Tandoori Zaika | Fine Indian & Hakka Cuisine — Restaurant in Kitchener

Tandoori Zaika has been carried over from what was previously Bombay cuisine and the standards have been maintained. The ambience is classy. Mild music playing in the background at a perfect volume, no loud bollywood music beating. The interior decor, seating, upholstery, setup is roomy, classy with an upscale feel. none of the claustrophobic heavy embroidered red and white decor as seen in Indian restaurants, atleast those are not to my personal liking.

The staff are hospitable, inviting, friendly, courteous, kind in the front. Deepak and Sita(/Seeta) do an exceptional job of making sure the place is welcoming, service is top notch, yet also has the casual air to it rather than an uptightness. The food arrives in relatively quick time depending on what and how much your order. I have only seen a couple of chefs in the front a couple of times, there are 4-5 from what I know, but much goes to them for what makes this place my top choice, which brings me to the quality of food.

Now, in no way am I am foodie, at all. However, this place will invigorate your taste buds. I could taste the cardamom, the ginger, the cumin, the cloves. Not the usual masala and spice heavy oily and greasy food. You can tell the difference between the food here and elsewhere. Such food requires delicate attention to detail in preparation to keep the ingredients balanced, not over power the taste due to any one ingredient. The naan, roti are perfectly balanced with the crispness, yet fresh softness. The chicken is perfectly marinated and tender to what it needs to be. Everything feels like it has been been properly attended to and the chefs know what they are doing.

Not to mention, the variety in the menu goes from Indian Hakka, North Indian dishes to Bombay Chaat and tandoor to Hyderabadi Biryani and Goan curries. Can only imagine the expertise back in the kitchen to pull off not just the quality in the menu but the quantity as well. Lastly, the pricing is very reasonable, decent for the food, ambience, service for a perfect blend of class and taste.

Overall, this has been my top find amongst all Indian restaurants I have been around in GTA, KW, London area; arguably my top choice among all Indian and non Indian...

There are restaurants you visit once, and then there are restaurants that keep pulling you back—Tandoori Zaika in Cambridge is exactly that. This review isn’t from a single visit but from my multiple experiences.

I can confidently say that their Lamb Biryani is an absolute must-try! 11/10! Tender, juicy lamb, aromatic rice, and deep, slow-cooked flavors—it’s pure magic. Other biryanis are great too, but the lamb biryani is next level. The Peshawari Tandoori Chicken packs a punch, along with other mouth-watering dishes; drinks selection at the bar ensures that conversations flow as smoothly as the flavors on your plate.

Now, let me tell you something about the soul of the place—the lady owner, whose hospitality is nothing short of heartfelt. Her culture, warmth, and genuine care for her customers reflect in every interaction, making Tandoori Zaika more than just a business—it’s a place where you feel welcomed like family.

They also offer tiffin services and catering, both affordable and flexible. In fact, they’re even open to bargaining based on order size. But beware! This restaurant has a hidden problem—they will hypnotize you with their flavors and keep you coming back again and again. The cycle never stops! Already looking forward to my next...

After a long time, I had the pleasure of tasting truly authentic Indian cuisine. The main course was simply delicious, and despite a few minor flaws, I’m happy to give them a strong rating. The staff were friendly and welcoming, which added to the overall positive experience.

That being said, there are a few areas for improvement. The chaat section needs some attention—specifically, the bhalla in the dahi-bhalle should be squeezed to remove excess water before prepare for the plating . While the chaat papdi was well-presented, it lacked flavor.

On the bright side, the naans and lachcha parantha were well-cooked and generously sized. The dal makhani was outstanding, as were the malai kofta and paneer badam pasanda, but they used sane base curries for both. The curries could benefit from more variation. The butter chicken was exceptional, and the non-veg sizzler platter was flavorful, although one item was missed. The veg malai momos were also a highlight.

Overall, the pricing was fair, and we had a wonderful family dining experience. I’d definitely recommend this place for a hearty,...