Restaurant Review: Cuisine of India

Cuisine of India 5222 Yonge St 416.229.0377

It was my son Ray’s birthday. As part of the celebration we went to see Eugene Onegin, the opera. As an added treat we went to our favorite restaurant for Indian food. It is just north of Shepard and well worth the drive. Go to see a movie first at the Sheppard Grand or Empress Walk. Both are a few blocks south of the restaurant. We arrived at 5:30. Within 15 minutes all the tables were filled. The service is fast and efficient. The menu is varied and the food is wonderful. This is great food for sharing. Order several dishes and enjoy the variety of flavors. Before you even order your food a plate of crisp spicy Indian bread is placed on the table. Delicious. If you wish a starter the Vegetable Samosas are crisp patties stuffed with spiced potatoes and vegetables.($3.95) the Onion Bhajia is a plate of sliced onions combined with spices and chick pea flour and fried.($3.75)
Spend some time on the section of food cooked Tandoori style. The food is marinated and then cooked in a clay oven. The mingling of spices is mouth watering. The Tandoori Prawn dish is the best in the city. The prawns are grilled with a marinade of carom.($16.95) Six of the largest plumpest flavorful shrimps were placed on a sizzling plate. Julienne vegetables lightly grilled were placed around the plate. Tandoori Mahi serves a whole marinated fish cooked in a Tandoor($16.95) Murg Badami Tika are chicken cubes soaked in a creamy marinade and flavored with almonds and cardamom.($12.50) Peshawari Pasanda Kebab are juicy lean beef picattas combined with freshly ground spices and rolled on a skewer.($12.50)
There are so many other dishes from which to choose. One of my favorites is Palak Paneer. Freshly pureed spinach is tempered with ginger and combined with home made cheese. I know it doesn’t sound good but the flavors are fantastic and it is so healthy.($8.25) Karhai Baingan is wok cooked eggplant with an array of fresh herbs and a sprinkling of fenugreek.($8.25)Ghost Badam Pasanda is for lamb lovers. Tender lamb picattas are cooked in a smooth almond gravy with saffron.($12.50) Chicken Jugal is a plate of chicken juliennes simmered in a smooth ginger cumin sauce with fresh peppercorns.($11.95) There are a variety of chicken and beef specialties. Vegetarians will delight with the lengthy section of vegetarian choices. I have eaten here several times and have had excellent food every time. If you have never tried Indian food I urge you to try it. It is not hot food as many think. It is food beautifully spiced with an array of herbs and spices. It is so flavorful. There is always a great variety. It is fun to share and taste a variety of dishes.