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 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
One of the best places for South Indian cuisine.. we had Gopi Manchurian dry from there & it was delicious.. Also enjoyed chettinadu chicken curry & rice.. they were perfect.. a must place to visit if you want to enjoy authentic South Indian cuisine..
When you advertise for a special meal, make sure all the dishes are ready & available. I did not want white rice & l came for Matta rice. This is not Kerala Sadhya. Sadhya Sambar, Pulinji etc nothing was authentic Kerala style.
If you have not eaten South Indian food , this is the best place.
Due to different climatic condition Indian food is different in North south east & west food. as in Bengal it is different than Punjab & in south it is different than north. It is different in Chinnai than Bombay. The street foods too even are different. As you can not digest North Indian food in South India .
You will get all kinds of South Indian food here.
They are mostly made from fermented flower if lentil & rice flour batte crapes filled with different kinds of vegetables . Lentil soup & chain ( sauce) which helps the kidney to mentain the water balance due to perspiration
Discovered this place after 4 months in Montreal. Was homesick for South Indian food. The rice thali here took us back straight to India; authentic taste of Tamil Nadu! Generous veggie portions. Good ambience as well as service.
Sep 14, 2024
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We visited this place at a friend's recommendation. We ordered plain masala dosa, mutton biryani & veg fried rice. The dosa was the closest thing to the authentic dosa I had in Andhra. Mutton biryani has changed in taste & tasted better before is what my friend said. The veg fried rice was nice & spicy. You must try this restaurant. Service is amazing, the staff & service is very timely. The ambiance will take you to Thanjavur.
We visited on a Saturday afternoon. We had samosas, the veggie lunch special, & shrimp fried rice. We also had the lassi. We especially loved all the different flavours & experiences in the lunch special & were amazed at the amount of food for the price. The service was both attentive & kind. If we lived here, we would come here often!
We ordered paper dosas . As diabetics, it is the type of food we can eat . We specifically chose the ones made of mainly lentils & a bit of rice for the crispy side . At the end of the meal , our stomachs starting swelling , clear sign that wheat was used . The night was long & extremely uncomfortable. We will never set foot again in that restaurant . The fact that our dishes came as soon as we had finished ordering should have been a warning sign as well as the lack of crispness.Fool me once ...
Apr 13, 2024
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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.
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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