We visited MotiMahal Restaurant in the Gerrard India Bazaar and enjoyed experiencing one of Toronto's longest-running Indian restaurants. Serving the community since 1976, Moti Mahal has been a neighborhood landmark for generations and offers a casual, welcoming atmosphere, offering a mix of Indian street food, curries, thalis, sweets, and traditional favorites. The restaurant has a long history and connection to Toronto's Little India community. And, the menu offers a wide variety of options, from quick snacks and street food to full meals and freshly made sweets prepared in-house. We were impressed with their selection of Indian sweets. The display offered a great variety of traditional desserts, and we ended up getting a mixed box to take home. read more

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Ordered the Fish Kathi Kebob and then went to run errands. Picked it up 20 minutes later. It was good but it is made differently than before. The fish is now wrapped inside a parantha. Used to be a wrap. Came with two sauces. Place was empty on a weeknight. read more

Motimahal - Fish Kathi Kebob - Indian Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This place is a bit uneven but that's part of the charm. It's a bit cheaper than some of the other options on this strip and has some character. It's also always busy which bodes well for freshness. I've had the lunch special which always includes a veg curry and fried naan. Always super good. My wife loves the Gold Gappi Chat and it's always good thought not always consitent how it comes out. Give it a shot and soak up the vibe. read more

We made a trip to "little India Bazaar" and were told that we should have a bite at Motimahal. This is your standard , order at the counter, fast food indian spot. It follows the template well: authentic food, borderline clean, a stack of piled up dirty plates at the trash can balanced delicately. The food was made quickly and was tasty. Plenty of vegan options. read more

Motimahal - Veg Thali - Indian Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Tasty and reasonable. Fresh! I was looking for a place that is reputed for good naan. I cooked kidney beans curry at home, and had some leftover. Researched a bit and many people suggested here. I was supposed to get Naan only but could not resist ordering something more. I had: # Regular Naan : stretchy, soft and flavorful with a slight tanginess. Baked fresh. Delicious. # Garlic Naan : not fan, as it not as stretchy. A bit salty side. But I can eat it as a good snack. # Veggie samosa : Love this! The dough is thinner around the stuffing and thicker and crispier on the edge. The plenty of moist, spiced and savory potato is wrapped in tender, flaky pastry. Perfect balance between spice and salt. The textures of stuffing and wrapper are perfectly balanced. ) # Samosa chat : It was covered with thick sauce. Because I prefer one with a lot of fresh veggies, I was a bit disappointed at first. But once ate it, I found it it is quite flavorful with a lot of interesting textures. Chickpeas was soft but had crispy texture to it. I like the thickly sliced fresh onion's flavor and texture. Good balance between sweet and hotness. They have extensive menu. I was there around 5pm. The place was very very busy. I waited 20 mins for the above orders. If in a hurry, order ahead for pick up. read more

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This location has changed ownership in the last 6 months and it's truly not the same as it used to be. If you're a fan of the Moti Mahal Chole Bhatura from the 80's & 90's, I think you'll find it's drastically different from what you remember. It's honestly different from even a year ago. Unfortunately even most of the staff has changed and the food just doesn't have the same great taste as it used to. We recently got takeout on a weekday evening and ordered: Matar Paneer Butter Chicken Chole Goat Curry The Chole lacked seasoning and the Goat Curry was a bit runny. The only item I actually liked was the Butter Chicken, but even then, it wasn't excellent. What was really frustrating is that despite paying $50 for all these items, they tried to hold back on accompaniments like pickled carrots and onions. When we looked in the bag and asked for the pickles, the employee made an unfriendly face and didn't want to give it to us. Overall, if this is any indication of how the food will taste and what the service will be like in the future, I'm very hesitant to come back. read more

Tried a variety of food with the $12 Meat Thali special on Doordash. For the price, you get a huge quantity of food. You get rice and peas, a meat curry, two veg curries and a large naan (not pictured). It's a huge quantity of food and you'll probably have leftovers. The quality of food was about average, some of the curries were a little bland (such as the saag paneer) and some were too salty (such as the goat curry). Overall I'd give this restaurant a 7/10 - there are certainly better Indian restaurants in the city but for $12 per combo you really can't beat the price. read more

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Very affordable and tasty. I love the Marsala Dosa. Don't let the cafeteria vib fool you, the food is very tasty.

Not so great Order: 4 veg samosas, 1 chicken samosa, 2 chicken kabobs, 2 lamb kabobs, and a garlic naan. The chutneys tasted stale, the chicken samosas tasted meh. The kabobs were ok. They predominantly taste of heavy geera/cumin and background seasonings of garlic, and masala. But where kinda of spongy in texture. The best thing we're the veg samosas, they where huge, but really nice. The garlic naan was next best. Crispy flaky, had more of a corriander flavoured seasoning more than garlic, but I really like that herb, so that was moriesh to me. However, the insides of the naan, which was flaky more like a paratha was a little stodgy and under cooked. So there's that. It's too bad with COVID and everything, Gerrard St ain't what it used to be. The great Indian cooking reside in the suburbs now, Brampton, Scarborough, Mississauga. read more

The most popular Indian food place in Toronto. I see people from different culture also come and enjoy the food here. The place in the main hub of Gerrard St. which is also know as Little India. read more

The negative reviews can be scary but I still took the plunge based on multiple recommendations by friends. I must say I'm not disappointed. People need to understand this is not a fine-dining place. It's like typical street food - Puri Chana chholle bhature Amritsari Kulcha kind of place, which means cheap no frills, collect your order from counter and street food taste. I tried veg Thali and Chholle Bhature. Out of two, I'll recommend Chholle Bhature - texture of Bhature was nice, Chholle and Aloo were nice too. Thali could have been better in the sense that Malai Kofta was not made of aloo, rather something bready and likewise with kadhi pakoda. But so far, the place with good chholle bhature. Also, portion size is huge so make sure your order a plate for two and if only you feel hungry, order more. read more

Motimahal - Chholle Bhature - Indian Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Had thali and pani puri. Took like 20 mins or so to get served even tho the food is pre-prepared and the place was next to empty. Pani Puri ($6.99) was served unbroken, with seasoned potatoes and the mint chutney .....and thats it. I had to ask for the tamarind chutney and raita (which was just plain yogurt) and prepare it myself, which sucked but at least they didn't ask me to pay for the additional stuff. They claimed the goat was halal but everything else was not. The naan was fluffy and soft. Average size. Inside is super basic looking. Prices are reasonable. read more

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Motimahal rocks, went in for a mid afternoon snack, ordered a spicy green chili pakora and a vegetable samosa. Items are made fresh while you wait; let me tell you straight up worth every second of the 8 minute wait. Chili pakora was spicy hot and excellent; the Samosa had a light flakey fried exterior dough with a nicely spiced potato/pea stuffing, this was without question some of the very best pakoras/samosas I've had. I wouldn't hesitate to return in the future as this place is just plain awesome! read more

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Motimahal is a good spot if you'd like a variety of snacks or full meals. It may get a bit crowded and cramped in peak times. The table service is at best average in terms of cleanliness and quickness. The food tastes great and prices are reasonable. read more

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Nice place to have indian food. I really loved the sweets and chole bhature here. Worth trying it once. I liked the tea as well. read more

Motimahal - Meal - Indian Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Definitely an experience. Been a few times, I suggest OFF peak hours. Popular little India spot. Place is REALLY narrow, funny to see people sliding by with trays and bodies.. On the slow side. Place is almost always a DISASTER, they are making BIG $$$, don't appear interested in an employee or 2,3... cleaning trays and tables. Good prices, phenomenal naan. read more

Motimahal - Narrow Busy Lot of talking, sneezing ;) - Indian Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Food is amazing and service was fast and best. One of the best authentic Indian restaurants in Toronto downtown read more

2.5 star This review is based on desserts at Motimahal.. and on dessert only.. So it might sounded unfair.. as we ate at 2 Indian restaurants for the evening and this is the last one that we decide to go for dessert. Gulab Jamun, Kalakand and Kuifi not bad..but I have better... Specially the Kuifi.. the one at Lahore Tikka is a lot better.. Seatings definitely is special.. but one good thing is this place is not too smokey and You won't smell like food when you get home! read more

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Food is made fresh and very tasty and quality ingredients. You take your food from the counter to your table, so no tip is required. There is a tip jar up at the front counter if you feel inclined but not necessary. I have eaten Indian food from many places and have worked in an Indian restaurant not far from here so I do know good food when I taste it. Ambien is not great. Very basic and frugal. read more

Best North Indian food in Toronto, as simple as that. Don't waste your time going to overpriced restaurants, just come here and eat your heart out. The chole bature (fried dough with chickpea and potato curries) - a favorite comfort food of all Indians - rivals that in Delhi. The pudina paratha (mint bread) is also delicious and hot out of the oven. Pair that with some shahi paneer and you have yourself a perfect Indian meal. If you want an authentic experience, come on Sunday afternoon or evening when everyone is crowding here for an easy dinner. Top it all of with a hot gulab jamun or a cold rasmalai, also some of the best in the city. read more

Motimahal - Indian Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

The curries were excessively oily and salty and ours were served lukewarm. The naan was hot, fresh and fluffy and was almost up for the task of soaking up the gheegasm. read more

I love the Raj Kochori here! It's an Indian chaat with deep fried shell and potato filling topped with yogurt. Amazing! A five-star taste. The total rating is brought down by other dishes I tried such as thali and dosa which are mediocre from my view. read more

Motimahal - Paper dosa and veggie thali - Indian Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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We come here all the time. It's the best Indian street food around. We usually come in for the street food (which are a meal on their own) and also order meals here. You will definitely go right with the snacks. Love the channa bhatura too. We often order the thali which is also good. Recommended! read more

Small restaurant on Gerrard Street. They are known for their Chole bhatura, was good but a little salty for my taste. read more

Motimahal - Chole Bhatura - Indian Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I don't get this place. They have a steam table full of prepared foods, but when you order, they say it's going to be 20 mins. I guess the backup is waiting for naan to come out of the tandoor? Anyway, the goat curry was delicious, and the bindi (okra) was great. I love the side of pickled onions they give you too. read more

Waited forever for naan and chai. Chai had black cardamom in it which was incredibly overpowering and tasted off. Lots of the buffet dishes were missing their main protein (clearly people had taken all the chicken out of the butter chicken or the kofta out of the malai and all that was left was curry). Waiters didn't even ask for our drinks and had airpods in. read more

The five stars are for the food. The restaurant is narrow and the furniture is unattractive. The food is some of the best in town and the portion size is good. They do keep the place clean. I frequently get take out and bring it down to the beach. Staff are polite and helpful. There is a reason this place is so busy. They can handle a crowd though, you won't wait long. read more

I have a thing for fast-food style Indian eateries, so I loooove the McDhaba decor. This place has been around for as long as I can remember, but I only started going here recently. The thali items are quite ok, but not outstanding. I usually go for the thali just because I am usually hungry. The mattar paneer is probably a safe bet to choose as a thali item. Some of the items, like the bhindi (okra) dish I guess are less popular and they heat them up in the microwave. One thing I have had here that is pretty special are the mirchi pakoras (a large chili pepper, breaded and fried), which come with their lovely tamarind and mint dipping sauces. I used to eat these all the time as street food when I was in Karnataka, so it brings back good memories. I guess the fact that the mirchi pakora is 1.50$ also adds to its attraction. read more

Motimahal - Thali at Motimahal - Indian Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Motimahal has become our go to takeout restaurant for Indian food. Every dish is always top notch. The samosas are big and delicious and I'd recommend getting some of their naan as well. I find Indian food is a great time to eat vegetarian and their veggie dishes are the best. The paneer tikka is my favourite. But only slightly behind are the malai kofta, dahl and saag paneer. All of their curries have a good level of spice and aren't completely mild and North Americanized. If you don't like spice I'd ask them if they can make it mild for you, or you might want to try somewhere else. Id say the spice level they make their food is Medium. Because of the level of spice I don't know if it would be great for kids but I highly recommend it for adults! I've only had takeout from here but have a number of times. The samosas come with a couple chutneys (sauces) and you'll also get some pickled veg. read more

This used to be my favorite place to eat indian food. I think the food is very tasty. I like the the chaat papri and naan and chicken. I stopped back here to eat and it is delicious. While on Gerard was my favorite plaec to eat. I would go back here while in this hood for sure. read more

We had the Pani Puri plate which was $5.00 and some mithai sweets for which were pretty great. Portion of pani puris was pretty low for the price. Tamarind chutney was on point, however the coriander chutney extremely watery. Prices have gone up significantly I notice than years back when I was here with family. Gerrard Street East has significantly changed and not for the better. Ages ago it was so lively! Indian music playing on street corners, almost half a dozen vendors grilling corn on the sidewalks. I saw a pub and a Hakka Chinese place tonight that have set up shop, on the street full of Indian restaurants it's very out of place. Good news, Lahore was filled to the masses at least. read more

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I would say the food is very good but overall I feel the place is very gross, the bathroom was gross there was a huge puddle on the floor, with no sign, huge law suit in my opinion. The hand dryer was at my head level, the wires were coming out of the lights and other fixtures, the tables weren't clean, and whatever these popsicle things are I probably wouldn't want one because of the amount of over frozen and burnt that stuff looks. Just my opinion. Otherwise the food is generally pretty good and simple. read more

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Motimahal is great spot for yummy authentic Indian food. They price everything very reasonable and their food tastes good. I enjoyed Chole Bhature which came along jeera Aaloo (cumin potatoes). Also I ordered a drink; mango shake but didn't really like it. However, the food was very tasty with huge portions. The staff was very courteous and place was clean. I will visit them again to try other snacks. read more

Motimahal - Indian Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I've been coming here since I was a young lad of about 8 years old! I've grown up on this restaurant's Malai Kofta (vegetable balls in the same high quality sauce as butter chicken), Mattar Paneer (green peas with "Indian cheese") and Choley (spicy chick peas). So much so that to this day, my all-time favorite dish is still Malai Kofta! I've tried making it at home but haven't quite perfected the art yet to the Malai Kofta Quality at Motimahal. I've yet to find another Indian restaurant make that dish as good, though some have come close. Note that my family and I are vegetarian so we haven't tried amy of the meat dishes. When we go to this restaurant lately, we also order a plate of "dahi bhalla" (yogurt with fried balls) though we tell them to hold the green spicy sauce on top (and use it to counteract some of the spiciness of other dishes). For dessert, we go with the family favorite "Ras Malai" which is a sort of rich cheesecake (no crust) in sweetened milk". You've gotta try that too! We absolutely love this restaurant. We love the food, the low prices and the friendly staff. Try it out - you won't regret it! read more

Motimahal - My veggie plate with Mattar Paneer, Choley and Saag Paneer and an extra shared plate of Malai Kofta and Dahi Bhalla. Absolutely yum! - Indian Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

They have really good selection of indian food items. Must try items- samosas, paneer paranthe and chole bhature. The price is economical too. read more

I really wanted to like this place since you can order thali. I ordered a meat thali with curried goat, okra and palak paneer. It came with a side of naan and rice. The curry was pretty watery and everything tasted mostly of salt. No complex flavours or richness you'd expect. The texture of the naan was a bit like a Greek pita. I was left unsatisfied and wishing I'd just ordered from my usual place. read more

This place was recommended to me by Zane Caplansky of all people when I was visiting his restaurant! Don't be deterred by the outside appearance because it looks like a fast food joint, and affordability doesn't mean you're skimping on quality either. The chicken curry is delicious, the potatoes are divine, and don't get me started on the garlic naan--top 3 best I ever had. There are lots of options in Little India, so save yourself the anxiety and go here! read more

Best place in Toronto , try their choke Bathure. Owner makes sure that you are taken care of. For sweets Patisa is amazing read more

Motimahal - Indian Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

They made me wait an hour to microwave 12 chicken wings, reheat 2 samosas and make one dosa. Pass.

I went here about a year ago with Kate M. and we had a marvellous time. Yesterday, it hit me- an intense desire to return. So I brought along my BF and we made a far east movement to Motimahal. We ordered two meat thali's and (spoiler alert!) it was way more than I needed, perfect for him. The system is that you order, get a number, wait for the rice, naan, etc. to get prepped, number is called and then you head back up to the front to make some selections. I opted for the butter chicken, saag paneer and a pea-paneer dish. Along comes the rice, naan bread and a little onion and pickled beet salad Maybe because this time I hadn't trekked in rain, on foot for an hour prior to eating, but I didn't find it as satisfying as last year. The butter chicken has a nice smokiness to it but the cut of chicken, full of bones was a bit distracting. The saag panner was my least favourite, kinda bland. But the favourite was the pea and paneer dish! I also enjoyed the daring onion and beet salad with it's minty dressing. The naan was great and I loved the addition of black sesame seeds sprinkled on top. It's a funny, fast-food, Indian place that fills you up! A bit hit and miss, but with enough hits at a low, low price to make me come back. read more