I’ve driven past Rajwadi many times over the past year and rarely saw more than a few cars outside, which made me unsure if it was worth stopping in. But when I heard they were celebrating their first year in the community, I decided to bring my family, including my parents, who are seniors, to give it a try.
The food itself was wonderful. The thali was fresh, authentic, and full of flavor, the kind of Gujarati cooking you rarely find in Cambridge. Every dish tasted home-style and carefully prepared. The two ladies serving took the time to check in with us, and we let them know how much we enjoyed the food. On that front, Rajwadi absolutely delivered.
But the experience had one serious flaw: the lack of washroom facilities. For an appreciation event welcoming the community, this created a real problem for both younger kids and older guests. After our meal, we had to rush to the McDonald’s down the road so my daughter and my parents could use the washroom. For families, especially multigenerational ones like ours, this makes the experience stressful when it could have been seamless.
This is where I feel the restaurant catered more to the newer wave of Gujarati immigrants who have come to Canada between 2015–2025, many of whom may see this as a nostalgic slice of “home.” But for those of us whose families have been here for decades, my grandfather arrived in the 1950s, my parents raised their kids in the 60s and 70s, I was born in the 80s, and now my daughter was born in 2018, the expectations are different. We’ve grown up in Canada, we understand and value certain standards of comfort and public service, and we can’t ignore when those basics are missing.
Instead of feeling like a proud community celebration in Canada, the event ended up feeling like we’d been transported back to a crowded street-side stall in India, with extra chairs and tables squeezed in, but without the facilities or planning you would expect here. That kind of approach may connect with people who recently left India and miss that atmosphere, but for families who have lived here for generations, it feels like a step backwards. Canada should be moving forward, not recreating the struggles people once left behind.
Final thought: Rajwadi has great food and warm service, no question. But if they want to truly root themselves in the community and appeal to everyone, both new arrivals and families who have been here for generations, they’ll need to balance authenticity with the standards and expectations of Canadian hospitality. The food deserves 5 stars, but the overall experience lands at 3 until the basics...
Read moreMy family and I recently visited Rajdhani restaurant in Cambridge for our Sunday dinner, after hearing positive word-of-mouth reviews from a friend. We traveled all the way from Oshawa for the experience, and while some aspects were enjoyable, others left us feeling a bit underwhelmed, especially when considering the price. The restaurant offers a set menu that, as we were told by the staff, changes daily. The price was $24 per person, which, with tax, puts it on par with or even higher than other similar vegetarian thali restaurants we've visited, such as those at ISKCON in Etobicoke or Govardhan in Oshawa. When it comes to the food, the variety was somewhat limited compared to what we’ve seen at other locations. The flavors were generally pleasant, with the food leaning towards sweet rather than spicy. While this might appeal to some customers who prefer milder dishes, it wasn't quite what we were expecting. The biggest disappointment was the "vagareli roti," which was surprisingly hard and difficult to chew, taking away from the overall enjoyment of the meal. Overall, while the food was "okay," the limited variety and the specific issue with the roti, combined with the relatively high price, made the experience feel a little overpriced. Rajdhani has a solid foundation, but a few improvements could make a big difference in the overall customer experience. Maybe in future we will visit again and review...
Read moreIf you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Cambridge, Rajwadi Restaurant is an absolute must-visit! From the moment you walk in, you are enveloped in an atmosphere that seamlessly blends elegance with warmth. The hospitality here is truly exceptional; they embody the essence of the ancient Indian saying "Atithi Devo Bhava," which means "The guest is God." One of the staff person Khushi's outgoing nature and the ability to welcome the guests was top notch. Every dish is a testament to pure Rajwadi tradition and homemade deliciousness. The food is not just served; it's presented with love and genuine care. The staff's insistence that you eat more is not just a gesture but a heartfelt expression of their commitment to making you feel at home. The rich flavors, vibrant spices, and impeccable presentation transport you straight to India, making it the perfect spot for anyone feeling homesick or dreaming of an Indian getaway. Whether you're a fan of classic curries, fragrant biryanis, or freshly baked naan, Rajwadi serves it all with a level of authenticity and excellence that is hard to find elsewhere. Do yourself a favor and visit Rajwadi Restaurant. It's not just a meal; it's a beautifully curated experience that makes you feel cherished and satisfied. Highly recommend for a taste of true...
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