Located in the heart of Montreal, Shandaar Cuisine offers authentic South Asian food, also known as desi food. From your favourite Karahi to the ever-loved biryani and the famous doodh patti to the refreshing mango lassi, Shandaar Cuisine's menu has the best desi food in town. Your go-to desi restaurant with a breezy and vibrant ambience, Shandaar Cuisine is the perfect destination for an unforgettable dining experience.
Shandaar Cuisine is described as a warm, inviting spot delivering authentic Pakistani and South Asian flavors with consistent excellence across karahi, biryani, butter chicken, naan and chai. Diners praise the welcoming ambience, attentive service, and meals that feel like home cooked; dishes are fresh, richly spiced, and generously portioned, with favorites including Karahi, chicken tikka, lamb biryani, fish pakora, and a strong chai and mango lassi. A recurring theme is hospitality and attention to detail, with staff going above and beyond to ensure a memorable visit, and the option to host events in a private space. While a few notes mention value for money and occasional longer wait times, overall the restaurant is seen as a standout in Montreal for true desi flavors, where the food, warmth, and atmosphere invite repeat visits.
So great to finally have a truly authentic pakistani restaurant in Montreal. We tried the shandaar chicken karahi & chicken biryani. Some of the best pakistani food I ever had. Thank you to Uzma for the great service :) We will definitely be back 10/10
I am regular customer 👌 best food indian & pakistani 😋 in Montreal. All staff is friendly & help to choose best option for food whichever you want 💯 recommend must try chiken tikka biryani or chiken charsi...
Jul 10, 2025
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The food is really shandaar amazing taste really really good ... completely satisfied by the service provider qualnity quality & taste highly recommend .. the biryani the chicken & mutton really worth it
A Memorable Anniversary Celebration at an Exceptional Pakistani Restaurant
We recently had the pleasure of celebrating a special anniversary at this outstanding Pakistani restaurant, & the experience exceeded all expectations. From the moment we stepped in, we were warmly welcomed by Mr. Atif & his colleague, whose hospitality set the tone for a truly delightful evening. Their kindness, attentiveness, & genuine passion for great service made us feel like honored guests rather than just customers.
The ambiance was cozy yet elegant, creating the perfect setting for a memorable night. But what truly stole the show was the phenomenal food. Each dish was a masterpiece of rich flavors, fragrant spices, & impeccable presentation.
We started with the Shandaar Lamb Agneau Karahi, a dish that lived up to its name-bold, flavorful, & cooked to perfection. The tender lamb pieces were immersed in a thick, aromatic gravy with just the right balance of spice, making every bite a delight.
Next came the Butter Chicken, a true classic, & this restaurant's version was nothing short of exceptional. The velvety, creamy tomato-based sauce had the perfect blend of sweetness & spice, coating succulent pieces of chicken that simply melted in the mouth.
The Lamb-Agneau Biryani was another highlight of the evening. Fragrant basmati rice, infused with saffron & spices, was layered with perfectly cooked lamb, resulting in a dish that was both flavorful & satisfying. The depth of the spices & the tender meat made it an absolute must-try.
To accompany these delicious mains, we enjoyed freshly baked Garlic-Ail Naan & Plain Naan-Naan, both of which were warm, soft, & perfectly charred. The garlic naan had just the right amount of garlicky richness, complementing the curries beautifully.
To round off this incredible feast, we ended with Kadak Chai, a robust, aromatic tea that provided the perfect finale to an already exquisite meal. The strong, well-spiced flavors were soothing & left us feeling completely satisfied.
From start to finish, this dining experience was truly special. The combination of outstanding food, exceptional service, & a welcoming atmosphere made our anniversary celebration unforgettable. If you're looking for authentic Pakistani cuisine served with warmth & excellence, this is the place to be. Highly recommended!
Feb 25, 2025
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From the moment I walked into Shaandar Restaurant, I was warmly greeted by Atif, the owner, whose kindness & genuine hospitality set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience. His welcoming demeanor & passion for creating a great experience made me feel right at home. I started my meal with their Mango Lassi, a creamy & refreshing drink that tasted like sunshine in a glass. Its sweet & tangy balance was the perfect prelude to the feast that followed. The Biryani was a showstopper-aromatic basmati rice layered with tender, perfectly spiced meat. Each bite was packed with bold flavors & hints of traditional spices that transported me straight to South Asia. The Karahi was equally impressive, served sizzling hot in a wok with a flavorful tomato-based gravy. The tender meat practically melted in my mouth, & their freshly baked, fluffy Naan was the ideal companion to soak up every last bit of that rich, spicy sauce. For dessert, I indulged in Gulab Jamun & Kulfi & both were a delightful way to end the meal. The gulab jamun, soft & soaked in fragrant syrup, offered a warm sweetness, while the kulfi, creamy & infused with subtle cardamom & pistachio notes, was the perfect cooling contrast. Together, they made for an unforgettable dessert experience. What truly elevated this experience was the incredible customer service. Atif was not just an excellent host but also genuinely cared about making sure every guest felt special. It's rare to see such dedication & warmth, & it made the meal even more enjoyable. Shaandar isn't just about the food; it's about the people & the experience. From Atif's exceptional hospitality to the cozy ambiance & outstanding dishes, this spot is a must-visit for anyone in Montreal craving authentic South Asian flavors. Whether it's a family outing or a casual dinner with friends, Shaandar will leave you coming back for more!
Tried Shandaar for the first time today & everything was on point! Chicken karahi, biryani & Shahi paneer plus the mango lassi & garlic naan - everything was delicious! We will be back to add bbq to our order next time as well!
Amazing service, everyone was very kind, the wait wasn't long at all, only ordered the chicken biryani so I can't comment on anything else in the menu but it was good. I had hoped there would be more chicken & less rice but for the price it feels fair, the portion sizes were also quite big which was nice.
Jan 11, 2025
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Shandaar is a delightful restaurant that offers a vibrant culinary experience. The ambiance is warm & inviting. The staff is friendly & knowledgeable, guiding you through the extensive menu with ease. The food is where Shandaar truly shines. The flavors are bold & authentic, with a perfect balance of spices. We particularly enjoyed the butter chicken, which was creamy & rich, & the chicken biryani, which was fragrant & flavorful. The naan was soft & fluffy, the perfect accompaniment to the main courses. Overall, is a great choice for anyone craving authentic pakistanis & indian cuisine.
Yesterday, my family & I enjoyed a delicious dinner with authentic Karahi biryani & butter chicken. The food was exceptional, & the atmosphere & service made us feel like we were in Karachi. A fantastic experience!
C'était une bonne expérience la bas . Le plat du poulet était vraiment delicieux Atif m'a aussi offert de plate du biryani tikka gratuite . J'ai aime partout
