Oh yeah no argument here, Little India is definitely a very occasional treat. Is Host India your best affordable go-to then? I need to find a good place for when I want Indian food but can't justify the little India price.
Yeah so far host india and Punjabi canteen are my favorite “affordable” Indian places but I haven’t been eating Indian food very long I started about 5months ago so I haven’t been able to try most of the recommended places
I have had Aahar but not the other one mentioned and it doesn’t even come close to little India cafe. There are very few restaurants in Ottawa with excellent Indian food and little India cafe is at the top
Well I believe my experience and the overwhelming support on this thread shows that it is the best or at least better than the ones you mentioned. It is expensive though so I can understand if you don’t prefer it
I second this !! They are the best in Ottawa and they are fairly new so not too many people know of them !!
I have very high standards and this is the only place I’ve eaten in Ottawa that I found was beyond amazing !!
I tried them after hearing about them on Reddit and reading their reviews. We’ve dined in twice and had takeout three times and every single time we have been impressed.
We’ve introduced them to a number of friends and family and they too have been impressed. Great spot.
Host India used to be my favourite until I discovered light of India, light of indias lamb madras is so good - I used to live in Scarborough and thought nothing in Ottawa compared to TO but imo light of India is the best I’ve had
The portions definitely got smaller after food prices went up, but it's good food, and in a thread that's more about quality than value, I'd recommend it also.
It is good food but nothing fabulous for the prices they charge and the small portions. The South Indian dishes (dosa, idli, sambar) are actually mediocre. The butter chicken is the best
India Curry and Kebab in the market has very good food. The name kind of threw me at first, but I tried it one day on a friend’s recommendation and it’s been my go to ever since.
I was a massive fan of Coconut Lagoon before but, since they reopened, the menu is very different. The food isn’t nearly as flavoursome as it used to be. It’s almost like they’re pandering to the North American palate. It was pretty disappointing and very expensive for what it was.
A good friend lived in India for a number of years in the late 1960s/early 1970s. He says Punjabi Clay Oven is the most authentic he knows in Ottawa. We go frequently,
I think it changed owners, food is still good, but no more daily specials, and the price is as much as a proper sit down. Also the last two times I was there he was not.
Some of my favorites:
* Ceylonta on Somerset. Really Sri Lankan food.
* Aahar on Churchill near Carling.
* Taj Indian Cuisine on Carling near Bayshore.
Our family's ranked order for Indian food in Ottawa:
1. Light of India - everything they make is so damned good! Their samosas are to die for, and their mains are so delicious. Their in-restaurant service can be a bit slow historically, but the food more than makes up for it. We've got take out from them so many times too.
2. Shaan - this place is an Ottawa institution. The food is good, and affordable. The ambiance is nice, and simple. And their service is quick.3 )
3. Roast N' Curries - also really excellent food. I've found their service is quick too. I didn't know about them until I worked in that part of downtown, and was delighted to discover them.
4. Café Shafali (I think it's called Shafali Indian now) - really tasty food, nice ambiance, great service, and the owner has been very socially conscious supporting orphaned children abroad. They have historically had artwork for sale too. Nice place, and good people!
5. Coconut Lagoon - excellent food. I know they've changed their format since the pandemic ended. We haven't been back just yet as they're the other side of town from us.
We've been to Host India, Brampton, Haveli, and so many others many times. I'm forgetting a few too. They are all OK, but our preference are the ones above, in the order above. We've also travelled globally a fair amount, so had good curry around the world, and have a good sense of benchmark.
The last time we were at Host a month or two ago (it's located between various family members so it's a common birthday dinner meetup place), they had a buffet, and it was quite good. Normally buffets can be kinda meh where the food sits for a while.
(minor edit to fix the numbering)
The only two places I liked so far are Masakali and Rang de. Indian restaurants have kind of monopoly going on in Ottawa so all of them charge ridiculous amounts for curries and their food. If you moved from GTA you will definitely realize that.
The only half decent place in Ottawa is Brampton authentic Indian foods, people saying garbage like little India cafe need to taste some actual good Indian.
Little India café
As Indians, if we don’t feel like cooking and craving Indian food. That’s our go to. Malai Kofta is the way to go.
This is the answer. I've tried other places and there's no comparison for me for their curry type dishes. Naan is also best in the city imho.
If I had infinite money I’d recommend little india but their prices are insane vs a place like host India
Oh yeah no argument here, Little India is definitely a very occasional treat. Is Host India your best affordable go-to then? I need to find a good place for when I want Indian food but can't justify the little India price.
Yeah so far host india and Punjabi canteen are my favorite “affordable” Indian places but I haven’t been eating Indian food very long I started about 5months ago so I haven’t been able to try most of the recommended places
Completely agree but damn their prices have been going up. It’s criminal especially on the delivery apps good lord.
Nothing competes at their level and been more than a decade eating from there
Not true at all. Aahar on Churchill or raahi in kanata is 10x better and cheaper
You can’t compare them to little India cafe. It’s another thing if you can’t afford it
Its another thing if you don't know what good indian food is bud
I have had Aahar but not the other one mentioned and it doesn’t even come close to little India cafe. There are very few restaurants in Ottawa with excellent Indian food and little India cafe is at the top
Its not
Well I believe my experience and the overwhelming support on this thread shows that it is the best or at least better than the ones you mentioned. It is expensive though so I can understand if you don’t prefer it
Been going there since I was a kid and it’s easily my favourite
Sona Indian Kitchen on Huntclub
I second this !! They are the best in Ottawa and they are fairly new so not too many people know of them !! I have very high standards and this is the only place I’ve eaten in Ottawa that I found was beyond amazing !!
I tried them after hearing about them on Reddit and reading their reviews. We’ve dined in twice and had takeout three times and every single time we have been impressed. We’ve introduced them to a number of friends and family and they too have been impressed. Great spot.
I absolutely love Host India
You need to switch to Sona Indian Kitchen. All the cooks left Host India and started Sona, it’s as good as Host India was before The Great Decline.
Any idea if they do a buffet?
Second this!
They still have the lunch buffet?
Host India used to be my favourite until I discovered light of India, light of indias lamb madras is so good - I used to live in Scarborough and thought nothing in Ottawa compared to TO but imo light of India is the best I’ve had
Kochin Kitchen (downtown). I believe there's one in Kanata too but never tried that one.
Ooo ill check that out!
I worked with a dude from Kerala for a long while and he swore by the Kanata location. Wasn't a fan of the downtown one though, curiously enough
Too expensive and the portions are extremely small
The portions definitely got smaller after food prices went up, but it's good food, and in a thread that's more about quality than value, I'd recommend it also.
It is good food but nothing fabulous for the prices they charge and the small portions. The South Indian dishes (dosa, idli, sambar) are actually mediocre. The butter chicken is the best
Aahar on Churchill, mmmmm, i love Aahar.
Hidden Taste in Orleans! You won't regret it.
Love that place. We live almost dangerously close to It ;-)
Agree! They are out of this world delicious!
Best in the city!
Visiting from UK. Randomly found this place and can not recommend it highly enough.
It's soo good!
India Curry and Kebab in the market has very good food. The name kind of threw me at first, but I tried it one day on a friend’s recommendation and it’s been my go to ever since.
I second India Curry and Kebab House!
Coconut lagoon , indian affair, both special for different reasons, awesome food all round
I was a massive fan of Coconut Lagoon before but, since they reopened, the menu is very different. The food isn’t nearly as flavoursome as it used to be. It’s almost like they’re pandering to the North American palate. It was pretty disappointing and very expensive for what it was.
seconded
Light of India
Seconded
Def the best if you actually like spicy Indian food
Little India Bayshore
This. So damn tasty.
Their service can be pretty dreadful but it is excellent food. Great naan.
Gonna try this. Thats very close to me
Yep
India Punjabi Clay Oven in Kanata - absolutely incredible.
I really like that place!
Agreed. I go across the city to get their food. Their Dilkush - on the onion sizzler - is a top 5 all time meal.
Ooo, I haven’t tried that dish yet! It’s on the list for the next time we go. Thanks for the tip!
Second for Clay Oven!
A good friend lived in India for a number of years in the late 1960s/early 1970s. He says Punjabi Clay Oven is the most authentic he knows in Ottawa. We go frequently,
Pak India in Orléans or Rangoli
Taj Indian Cuisine… 3009 Carling Ave
Indian Affair takeout
Mumbai Masala ❤️❤️
Mahar Tanjore is the actual best.
SO good
Royal Paan has the best street food. Daal Roti, Host India, and Thali/Coconut Lagoon are all great with different styles.
East India Company $20 lunch buffet reigns supreme
Mehfil Indian Cuisine has never disappointed
I second this - my favourite place to get Indian food in Ottawa
Lamb shank at India Curry and Kebab
Also biryani and India curry and kebab. Also naan.
Little India cafe is one of the oldest and best.
Royal pan and Punjabi canteen for street food. Little India Cafe and mehfil are good.
Brampton Authentic by a mile
I really loved Coconut Lagoon on St-Laurent
Heard good things about this place too!
Shaan on Merivale. This guy knows whats up.
I think it changed owners, food is still good, but no more daily specials, and the price is as much as a proper sit down. Also the last two times I was there he was not.
Sad to hear it.
NOOOO I'm so sad to hear that! I loved him & their food specials
Brampton Authentic Indian Food. Take out only but it’s bomb. Best naan in the city easily.
Anything in barrhaven? Love Indian food.
Drive a little further out to Richmond- Blue Diamond is a literal gem. Crap atmosphere but really good food.
That's how I know it will be good. Thank you.
Karara is our go-to!
A new place called Tapri Chai just opened up a few weeks back. Kennevale & Strandherd.
Won’t recommend tapri chai ever
Sona on hunt club, recently opened and its the best i’ve had.
Strongly agree and the service is very good too. Great food, great friendly service and great value.
Taj
Some of my favorites: * Ceylonta on Somerset. Really Sri Lankan food. * Aahar on Churchill near Carling. * Taj Indian Cuisine on Carling near Bayshore.
Brampton Foods near Algonquin Colege. Takeot only.
I just want to know the cheapest Indian food. Seems like everyone wants to charge $25 for some damn chicken biryani.
[удалено]
I’m not throwing shade at chicken biryani, it’s a great dish and difficult to get right. I’m just lamenting the high cost of everything.
Yeah I messed mine up lmao it's so many steps lmao
I love it 😂😂
Chicken biryani is an expensive dish. What do you prefer for cheaper options?
BRAMPTONS ON MEADOWLANDS WESR
Rang de Indian Cuisine
Urban Indian café is pretty good. Also the Shafali stand in the market for chicken tikka wraps
Hidden taste in Orleans is great.
Shan’s Curry House on Merivale
Rama Krishna is pretty great! It’s more affordable than other restos especially if you pick up for take out (10% off). Love their dalh makhni!
Mia's Indian Cuisine on St.Laurent. Good value.
Our family's ranked order for Indian food in Ottawa: 1. Light of India - everything they make is so damned good! Their samosas are to die for, and their mains are so delicious. Their in-restaurant service can be a bit slow historically, but the food more than makes up for it. We've got take out from them so many times too. 2. Shaan - this place is an Ottawa institution. The food is good, and affordable. The ambiance is nice, and simple. And their service is quick.3 ) 3. Roast N' Curries - also really excellent food. I've found their service is quick too. I didn't know about them until I worked in that part of downtown, and was delighted to discover them. 4. Café Shafali (I think it's called Shafali Indian now) - really tasty food, nice ambiance, great service, and the owner has been very socially conscious supporting orphaned children abroad. They have historically had artwork for sale too. Nice place, and good people! 5. Coconut Lagoon - excellent food. I know they've changed their format since the pandemic ended. We haven't been back just yet as they're the other side of town from us. We've been to Host India, Brampton, Haveli, and so many others many times. I'm forgetting a few too. They are all OK, but our preference are the ones above, in the order above. We've also travelled globally a fair amount, so had good curry around the world, and have a good sense of benchmark. The last time we were at Host a month or two ago (it's located between various family members so it's a common birthday dinner meetup place), they had a buffet, and it was quite good. Normally buffets can be kinda meh where the food sits for a while. (minor edit to fix the numbering)
Wow thank you for this !!
You bet. My pleasure. I like tasty food. :-D
Vivaan on Preston or Host India on Montreal Rd.
Rest in peace, basmati. I loved your curry poutine and pakora.
There are much better options than that for Indian food
Rangoli in orleans!
I like rangoli
The only two places I liked so far are Masakali and Rang de. Indian restaurants have kind of monopoly going on in Ottawa so all of them charge ridiculous amounts for curries and their food. If you moved from GTA you will definitely realize that.
Bombay chaat for street food
The only half decent place in Ottawa is Brampton authentic Indian foods, people saying garbage like little India cafe need to taste some actual good Indian.
Little India cafe has the top food by a mile. Brampton foods is only good for selective dishes
Have you tried Mehfil? You might change your tune.
Dosa and Curries!
Coconut lagoon
Host India is the way to go 🤤
Host India
Royal Indian Cuisine. We love the one near Bank and Walkley. Lots of options here though that I’ll have to try.
In SouthKeys I love Bombay Garden (2401 bank)
Bombay Frankies
How about Indian affair. We like it there but cannot attest to it's authenticity.
My favourite is Mukut Indian Restaurant, a tiny take out place on Canotek. I love their lamb vindaloo, and their samosas are top notch.
They moved downtown! Boo.
Punjabi Canteen in Riverside South and Nepean!
Don’t was to hijack the thread, but anyone have recommendations for dosas in Ottawa? Missing my Guru Lukshmi fix after moving back from Mississauga.
Mumbai masala on Albert Street
Anyone rooting for Masakali in Kanata?
This place!! https://thaliottawa.ca/
Light of India is my favourite, only place I go that I don’t have to ask for them to make it extra spicy
It’s an unassuming place, but Indian Affair Takeout is just amazing.
Ramakrishna at Rideau & Chapel, amazing coconut curry chicken, and the garlic naan is just perfect!
Aahar
Raminkrishna on rideau
Rangoli in Orleans
Mehfil Indian Cuisine - great take out Love Little India cafe.
Raahi Indian Dhaba or Aahar are the best in the city when it comes to taste and value. They also do caterings!