Madras Masala

796 Bloor St West ( at Crawford)

416 342 4359

I love dining with my friend Elaine. She has great suggestions for dining. I think she has eaten in every restaurant in Toronto. The conversation is always stimulating. We seem to cover every international and national topic. I loved every morsel at this tasty restaurant. I have often dined at Banjara. It is physically attached to Madras Masala and shares the same owner. Banjara features northern Indian food. Madras Masala prepares South Indian cuisine. Northern is generally more spicy but Madras will cook to your specification.

Madras is smaller and feels more intimate. A small outdoor patio is great in this fine weather. Both restaurants are set back a bit from Bloor St and free parking is available in front of both restaurants. I think both restaurants offer excellent Indian food at a very reasonable price.

We were thrilled with the tasty selections. We shared three dishes plus a rice selection. It was a perfect amount to satisfy our hunger.

Prawn Saag ($13.99) was my favorite. Prawns are cooked in pureed spinach. The spices were so flavorful and we both loved every bite. Alu Channa offers chick peas and potatoes cooked in aromatic spices.($7.95) The aroma was tantalizing and the flavor was even more satisfying. Bagara Baingan offers garden fresh eggplant cooked in a peanut sauce.($8.99) The Steamed Rice ($2.99) was perfect to complete a wonderful dinner.

There are so many selections possible. Meat Entrees feature many lamb selections. Madras Masala Lamb Curry prepares tender lamb cooked in ginger and pepper.($10.99) Chicken Xacutti prepares tender chicken pieces simmered with a blend of roasted coconut, onion and spices.($10.99) Chettinadu Fish Curry is offered at $12.99.

The food arrives promptly. Our server was as delicious as the food. His wide smile and good service was most appreciated.

Both Banjara and Madras Masala offer excellent Indian food.