This experience did the opposite. I also felt bad for the employee, who seemed unsupported & undertrained.
Disappointing experience, not because of the prize itself, but because of how it was handled.
It answered all my cravings at once. The food was sooo good & the staff was incredibly friendly. I had the samosa chana & this absolute delicious treat (see in picture). Highly recommend 👌
This was an ABSOLUTE DELIGHT; a mini escape from the bustling streets! Budget friendly, prices are fair. Perfect place to settle & have a bite to eat or just nest for a bit & enjoy a warm beverage; comforted under mosaic lantern decor & cultural charm. You will feel right at home. It's warm with great vibes all around. The staff is very courteous & kind. We had the Butter Chicken plate which comes with rice OR naan. It is mentioned on the menu that you can add naan for an extra fee. Get BOTH; it's really worth it! Just be very clear in your communication to avoid any confusion. The Naan really melts in your mouth. I think it's the best we've had yet. Do not leave without trying their Kashmiri Chai (Served Warm) There is the option to have it cold or warm. On a cold spring day, this really hit the spot! Cannot recommend this place highly enough. ( Here is a photo of my chai so you can live vicariously until then :) !
I tried Indian food about three years ago at a different restaurant & was really disappointed. I decided to retry today at ChaiShai & was blown away by how good the food is! The girl at the counter was so nice & sweet & her recommendations were spot on. I think I inhaled everything on my plate it was that good. Would highly recommend!!!
Mar 26, 2025
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Had a wonderful experience at Chaiwala! The food was absolutely delicious, with rich flavors & perfect portions. The service was exceptional-friendly, attentive, & made us feel welcome from start to finish. Definitely a spot I'd recommend & can't wait to come back! So glad this is open so we don't have to drive to Toronto for some boom chai!
Exceptional Food & Service! I ordered catering from Chaïshaï on January 1st for my boyfriend's surprise birthday, & I couldn't be happier with my experience. The food presentation was absolutely amazing, & every dish was incredibly fresh & delicious. All our guests loved the food! What truly stood out was the exceptional service. The owners went above & beyond by personally delivering the food to my home to help make the surprise even more special. Their care & dedication truly made a difference. Chaïshaï serves the best Indian home-style food in Montreal, made with so much love & attention to detail. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for authentic, flavorful Indian cuisine. A big thank you to the team at Chaïshaï for making the day so memorable
Cozy restaurent with authentic Indian interior decor. Takes you in a quick visit to India whilst being in Montreal. Family owned & food is prepared with love. Definitely lovely place to meet with friends & have a good meal. Highly recommend their karak chai.
Dec 19, 2024
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Love this place, feels cozy al& warm. The staff is very friendly, we had some delicious Indian cuisine. Highly recommended. Just on the note, the waiting is a bit long, so get some tea while you're waiting
We had karak chai (tea) , vegetable samosa & gulab jamun cheesecake today & believe me it was the best chai & samosa I have had in Montreal! 👏🏻 Highly recommended desi Inidan/Pakistani restaurant. ☕️ Edit: we went again & tried Masala Fries & they were super hit 🤤 must try!! Edit2: so tried their Aloo tikki Sliders & they were a hit too! Recommended!!!! 👍🏻
