Banjara

Banjara

Once a year I meet with a couple with whom I worked. It is such fun to catch up on our lives and to
relive past experiences. They both love Indian food. I suggested Banjara because I think it is the best
Indian food anywhere (including India.) The restaurant itself is situated back from the street allowing
many cars to park in front. Banjara features food from Northern India. The attached restaurant MarsalaMasala features Southern Indian food. Both are outstanding.
I always marvel at the efficient pleasant service. This place is always busy but I manage to get a table
promptly. The food arrives hot and tasty in no time. It is a reasonable way to have a fine feast and to
share a variety of dishes. We started with the Veggie Pakora.($3.95) There were supposed to be 4. For
some reason a basket with miniature pakoras were delivered to our table. We ate them all with relish.
They are always so flavorful. Veggie Samosas also make for a wonderful appetizer.($3.50) Onion
Bhajia are crispy onion rings prepared with a chick pea batter.($3.95) What a treat.
Indian food is healthy and always flavorful. The mélange of spices is incredible. It is so much work to prepare this exotic food and that is why I go out for Indian food rather than attempting to prepare it at home.
Vegetarians can feast like royalty because there is so much choice. I always have my favorite dish of
Palak Paneer. The creamy spinach and cubes of homemade cheese are flavorful as well as being
healthy. We also enjoyed the Baingan Bharta.($9.99) Whole eggplant is baked in the Tandoor, mashed and sautéed with tomatoes, onions, cream and fresh herbs. We also had the choice of ordering the Aloo Baingan.($9.50) In this preparation, potatoes and eggplant are slowly cooked with aromatic spices.

There are so many varieties of rice to enhance the dishes. We opted for Plain Rice ($3.25) because
we wanted to fully enjoy the aromatic spices in the cooking. This is the second time I have enjoyed
the sizzling hot Tandoori Prawn. Jumbo prawns are marinated in spices, lemon juice and cooked in
the Tandoor.($15.95) On my next visit I intend to order the Tandoor Fish.($12.99) Boneless salmon is
marinated and cooked in the Tandoor.

Most Indian food lovers claim Butter Chicken as their favorite.($11.95) The chicken is simmered in
tomato, onion and cream gravy. So many chicken and meat delights are offered.

I usually settle for the Naan, the traditional Indian bread baked in the Tandoor. ($2.49) It is The music is great. It is a last look at Whitney Houston
great for dipping into the sauces. On this occasion we all enjoyed the famous Garlic Naan($3.95)
Superb!
It is fun to share the dishes. The only problem is trying to make a selection. I love the little doorbell
by the table. Ring it when you are ready and someone comes immediately to take your order. This is
healthy, flavorful food. That is why I keep coming back.

796 Bloor St West

416 963 9360