Know and love Indian Grill on Ossington? Then get yourself to Chadani Indian Cuisine.

After continued success at their Dundas West location, owners Bisho and Manju Sherpa have launched a new dining destination, this time near King and Church. 

The two eateries feature similar menus, but you’ll find a daily lunch buffet ($14.95) and exclusive dishes (denoted below with *) at the Colborne outpost.

Location, location

Nestled in the Old Toronto neighbourhood in the historic Milburn built in1886 by architect E. J. Lennox, Chadani’s big bay windows, sky-high ceiling, and ornate chandeliers add an air of sophistication, while simple furniture and decorative touches keep things on the casual side.

Same, but different

As with the Ossington location, dishes are made in-house from scratch with top-notch ingredients. All meat and veg are brought in fresh and whole, then prepped onsite. Even spinach is fresh, never frozen.

And it doesn’t stop there. Forget tomato paste - sauces are enriched with real tomatoes. And since olive oil is used instead of vegetable, and sparingly to boot, dishes remain impeccably light and non-greasy.

If William Cowper’s “Variety is the spice of life” line resonates, you’ll be pleased by the wide array of affordable dishes available. With vegetarian mains are aplenty (14), chicken, seafood, goat, lamb and beef dishes -  many cooked in a tandoor oven - in addition to apps, rice, breads, and accompaniments, you can make multiple visits without ever having to repeat a dish. With the exception of the garlic naan (see below).

Beverages include a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails, alongside a variety of non-alcoholic options. Bonus: Chadani is one of only a few Indian restaurants in Toronto with a top-notch espresso machine, so a latte or cappuccino post-dinner .

The heat is on

For those who love spicy fare, you won’t be disappointed. Dishes are available mild, medium, hot and extra hot, and unlike many establishments, medium is actually medium - spicy, but not fiery.

And since water glasses are filled regularly by attentive staff, go hot as blazes if you dare.

Off the menu

Pappadums (complimentary)

Thin, light peppery lentil crackers - served with mint chutney and tamarind sauce - help satiate hunger pangs while perusing the menu. 

Fish Pakora* ($7.99)

Pakora Noun 1. (in Indian cooking) a piece of vegetable or meat, coated in seasoned batter and deep-fried.

By definition, the designation ‘pakora’ is accurate. However, unlike dense vegetable varieties you’ve had in the past, this tender whitefish is super light and far from dry. And enveloped in an airy, crisp batter with a bold kick (deemed “medium” on the menu), they’re an addictive treat.

 Chicken Mirch Tikka ($16)

 A piping hot cast iron pan sizzling with gargantuan cubes of boneless chicken resting on raw cabbage and carrots, and dotted with onion petals, arrives at the table. The poultry’s exhilarating bright emerald colour is a result of marinating in green chills, mint, coriander, and spices overnight.

Butter Chicken ($14.99)

The bestseller features tandoori tikkas enveloped in a thick, creamy, silky tomato sauce that isn’t cloying in the least.  

Shrimp Jalfrezi* ($19)

Plump shrimp are tossed with ginger, garlic, onions, green and red bell peppers, onions, and spices, then simmered in butter. The result? A tantalizing medley that will no doubt become your regular order.

Peas Pulao ($4.25)

Ordering this basmati saffron-scented rice, studded with firm green peas, is a brainer.

Garlic Naan ($4.25)  

Soft, chewy tandoor-baked bread, smothered in enough garlic to keep vampires and colds at bay? What are you waiting for?  

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Chadani Indian Cuisine

51 Colborne St.

(647) 748-4090

Hours: Daily 11:30am - 3pm; 5-10pm

Offers dine in, take out, delivery and catering.