Thanjai is an authentic South Indian Restaurant which serves mostly vegetarian and some non-vegetarian food offerings. We specialize in creating the true flavors of South Indian recipes that are familiar to all who grew up with these dishes. We offer a rich blend of flavors, colours, seasoning, health values, aroma, tastes and the visual appeals of this unique cuisine. And, we are the only restaurant in the area offering you this taste experience. Many of the dishes are ‘gluten-free’ and offer low fat and low cholesterol values.
Reviews consistently praise Thanjai for authentic South Indian flavors delivered with freshness and balance, from fragrant biryani and rich goat dishes to crispy dosas and comforting sambar and avial. The banana leaf feast and a variety of thali options appear especially beloved, often described as homely and welcoming with dishes that feel prepared with care. Service is repeatedly highlighted as friendly, attentive, and efficient, with many noting staff who explain the menu and make good recommendations; some comments mention room for improvement in consistency and pacing during peak hours or lunch service. The restaurant is described as clean and well maintained, with a warm, family like vibe and a vibrant atmosphere, occasionally noted as a bit loud. Several reviewers travel long distances or visit multiple times, calling it a standout for South Indian cuisine in Montreal or in Quebec, and praising specific dishes such as chicken biryani, chicken kothu parota, dosa varieties, vatha bath kulambu, ashoka sweet, and payasam. While most experiences are positive, a few mention missing menu items or inconsistencies in service and vegan labeling, but the overall sentiment remains highly favorable and the place is often recommended and repeated as a must visit for fans of Tamil Nadu style cooking.
I go out of my way to eat here everytime I visit Montreal. The best Chicken 65 & biriyani I've eaten in Canada. They also have lesser known Tamil dishes like murtabak. There's a plaza 1min walk away too where you can always get free parking easily.
May 19, 2024
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Good atmosphere but overrated outlet. It's quite expensive from value for money perspective. I travelled half way across the city to try out some good South Indian food, but was left disappointed. Service & sitting is nice with tall ceilings offering a good breather & it's quite clean. Ordered naans, parotha, chicken curry & chicken 65. All breads would qualify as baby naans due to their size. For almost 4 dollars each these are a ripoff. Currys were pretty average, mostly bland & watery. You'll find the two dishes mostly similar in looks & in taste. Overall, not worth the brand name.
Excellent Sri Lankan food. My lamb kothu roti was too salty so ask for less salt. It was boneless & delicious. A single dinner plate of Chicken kothu might be shared between two people. The lamb is a bit smaller in portion. It's at an older building so you will see a mouse trap on the way to the hand wash station.
1. Rasam: Rasam is a tangy South Indian soup made with tamarind, tomatoes, & a blend of spices like coriander, cumin, & pepper. It's typically served as a starter or mixed with rice. Rasam's refreshing flavor, coupled with its health benefits from the spices, makes it a delightful appetizer or accompaniment to any meal. 2. Sambar: Sambar is a lentil-based vegetable stew or soup that originated in South India. It's made with toor dal (pigeon peas), vegetables like carrots, potatoes, & drumsticks, & flavored with a unique blend of spices such as coriander, cumin, & fenugreek seeds. Sambar is often served with rice, idli, dosa, or vada. Its rich & savory taste, along with its versatility, makes it a staple in South Indian cuisine. 3. Kothu Paratha: Kothu Paratha is a popular street food in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu. It consists of shredded paratha (Indian flatbread) mixed with a variety of ingredients like onions, tomatoes, peppers, & spices, often including eggs or meat for added flavor. The mixture is stir-fried on a griddle with spices, creating a flavorful & satisfying dish. Kothu Paratha's unique texture & blend of flavors make it a favorite among locals & visitors alike. 4. Biryani: Biryani is a fragrant & flavorful rice dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It's made with basmati rice, meat (such as chicken, mutton, or beef), or vegetables, & a blend of aromatic spices like cardamom, cloves, & cinnamon. Biryani is typically cooked in layers, with the rice & meat or vegetables cooked separately & then layered together before being steamed. The result is a rich & aromatic dish with tender meat & perfectly cooked rice, often garnished with fried onions, nuts, & herbs. Biryani's complex flavors & hearty nature make it a beloved dish across the Indian subcontinent & beyond.
On Christmas Day, we dined at Thanjai & were pleasantly surprised by the swift seating despite the busy holiday. The restaurant's ambiance was basic, but the food was exceptional. The highlight was the Kothu Parotta, which was outstanding. We also savored the Chicken Chettinad with rice, a dish that was truly impressive. Service was prompt, giving us an authentic Tamil Nadu dining experience. Surprisingly, even the Indo-Chinese dishes like fried rice & Gobi Manchurian were perfectly prepared. The meal was definitely worth the cost. Unfortunately, the restaurant was closed on Boxing Day, or we would have gladly eaten there again.
Jan 15, 2024
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Good restaurant, good ambiance. But hard to get waiter to give order. I tried the porotta, ghee roast, & few other items. Though the taste is above average. Not the very best. The comparison is with respect to Tamil hotels back in India. & I didn't quite get the taste right to be called perfect. But people who want to try South Indian style food should try here. I did check with my friend who goes there frequently, he said this is best option in the area. Porotta - Tamil style, me being keralite. I am would say the taste is 70% okay. Kerala prottas are best. Ghee roast - okay. Not exceptionally great. Tamil guys are good with dosa. But not up to mark. 3.5/5 star Chicken 65 - 5/5 star Filter coffee- 4/5 sta
Quite frankly the best butter chicken I've had. The naan was amazing too. Excellent service, quiet atmosphere. Definitely a place to checkout if you are visiting Montreal & looking for Indian food.
Clean & hygienic, I was looking for laccha paratha Everywhere in Canada, but here I got the best laccha paratha & chicken curry, onion samosa was different & very tasty 😋 thanks for very good service
Everything tasted extremely flavourful! Chicken 65 was so soft & juicy, the biryani rice could be eaten alone by itself, the tikka was just an add on. Certainly recommend everyone to come & eat here.
Sep 16, 2023
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