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 comes across as a warm, authentic South Asian dining experience with consistently fresh flavors of Pakistani and Indian classics. From creamy butter chicken and rich karahi to fragrant biryani and garlic naan, the dishes are described as flavorful, well spiced, and cooked to order, with generous portions and obvious care in preparation. The ambiance is cosy and family like, and the service is friendly, attentive, and welcoming, making guests feel at home. Catering options are praised, and many readers note good value for money, clean surroundings, and the ability to accommodate groups and special occasions. A few comments mention occasional language barriers or variable portion sizes, but the overall consensus is that the restaurant delivers authentic taste, hearty comfort food, and memorable hospitality that keeps diners returning.
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!
I'm giving 5 starts for the personal service I received from the owner Mr Atif, although my first order was not a pleasant experience Mr. Atif followed up with me to make sure it would be redone to my satisfaction. Now that I've tried the food I can attest to the other reviews & truly say it's great. Thank you Atif!
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!
Jan 20, 2025
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Ate here twice in a two week period. Excellent food, service & atmosphere. Every dish from the drinks to the appetizers to the mains to the chai were flavourful & delicious. Each meal is made specifically to order & served in the cooking dish, giving each diner a very authentic experience. The servers were kind, helpful, & dedicated. The were accommodating to first time visitors, & even helped a family severalosmall children on the other side of the restaurant move tables. 5/5
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.
I had an incredible experience at this restaurant! The staff were exceptionally friendly, attentive, & welcoming, making the atmosphere so enjoyable. The food was absolutely amazing - fresh, flavorful, & perfectly prepared. Every dish exceeded my expectations. I can't recommend this place enough & will definitely be coming back soon!
Jan 9, 2025
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