Tucked away in an unassuming storefront in a side street. Offers amazingly tasty food and friendly service. Very good value for the money and authentic spice levels. Seems to be popular with South Asian students and takeout orders, too. Only downside: I didn't like the flickering lights, partly due to the ceiling fans, which made me dizzy. read more

At the start of the New Year, I delivered an order from this restaurant with an aroma so delicious that I wrote it down. For my birthday dinner, I visited to dine in with my husband. We arrived a little before they were to open but were welcomed sit inside anyway. Even though we were the first patrons of the evening, my husband remarked that it did smell really good. For drinks, we ordered masala chai and the mango ginger mocktail. The chai was quite cardamon-forward, so enjoy depending on your own taste. The mocktail was delightfully balanced and refreshing. We also ordered a few appetizers: onion fritters, pani puri, and samosas. All were very good, but the samosas were the best. Even the dough was seasoned, so every bite was bliss. This was my husband's favourite dish. Our mains included an onion masala dosa, lamb curry, and chettinad chicken curry. - I was excited about the variety of dosas on the menu, but I may have forgotten how to eat one properly. It was nice and crispy on the edges, but the filling in the middle was dense, so the dosa stuck to its plate. - The lamb curry was tasty, though much of the meat was attached to bone, which made eating it a little more challenging for me. - The chettinad chicken curry was spicy, and the chicken was very tender. My husband noted that the chicken was clearly stewed in the sauce, rather than added at the end like some other Indian places do. Our server was attentive yet gave us space to enjoy our meal. At the end of the meal, our total was extremely reasonable given all that we ordered and how delicious it all was. We'll be back! read more

We a group of 20 folks had such an amazing time in tanjai . We almost ended up ordering half of the menu and here is my ranking of them 1. Chettinad dishes especially the curries 2. Chicken 65 and other dry dishes 3. The idlis and medu vadas 4. The dosas 5. The rice dishes Now quickly getting to the pros and cons 1. Service : prompt and accurate . With a buffer of 5 mins I can say it's quite precise 2.variety : the spread of authentic south Indian dishes is amazing 3. Flavor but listed in order above Can be improved 1. Description of dishes and recommendations 2. Payment options 3. Dedicated parking 4. In house music 2. read more

See all

Their idlis were epic to be honest, we got two plates since one wasn't enough. The vada was mediocre though, looked refried. The Tanjore Kara Dosa didn't live up to expectations; neither karam (spicy) nor special enough with the chunky cabbage cut filling. Their coffee was great though and we did leave satisfied overall! Service was super prompt and the guy running the place was on top of things. Ambiance was good, nothing too fancy but works... all good and will be back if I'm at Ottawa. read more

I love South indian cuisine, after coming to Canada I was in constant search for good South indian restraunts. Then came across Thanjai restaurant, trust me this is one of the most authentic south Indian restaurant in ottawa. Pretty impressed with this place. There are number of options in the menu to choose from. The food is delicious and at super fair prices. Chilly Cheese masala dosa is a must try read more

Mahal Tanjore - Chilly cheese masala dosa - Indian Near Me - Ottawa, Ontario

Excellent food and a gem among South Asian restaurants in Ottawa. The food is fresh and delicious, and is so richly flavoured. No complaints about anything we ordered, which included a Lamb Thali, a Mysore Masala Dosa, Chicken 65, and a couple of mango lassis/milkshakes. Ample food for two (probably more), and the menu is so extensive and attractive that I had to stop from ordering more! Prices are reasonable as well. I also enjoyed the warm and kind service. We were there for a few hours and they checked in as necessary while also not being overbearing. Really looking forward to my next trip back! read more

See all

Ordered chili paneer and gobhi manchurian..tasted average..meager portion..not worth. read more

Mahal Tanjore - two bowls of food - Indian Near Me - Ottawa, Ontario

Thanjai's food is quite good, but the pushy service is rude. Foodwise, the dal is delicious and the dosa texture is spot on. While the prices don't really mimic the price one might expect to pay given the cost of ingredients, Thanjai's location in the trendy Glebe neighbourhood explains the discrepency. The chili chicken doesn't match traditional expectations, but the flavour is good and the heat isn't shy. The chutney doesn't compete with homemade traditional chutney (what could?) but it's solid to very good. Two points on service: Pushy waiters trying to upsell appetizers and drinks repeatedly. If we awkwardly don't respond when you upsell the appetizers and drinks, take the hint, buddy. Don't keep selling. Even at big chain restaurants when waiters try to upsell, you know they'll stop. I was honestly a bit worried we would be asked to leave if we didn't buy more drinks and appetizers. I know restaurants need to make money but if I wanted appetizers and drinks I would order them. Whose mind do you think you're changing by repeatedly asking? I'm actually LESS likely to order them. Second point on service: Food arrived all separately. Very minor. But very weird. Overall, we will be back for the good food, but wary of the service. read more

Mahal Tanjore - Paper Dosa - Indian Near Me - Ottawa, Ontario

We were visiting Ottawa with two of our friends who are vegetarian. So needed a restaurant that could accommodate their needs. Found Thanjai on Yelp. Very authentic South Indian restaurant. Yelpers were right this is a great Indian restaurant. We got total of 8 dishes and all of them were cooked to perfection. Our only complaint was the Dosa we ordered. It was disgusting. When here stay away from the Dosa but try everything else and you will truly enjoy the experience. read more

See all

This place is one of the most authentic Southern Indian restaurants. The flavours are true to taste and hence I recommend you clarify your spice level before going all out. Having stayed In Canada for so long I too was taken aback by the spice but boy did it feel good! I only ate the Dosa and tried a little bit of the Veg. Biriyani but the Dosa was delicious. It's a busy place and the service was a bit slow but they seemed to be understaffed due to the long weekend. (Weird I know) A must try for the Dosas. read more

We visited the restaurant second time for dinner on Oct 20th. This time it was four of us and we ordered the appetizer chilli paratha which was soggy and flavourless compared to my first visit. The dosas we all ordered were not at all like our first visit they were totally flavourless. We ordered masala chai and they said they were out of it. The service was very poor. It was a total disappointment certainly not going back. read more

Yay, a South Indian restaurant in the Glebe! My husband and I had a great experience at Thanjai Restaurant this past Sunday. We ordered the red chilli chicken and a masala dosa stuffed with paneer and potato. The chicken was flavourful, sour, spicy and utterly delicious. It came with lots of peppers which gave it a good flavour. It definitely satisfied both of us. That should have been dinner, in retrospect . Then our came the dosa! The dosa was huge and was easily a whole other meal. It came with sauces to dip. We couldn't finish it we were so full! The service was pleasant and attentive. We would definitely come back here. read more

This place is one of the few restaurants that have the South Indian style paper dosa / thosai in Ottawa. It's the best we've had in the city and would recommend it. I've been here twice now and Suresh and his staff are friendly and the food has been great. The classic recommendation for anyone new is to try the paper masala dosa. Best to eat with your hands. read more

We ended up here after a failed attempt to eat dinner at the Rib Fest. But fortunately it turned out to be better choice. A table for 2 was fairly easy to land. We ordered the Chicken 65 from the Appetizers section and it was REALLY good. A lot like Bengali sheekh kabab which is fantastic for me! And after reading other yelp reviews I took a safe bet and ordered the Paper Masala dosa which was a delight and my friend ordered Cheese Masala Dosa, which was slightly heavier but still very nice. Review is one star less only because I felt that the service could have been better. We had to repeatedly ask for our water to be refilled and my friend's food arrived a good 10 mins after mine, during which I was just staring at my food and growing impatient. read more

Mahal Tanjore - Indian Near Me - Ottawa, Ontario

See all

We had dinner here. The idly vada platter is excellent. Fish masala dosa is amazing. Chicken 65 brought back memories of street food from back home in India. The chutneys are so fresh and well done!!! read more

Awesome food and awesome experience. Make sure you are attended by Laina. She is awesome. Super fast and one-woman-do-all. Very attentive and warm. Now to the food. We had chili paneer dosa, chili masala dosa and rocket dosa. All three and the chutneys that came with were delicious. I will definitely come again on my next Canada trip. read more

The best place for having Indian food. Lots of dosa varieties. Ghee paper dosa is the best..And dont forget to try their Rassam..so yummy.. Went there once and have been going there for dinner every night on our short stay in Ottawa. read more

GREAT dosa - we tried the "15 spices" one and it was A++. Lots of vegetarian options, tasty sauces/chutneys, super friendly service. read more

We came upon Thanjai on a Friday afternoon after hearing the various local radio ads. Parking at the front of the restaurant is cheap apart from the cumbersome City of Ottawa installed parking meters (we along with 2 other groups struggled to figure out the steps involved to purchase a ticket - lack of user testing anyone???). Upon entering the restaurant we noticed the clean look of the establishment and the lack of customers. No worries it's a weekday and early in the afternoon. The waiter came by and seated us (gave us a booster seat for our child as well) and gave us our waters. We took our time with the menu during which two customers walked in - the waiter immediately went over and helped them out. We then gave our orders of a thali, Chili masala dosa, spicy rasam (lentil soup) with chili cheese dosa, curry chicken, cholley and two naans. The food arrived a little later than usual (oddly the customers that came after us got their food promptly before ours). When ours arrived, we dug in. Portions were ok. The thali was much smaller than expected. A medium bowl of rice, pappad and three small bowls of veggie items were included (the balance was just off especially since there was more rice than veggies....). We've had thalis at other establishments and those usually include a myriad of veggies. The chili masala dosa had cheese sprinkled on it when we didn't want cheese on it. Within 5-10mins members of our party immediately commented on the lack of taste. The food just tasted bland. The items just tasted, well...meh. Where was the punch? The zest? Spicy or not these simple Indian dishes are known for their flavourful punch. Also, side note, during our meal the waiter never came back to refill our glasses. After our meal was finished the manager came by to ask how it was, we were truthful with him and mentioned that the dishes just lacked in taste. The Naans were also not soft (as expected since we were expecting fresh naans at a restaurant). One member of our party mentioned how the curry chicken oddly tasted of coconut (which it shouldn't have). He was nice enough to go to the back and ask the chef if a coconut purée was mixed into the item. He came back and indeed confirmed that a powdered coconut alternative (which is a no-no if you are delivering fresh food) was mixed in there for body. Not sure why it was mixed in there when the menu description did not stipulate the use of coconut since this was not supposed to be a South Indian chicken curry. This was supposed to be a regular chicken curry which should have packed a punch. This was a bit of a red flag for us which lead us to question what we ate (including the naan (which was probably pulled out of a prepackaged store bought bag)). Items were obviously being passed on for 'fresh' when they weren't. We left feeling let down and honestly a little gypped due to the lack of quality and freshness. We paid for overpriced simple Indian dishes should have tasted better and would have been found in greater quantity and at a fraction of the cost in Toronto. read more

We ordered take out delivery for dinner yesterday. It took 1.45 hours to be delivered. And even after all that time were very surprised that not only were items missing from the order but no chutneys were included. When we called, the man who answered was very abrupt and said he did not know anything since all orders are complete when sent. He did not want check nor to listen nor was he willing to admit that being busy, there is a possibility that a mistake was made. I am quite offended that he implied that the poor delivery fellow may not have delivered the items and even more upset that no one called back in the 20 minutes he said someone would. I am inclined to let all our family and friends know about this attitude and total lack of courtsey and lack of service. Neera Singh read more

Horrible food. The chilli idli was made like very poor gobi manchurian. And idli was hard. The potatoes in dosa had no flavor and no onions. When we said that the coconut chutney is totally bland ... they said that Canada has no real coconuts, so we use frozen coconuts. Are you f***ing kidding me? You mean to say all south Indian restaurants all over Canada are using frozen coconuts for their chutney. Hell no! That's not what Sarvana Bhavan and Guru Lukshmi use. Idiots! read more

Nothing but good things to say! The food was excellent (we had a dosa masala, idly, lamb biryani, and butter chicken), and the staff were so lovely and helpful. We couldn't decide what we wanted to try, and they did a great job at helping us build a very nicely balanced meal. If you're vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free definitely one to check out as most of the menu caters to those issues, but don't be put off if you aren't, because the food is delicious! Our party included two elderly grandparents so we didn't order anything that called itself spicy, and there was still a pleasant amount of heat. read more

After hearing all good, finally got to try masala dosa at Thanjai. Dosa was well made and served with enough sambar, two chutneys. Dosa taste was quite good. Place is clean and service is good with a smile. There are other south Indian places in Ottawa and in a short while Thanjai have risen to #2 in this segment. read more

Wonderful spot for lunch. Fresh, delicious food ( you must have the paper dosa and the onion bhaji), friendly, down to earth service, and it's always a good sign when the place is full on a Monday at 2:00pm! I love this place. read more

I don't usually write reviews but I couldn't help myself. I have never received such bad service from a restaurant than this one. I was there a couple of weeks ago with my wife for dinner. We waited for 15 minutes for services. During that time we saw one couple walk in and wait then leave without being served. Then we saw another group of 4 walk in and wait then leave without being served. I thought maybe they are in a hurry and couldn't wait. Then our waiter came and I was confused about the menu and I asked him for a suggestion. He provided a couple but I was was still confused. I ordered a lasse and a Chicken dossa and was trying to decide on the rest. He was in such a hurry he said let me grab your drink and I'll be back and then you can order. When he returned with my lasse, I told him that we have decided. We wanted to order only two items, one curry and a dossa and to forget about the other one. He said okay. When the dinner arrived, the curry arrive then the dossa then another dossa. I told him that I didn't order a third dinner. He started to argue with me and said I did. He said I read the order out to you and you agreed. He didn't read the order back to us. He then went to say you have to pay for it or I will have to pay for it. I didn't want to argue with him because I wanted to spend some time with my wife. I said fine, I will pay for it even though it's your error but I won't come back here again. I asked that he pack it up in a to go container as we could not possibly eat all this food. He returned after a while offering us free drinks, like wine and would comp my lassi. I didn't want anything else from him. I just don't understand how he couldn't understand his mistake and take the dossa off the bill. The staff needs to understand what customer service is but they don't. However, I don't have a complained on the food, it was actually really good. I won't be going back here or recommending this place to anyone. If you don't care about lousy service then this is your place. read more

Ordered the lamb briyani and naan. The naan was perfectly made and perfect size briyani diah was medium hot perfectly done. The price is very cheap and food was amazing. read more

Thanjai opened in October on Third Avenue just east of Bank beside the post office. They call it South Indian cuisine and it is indeed different from the Indian fare you'll find at most Indian restaurants in Ottawa. And when I say different, I mean pleasantly different. The pappadams are full circles rather than the wedges one finds elsewhere. We started with their onion bhaji. Most places serve a ball of deep fried shredded onions that most likely came out of a frozen food package. Not here. You get a small pile of thick sliced, lightly battered onions that are truly fresh and delicious. We then had their vegetable noodles - something more akin to a Thai dish, but seasoned with an Indian spice box. Again, delicious. Lastly we had a dosa. A dosa is a thin, large-plate sized pancake stuffed with mashed potatoes and any one of a selection of meat or veggie dishes - we chose the chicken masala. You get two of these on a large platter, served with three dipping sauces. A little blander than I hoped, but good. You can order your level of "heat" to the dishes. We picked "medium", which was really pretty mild. Their bar selection is minimal - a couple of red wines and a few beers. We did enjoy a Kingfisher. The clientele has a large number of Indians, which I take as a good sign that you're getting something authentic. The decor is pretty minimalist. The service is excellent. I think that over the course of our time there, every waiter paused to chat us up and talk a bit about the restaurant and south Indian food. They do take out and they have a room for group events upstairs. In summary, they're new - only open about six weeks when we went. They say they plan to expand the menu before year end and we look forward to seeing what they will come up with. I've given it four stars, based on our visit, but have every expectation that it can get to five in time. Finally, the prices are very reasonable. Our bill, with a beer each and tax came to $46.00. read more

I have never thought of the Glebe as a restaurant destination, but Thanjai has singlehandedly changed this. On a walk down Bank Street on a weekday night in May, few restaurant tables along the strip seemed occupied. It was a different story at Thanjai - this place bustles with energy. They are a purveyor of very long, gloriously elaborate, melt-in-your-mouth dosas that have excellent structural integrity, so they are never in danger of teetering off the gleaming metal platters they arrive on. Their chickpea flour base means that I can enjoy the sensation of carbo-loading while feeling good about all the veggie protein I am actually eating. They are an offshoot of the venerable Montreal Thanjai and it shows, right down to the H postal code on the receipts. The service has gotten a bit more organized since my first visit. One day I aspire to order one of their ultra-long mega dosas with a friend or two. read more

The food is yummy, huge dosa's! The service was SLOW!!! AND be very careful of large groups (6 and over) they add the tip, they don't tell you and then they get double tip, this stuff happens in India, but...it should not happen in Ottawa read more

We are from Montreal....Thanjai Ottawa, in terms of food is overall an above average restaurant, a small cozy place nestled in the old part of the Bank street. Here the south Indian dishes carry that authentic flavor which makes you relive the aromas of South India.Its a must visit to have their Medu wadas, 4 foot Masala dosas, the Chilli chicken though spicy , it did awake all the taste buds, by the way the staff was very friendly, including the Manager Mr. Rajesh.We cannot forget to mention the person who stole the show of our Valentines dinner was Joel, who did an incredible job running up and down, and his jovial nature added another dimension to the flavour of our beautiful dinner. Well done Joel, for sure he must attract many second visits to the restaurant.My recommendation, whenever in Ottawa do try Thanjai. read more

As a new resident in Ottawa, I got introduced to Thanjai through a friend from Indian origins. I have been to Thanjai two times over the last two weeks; the first one with my friend, and the second one today with a large group of friends. The place is amazing. The food is very affordable, delicious, and mouthwatering... The menu is diverse with many many options especially for vegans, vegetarians, and those who prefer gluten-free options. The staff is very helpful and very courteous. The restaurant is half a minute from the famous Bank Street and is only 10 minutes by bus from Downtown Ottawa. It is very easily accessible by public transportation (notably buses 6 or 7). I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a glimpse of South Indian cuisine, and I highly encourage ordering dosas which are a specialty at Thanjai. Thank you. read more

Good food, nothing to rave about but certainly much better than the typical Indian fast food in Ottawa. Nice clean restaurant, great staff and service. Prices may seem somewhat high on first glance but the portions are actually huge, you definitely get your money's worth. Specialty drinks were great as well. Only gripe would be that they tend to run out of things and some items were not available, that could mean that the food is just fresh though. read more

Had dinner here on a Wednesday. Good food for fair prices. But service was terrible. Crowded and chaotic spaces and long waits, even with a reservation. Perhaps understaffed, the one server was ruffled. Food came and had to wait 5 minutes more for the cutlery to arrive. Drinks came almost at the end of the meal. Food came at different times and one had to sit and watch the other eat. Hate to be here on a Friday or Saturday! Overall, not a very good dining experience. read more

Pathetic, unprofessional servers ....never waste your time here... The idiot spilled water on the table while cleaning, didn't apologize and started to serve other table..... he stopped by couple of times to state that he will be back but never came back. The other stupid guy in the bar started to set up other table even after realizing that my table is an mess ...bunch of jokers...... read more