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.
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!
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.
We visited this gem of a place while visiting Montreal. The food was very delicious & tasty. My kids ordered the Mickey mouse dosa & we ordered the paper masala dosa with idlinvada combo. Also the owner was super helpful!! Do visit if you are in town!
Overall experience was wonderful. Really worth traveling for 400kms to just have their Ashoka sweet & Samosa. Their curry dosa is mouth watering. Thanks you, Thanjai for your hospitality.
Aug 31, 2025
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Hit or miss place. Used to love it as the masalas dosa & idlis were so fresh, but after two less than lovely experiences separated by one good one in 2 years, that's it, not returning. If consistency is so varied, I don't want to risk taking anyone there. The only thing worth having the last visit was the South Indian coffee. The food was basically chilies & we'd asked for mild - not all desis want their taste buds burnt off & we had kids with us. Service is also hit or miss, depending on who is on shift & the time of day.
We ordered masala dosa, paneer masala dosa & Schezwan paneer masala dosa. The masala filling was on the saltier side, paneer in the dosa was lacking any flavour as it was shredded raw. The sambar was also a bit on the bland side. Overall the experience was okay. Not that great.
The first time trying south indian food in Montreal, & it won't be my last time.what an amazing dosa they have. I had the masala Chess dosa, I loved it.
A must visit for any occasion. The food quality has remained the same even after all this time. The dosas & idlis are amazing. My little kids get excited whenever we have to go for a meal.
