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.
Thanjai on Van Horne isn't just one of the best South Indian restaurants in Montreal - it's one of the best restaurants in the city, full stop.
It's unassuming, BYOB, perhaps a tad over lit, but the food is simply terrific. Unfailingly so. Fresh ingredients, expertly prepared, & served by warm, professional staff.
Highly recommended.
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.
Aug 2, 2025
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Great place to have south Indian in Montreal, Qc.
Their service & food was awesome
Must try their maisoor Masala & Chilli Idli.
ROHIT you are the best , thank you so much for helping us out in what we can have .
Though the food was nice, they didn't have most of the menu items available for lunch. Items including Kuzhipaniyaram, Poori channa & Salem Thattu chaat were not available. It was kinda disappointing.
Whenever me & my best friend crave for authentic Indian food, this is our go to place. The food is great & the place has this Indian vibe. Great service too.
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.
Jun 22, 2025
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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
