Chennai Masala Cafe

We are visiting Toronto from Pittsburgh and were craving South Indian food. My husband is Tamilian, so we found Chennai Masala Cafe on Google - it was 5 minutes from our AirBnB. We were greeted by friendly staff and ordered several items for takeout: samosa chaat, onion pakora, vada, and chicken 65, along with masala tea and filter coffee. The food was prepared fresh and even though we ordered takeout, the food was piping hot and delicious. The samosa chaat was super flavorful. The pakoras were some of the best I’ve ever had. The vada was crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. The chicken 65 was nothing like I have ever had - it was not greasy at all, and was crunchy. Both the tea and coffee were well prepared, not overly sweet, and hot on a cold day. The owner is very friendly. If you’re craving a South Indian treat, you can’t miss this place.

January 2, 2025 on Google

We tried Chennai parotta with chettinadu chicken curry - It is really tasty. Chicken Manchurian is also good, we have asked medium gravy and they customized it. Overall good South Indian place and prices are reasonable too.

January 2, 2025 on Google

Delighted by having the food here, no complains simply the best we actually crave for. We are from eastern part of India but we have lived our career life mostly in southern part of India and so love their food. We ordered mutton sukha with paratha which was like Kerala paratha back home which was delicious, also got their medu vada which was fresh and freshly fried and made. Perfect not full of oil and soda like other places to make it look fluffy, perfect texture . Sambar was hit of the show we just loved it. My husband loved dipped vadas in sambar so we came home with a take out also after having hefty meal, yummy full of love. I think they are new so just one request for a more faster service . Little bit of a wait is there as I’m sure lot of online orders were also been pouring out and people who are in restaurant need to be patient, but no complains after the food came. As it was fresh and of good quality and taste. Hope this same is maintained in future and I’ll be making many more visits now it becomes a goto spot for me and my family now. Thanks for opening. 🙏🏼

January 2, 2025 on Google

Authentic tamil cuisine. I think this is a newer place, and one in a place that has few tamil restaurants. This is a welcome addition to the community. I tried the simple plain dosa and it was on par with the dosa you'd getcat Anjapar, Saravana bhavan, or Annalakshmis. The style is a little different, but the dosa is large and they serve with a spicy chutney, a plain one, and sambar. I will definitely return to try the other tamil classics seeing that they passed the dosa test Staff is great, friendly, and prompt. The dining space is cozy and has a pleasant ambiance. Furniture is mew and dining spaces are neat.

December 25, 2024 on Google

On our visit to Toronto, our mouth was aching to try some south Indian delicacies, which made us visit this place!! On our entry, we were uplifted by the aroma of the dishes being cooked. We ordered Chicken and Mutton Biryani, Chicken kothu parotta. Though everything tasted good, my favourite was the Chicken kothu. We finished our lunch with the authentic filter coffee, which had its flavour though the milk was a little bit watery. I felt the price a bit on the higher side, but overall a definite visit!!

December 17, 2024 on Google

Went here for dinner on a Friday night. Food was absolutely delicious. Would definitely return to try more items on their menu. They only had one person in the kitchen and one server, but service was still pretty good. We got the Idli, Vada in sambar, chennai chicken dosa and schezwan chicken dosa. Everything tasted good. Spice level was perfect. Would prefer if the idlis were steamed fresh to order but texture of the idlis was good. Sambar vada was good. Portion sizes were good for the price. Would recommend if you're in the mood for south Indian or indo-chinese food.

November 23, 2024 on Google

1 star missing in atmosphere as it seems the space is little bit compact and need some love in colour and siting space but must visit as the food is delicious and chai was just fantastic. Owner is courteous and attentive towards customers and amazing service. Parking is available on Opposite street or for 30min can park in freshco parking lot.

November 17, 2024 on Google

This was my first time trying South Indian food in Canada, and honestly, I loved it so much. The staff was great, and the place was super hygienic. In fact, when my friends and I went to the restaurant, they were already cleaning and closing up, but we requested them to let us in, and they were so nice—they specifically reopened the kitchen and made a delicious South Indian dosa. I really enjoyed the time I spent there with my friends, and I would love to go again for sure.

October 14, 2024 on Google