Sardar Ji Kitchener — Restaurant in Kitchener

It has been twice now that we had food from Sardarji. So, our experience about the food I have mentioned below won't be a one off, be it great or awful. The first time we had ordered a Paneer sabzi for take-away. Even after asking it to be made spicy, it ended up being more tangy and definitely not spicy. But we thought that the reviews say otherwise, so just might not have been the chef's best day. After a few weeks, we again tried their food last night. This time, with a dine-in experience. First, we had the panipuri, which didn't feel anything special. Even after asking to make it spicy, it still felt just normal. Then we sat at the table for dinner and were hit with the super loud music. At first, we tried to ignore it, but then communicating within ourselves was getting very difficult, so we asked the staff to reduce the volume. But there was NO CHANGE at all. Instead, it felt like the volume was increased a bit, may be the next song had higher volume itself. Moving to the food, we ordered Tandoori Shrimp in appetizer and a Sober Mermaid in mocktail. The drink was very good, while the appetizer was very well prepared and presented, but seeing the quantity, it felt like we were in a Fine Dining restaurant. Just 9 shrimps for $18!! We ignored it for the good taste. Next, we ordered Rara Chicken as per the staff's recommendation for spicy curry. But it was nowhere near to anything spicy. Even the salt level felt quite low. Having it with the bread, felt like there was no taste in the curry. One of the breads, too, was quite a surprise. We ordered a Butter Roti, which was good. But the Lachha Paratha was not even edible. It was undercooked and totally raw from the inside. Just picking it up from the basket made it fall apart. We could taste the raw wheat flour while chewing. I made sure to snap some photos. We thought to let the staff know, but we had already lost interest in the food by then, not to mention the constant loud banging hammering us. In the end we let the staff know about the Lachha Paratha when she asked about the food. She was quite sweet to say that she would like to offer a complimentary sweet, but we didn't feel like having it. Overall, it was nowhere near to our expectations of a good dine-in experience, and before leaving the table itself, we had made our minds not to visit the restaurant ever again! Also, we made sure not to offer any tip, given the overall experience.

UPDATE: Thank you to the owner for acknowledging the issues and for looking into them...

If you're in Kitchener and craving authentic Punjabi cuisine, look no further than Sardar Ji, a delightful restaurant that captures the essence of traditional flavors with a modern twist. During my recent visit, I was particularly impressed with their golgappe, also known as panipuri, which stands out as the best in the area.

The moment I stepped into Sardar Ji, I was welcomed by a warm and vibrant ambiance that perfectly complements the rich culinary heritage of Punjab. The decor is a tasteful blend of contemporary and traditional elements, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the golgappe. Sardar Ji's version of this popular street food is nothing short of spectacular. The crispy puris, filled with a tangy and spicy mix of tamarind water, chickpeas, and potatoes, are a burst of flavors with every bite. The balance of sweet, sour, and spicy notes is impeccably achieved, making each mouthful a delightful explosion of taste. It’s no wonder locals and visitors alike rave about these golgappe, as they truly capture the authentic flavors that are often hard to find outside of India.

In addition to their standout golgappe, Sardar Ji offers an extensive menu featuring a wide array of Punjabi dishes. From buttery, rich chicken tikka masala to hearty, spiced chana masala, every dish is crafted with care and attention to detail. The use of fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques shines through in every bite, offering an authentic taste of Punjabi cuisine.

The service at Sardar Ji is equally commendable. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help with recommendations, ensuring that every guest feels valued and well taken care of. Their genuine passion for food and hospitality enhances the overall dining experience, making you feel like a welcomed guest rather than just another customer.

In conclusion, Sardar Ji in Kitchener is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in authentic Punjabi flavors. With their unbeatable golgappe and a menu full of delicious, well-prepared dishes, this restaurant offers a culinary experience that’s hard to match. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to stop by Sardar Ji for a taste of the best panipuri in town and...

Review of "Sardar Ji Kitchener"

Ambiance: "Sardar Ji Kitchener" offers an inviting and versatile atmosphere, catering to a range of preferences. Whether you're looking for an intimate dinner with a partner, a lively night at the bar, or a peaceful family meal, this place has it all. The seating options are comfortable, with sofa-like benches that provide excellent support, making for a relaxing dining experience. The decor and setup contribute to a pleasant ambiance that enhances the overall dining experience.

Service: The service is generally attentive, though at times it can feel a bit overbearing. The staff are diligent, but the person at the entrance who also serves can hover a bit too much, which might be slightly off-putting for some guests. Additionally, there is a minor issue with transparency regarding bottled water. The water provided is from Costco, and guests are charged for it without prior notice, which could be improved with clearer communication.

Food: The food at "Sardar Ji Kitchener" is exceptional. Each dish is flavorful, well-prepared, and served in generous portions. The culinary experience here is consistently satisfying, making it a highlight of the visit. The variety of dishes ensures that there is something for everyone, whether you're dining alone, on a date, or with a large family group.

Entertainment: The restaurant does a great job of keeping guests entertained with music and videos that appeal to both adults and children. This visual entertainment adds to the lively atmosphere, especially as the evening progresses. Although the place might feel a bit quiet and dull before the evening crowd arrives, it livens up significantly around 8:00 p.m., creating a vibrant and enjoyable environment.

Conclusion: Despite minor issues with service and upfront disclosure of charges, "Sardar Ji Kitchener" stands out as a top-notch dining destination. Its adaptable atmosphere, excellent food, and engaging entertainment make it a great choice for various occasions, from romantic dates to large family gatherings. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy a quality meal in a...