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.
Vraiment déçus! Nous avons réservé & à l’arrivée, seulement deux tables étaient occupées & on nous a placé près de l’escalier qui mène aux toilettes dans le sous-sol, d’où une odeur nauséabonde provenait. On a demandé de changer de table, la serveuse nous a placé à peine une table plus loin. Nous avions une bouteille de vin que personne n’est venu ouvrir. On a attendu plus d’une demi-heure sans que personne ne vienne nous voir ni prendre la commande … finalement on décide de partir & c’est La qu’un serveur vient!
On commande, la nourriture arrive & c’est La qu’on se rend compte que la qualité & la quantité ont tellement changé! Tout baignait dans l’huile, plusieurs plats étaient froids & fades … on venait souvent au Thanjaï mais notre plus récente visite était simplement décevante.
We ordered Pav baaji along with other items from bistro Thanjai through uber eats (on March 28/ 2021). The pav baaji had visible mold in it & had a pretty bad stench. This is an absolutely disgusting customer service from Bistro Thanjai. The food should have been checked before being sent to the customers. We took a bite to realize something was off. Is food safety a joke to these restaurants ?
We are looking to raise a complaint with Public Health Montreal to have stricter food safety measures.
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.
Unfortunately I don't like Indian food so my review is biased. But we went there for someones birthday.
The service was very slow I found. It took a very very long time to get our food. About 1 hour.
The food, EVERYTHING, was SO SPICY!!! I really had a hard time eating & finishing my plate. According to everyone else it was very good. But not for me.
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.
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.
