Thanjai specializes in authentic South Indian cuisine, centering its menu around diverse preparations of crispy dosas and aromatic idlis served with vibrant chutneys. The culinary repertoire extends to flavorful curries, spicy biryanis, and traditional vegetable-based dishes that reflect regional flavor profiles. A significant portion of the offerings is naturally gluten-free, providing accessible options for diners with specific dietary requirements. The preparation techniques prioritize traditional spices and fresh ingredients to maintain structural integrity and depth of flavor in every serving. Each plate emphasizes the balance of textures and heat characteristic of regional Indian cooking traditions. This establishment provides a straightforward and focused exploration of classic recipes designed for consistency and authentic taste in every bite. Patrons encounter a wide array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian selections crafted to represent the essence of South Indian gastronomy.
Thanjai Restaurant is widely celebrated as a premier destination for authentic South Indian cuisine in Montreal, consistently praised for its flavorful, fresh, and diverse menu offerings. Many diners highlight the quality of signature dishes such as the masala dosa, biryani, and various vegetarian options, often describing the experience as a warm, welcoming, and nostalgic journey that feels like a home-cooked meal. While the majority of reviews commend the friendly service and efficient hospitality provided by the staff, some experiences suggest occasional inconsistencies in service speed, order accuracy, and the availability of specific menu items. Despite mixed feedback regarding atmosphere and occasional challenges during special event bookings, the restaurant remains a go-to spot for many locals and visitors alike who appreciate its genuine commitment to traditional South Indian flavors.
This is easily one of my go to places when I'm in the area. The food is always fresh & full of flavour. For starters I'd recommend the chicken 65. & as a main course the briyani or the dosa chicken manchurian wrap. Or even the masala dosa, which is huge. The owner is always kind
I ordered a masala dosa & was sent a chicken dosa instead. I don't eat non-vegetarian food, so this completely ruined my meal. This kind of mistake is serious & should not happen. Very disappointed with the lack of care in handling orders.
Apr 10, 2026
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Hmm this place used to be my childhood but now I fear it got whitified :( I used to go here & burn my taste buds & still keep eating because the flavours were so addictive but they just don't have that vibe anymore. Their dosa wasn't crispy either & the chicken we ordered had 1 chicken & 1 piece with just bones but the'gravy' was still out of this world. I just wish that it did come with more meat pieces?
still good for first time South Asian food tryers tho!
I ordered chicken fried rice & butter chicken. The rice was okay, but the butter chicken tasted very bad. Some of the food was tasty, but some of it was not good.
You can try more better guys
I visited from Vancouver on a business trip & tried the killi poratta with chicken lollipop-it instantly reminded me of my hometown, Sivakasi. Amazing service & excellent food quality. This is always my go-to restaurant in Montreal.
A truly satisfying South Indian meal! The sambar instantly took me back to Chennai comforting, nostalgic, & full of authentic flavour
I tried their Veg Thali, & it felt very homely. It comes with three different vegetable preparations, giving a nice balance & a good carb fibre split. Everything tasted fresh & thoughtfully prepared. Definitely a solid 4.5/5 for the Veg Thali.
The Egg Biryani was decent - I'd rate it 3/5. It lacked the depth of flavour you'd typically expect from a non-veg biryani.
However, their Chicken 777 is a must-try! It's similar to Chicken 65 but tossed in flavorful Indo-Chinese style sauces bold, slightly spicy, & very satisfying. Easily a 4/5.
They also make a wide range of South Indian snacks like murukku or chakli, thattai, ribbon pakoda, & more & they're very reasonably priced. I tried the butter murukku, thattai, & ribbon pakoda, & they were excellent. Honestly, I'd consider ordering directly from them instead of buying from a grocery store!
If you're craving authentic South Indian comfort food & snacks, this place is definitely worth a visit
We visited Thanjai for dinner yesterday with our family m. This was our 4th time here, & it's officially our favorite South Indian restaurant so far! We're from Ottawa, & it's honestly hard to find authentic, satisfying South Indian food there. We've been searching in both Ottawa & Toronto, & we're so happy to have found this gem.
Our kids (6 & 10) always look forward to eating here. Our absolute favorites are the Chicken 65 Biryani & Chicken Kothu Parota both are consistently delicious. The quality of the food & the service are always top notch.
Yesterday we didn't have any plans, so we literally drove to Montreal just to enjoy Thanjai's food , it's that good! We would be thrilled if they ever opened a branch in Ottawa.
We visited this restaurant for the first time with high expectations. I went with my husband & brother, & the restaurant looked nice from the inside, which made us feel hopeful about the experience.
We ordered Chicken Lollipop, Chicken 777, Masala Dosa, & Chicken Curry Dosa. Our food arrived within 20-25 minutes, but unfortunately, the taste was very disappointing. None of the dishes were good, & we were extremely dissatisfied.
What made the experience worse was that from the next day onwards, all three of us had stomach issues, including vomiting & stomach pain. We usually go out for dinner once a week & enjoy exploring different restaurants, but something like this has never happened to us before.
Overall, it was a very bad experience, & I would not recommend this place.
