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.
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.
Feb 7, 2024
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Changing my review from 1 star to 5 star . After almost 1 year of visiting this restaurant & offered great service & delicious food. Their Dosa's are best . Staff are friendly & polite.
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
The ambiance was inviting, the service impeccable, & the food was outstanding. From crispy dosas to flavorful sambar, everything was a delight for the senses. This restaurant is a must-visit for South Indian cuisine enthusiasts & those looking to explore its rich flavors.
Oct 30, 2023
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I ordered 2 Masala Dosa, 1 cheese dose & 1 Gobi Manchurian from Thanjai Brossard. This was going to be our valentines special dinner, however, it turned out to be the worst nightmare for us.
Reason being:
1. In place of masala dosa, we received pav bhaji dosa - I later received the email informing me that masala dosa was out of stock. However, they didn't bothered to ask me my preference if masala dosa was out of stock. They assumed that we like'Pav bhaji' Dosa & send us that, albeit, charging us extra $7 for the same. Imagine opening the box to eat our fav masala dosa but you literary find out another food.
2. My kid, while eating the cheese masala dosa showed me the long hair coming out of his dosa- I was very angry now, however remained silent not to ruin the occasion. Next, he showed me another hair- this time it was short & then I took over his plate & found out 2 more small hairs. That was it- I can't let my kid eat this shit. Then it was turn for my spouse to found another hair in pav bhaji dosa- & we had to throw away the complete food. We've to cook our dinner.
I took photos of the hair coming out of food & will attach the same- albeit now I see there's no attachment facility here
The food taste was plainly BAD but I wouldn't have took out time to write a bad review had the quality been acceptable. THIS IS TOTALLY SHIT FOOD. WHAT DO YOU EXPECT YOUR CUSTOMERS TO EAT YOUR HAIRS Worst experience to say the least & will inform everyone in my friend circle to avoid this outlet at every cost.
We went there for the dosas. They didn't disappoint. They were crispy & the potato filling was tasty. The onion bhaji were delicious, crunchy perfectly brown & the tamarind sauce was amazing. The shrimp curry was a bit too salty, although the shrimp themselves were nicely cooked & plump. We didn't care much for the idly, too mushy. The service was very attentive, & pleasant. We will go back for more dosas.
Nov 15, 2015
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This restaurant is only good for the Dosa the rest of the food is not so good & the employees are kind of tricky the put he service included on the receipt & expect to tip again when confronting regarding the pretend stupid.
Trop peu de restaurants indiens à MTL ont choisi de sortir des sentiers battus comme le Thanjai. Dans chaque resto, on nous ressort inévitablement toutes les variantes de poulet au beurre, de curry, de soupe Dahl, etc. (Bon, d'accord j'aime bien tout ça, mais j'aime aussi varier ;-)) Ici, on nous présente la cuisine d'une autre région de l'inde & si notre palais reconnaîtra les épices, la présence de lentilles, de patates & d'oignons, il sera surpris de découvrir les dosas (sorte de crêpes fait à base de farine de riz), les idli ou les uttapam. Tout un nouveau vocabulaire qu'il nous faudra découvrir pour s'accaparer plein de nouvelles définitions de "délicieux" à la sauce indienne.
Également apprécié: un menu (vaste) pour les enfants! Je suis toujours un peu désolée de constater que dans les restaurants de cuisine du monde & dans les restos de type bistro (ce qui signifie un niveau sonore élevé dans lequel le vacarme des enfants disparaît à merveille), on néglige d'accommoder les enfants. Ce sont vos futurs clients, aussi bien les initier pendant qu'on éduque leurs papilles! Ce geste est donc un plus gagnant qui bonifie vos revenus futurs.
Thanjai is a South Indian restaurant in Côtes-des-Neiges with a very unusual menu. You won't find any Tikka, Tandouri or other Northern & Anglo-Indian regulars here... Instead, you'll find such things as Rasam, Potato Bonda, Sambar Vada, Dosas & the likes.
There are two things we liked about Thanjai: First, its prices ($25 per person tax & tip in? wow). Second, the fact that the dining room was, with the exception of our table, filled with Indian families. You know you're in good hands when the local community frequents a place for a Sunday dinner.
Quand j'ai vu le menu, j'ai été étonnée : je ne reconnaissais rien de ce que j'avais déjà mangé dans des restaurants indiens! C'est parce qu'ils font de la cuisine du sud de l'Inde, alors qu'habituellement les restos indiens offrent de la cuisine du nord de l'Inde. Il y avait plusieurs plats qui ressemblaient à des crêpes, alors nous les avons essayés. J'ai beaucoup aimé mon utthappam à l'oignon (à mi-chemin entre une pizza & une crêpe) & mon biryani au mouton! J'ai goûté à trois sortes de dosas, & ils étaient tous délicieux! Mention spéciale au Chili Idly (visuellement, ça ressemblait à des pierogis, mais ça goûtait encore meilleur que des pierogis!), qui avaient une texture & un goût divins!
Le service était un peu étrange; la serveuse nous répondait quelquefois comme si elle aurait aimé mieux être ailleurs, mais somme toute, ça s'est bien déroulé! Je vais y retourner pour essayer d'autres plats inédits!
