Aroma of India - Authentic Indian, Indo-Hakka & Nepali Cuisine — Restaurant in Ontario

I've never been a huge fan of Indian Food but I have to admit I am quite partial to Tandoor Chicken. Generally, this is all I'll order from Aroma of India, but occasionally I may treat myself to Naan flatbread.

This review of the Aroma of India is general in nature, and cover's some interesting topics such as its location, my star rating, price, and unfortunately, (but importantly), the "Conditional Pass" Aroma of India received on May 20, 2021 during a DineSafe Inspection by the Middlesex-London Health Unit.

Aroma of India is located at 590 Dundas St. It's directly across the street from London Police Services and just at the very edged of Old East Village. Formerly located at 350 Dundas St (a couple doors down from the Budapest Restaurant) the move to the 590 Dundas I believe to be a wise business decision.

The new location is a much larger restaurant and ample parking. An indication the business is doing well? Interestingly, this is the same location where Harvey's was for years and years and years, followed by a short stint by a Chinese bakery. Nevertheless, once Harvey's had closed down, the premises pretty much laying vacant for at least several years.

Don't get me wrong, per se, the chicken is "okay". The presentation of the chicken in its Styrofoam container (believe it or not) is actually quite appealing. The chicken pieces sit on a bed of raw carrots and onions. Off to the side is a small container of some sort of green sauce. But the thing about chicken, as everyone knows and no matter how it is prepared, chicken is unforgiving if you don't get it right. At the Aroma of India, I have found the chicken I have order is either a hit or a miss. Meaning it is either over cooked or it is spot on.

I don't pretend to be a chief I and have no idea how the Tandoor is prepared. I would imagine it is marinated and then seasoned with various spices before being cooked. Aroma of India gets that part right. No doubt about that. But if you look closely at the pieces, you'll notice a good sized breast, a couple legs, a small thigh and an even smaller single wingette. Have all of these pieces been cooked together at the same temperature at the same amount of time. My guess is yes. What you end out with is an inedible wingette, properly cooked thigh and legs... but unfortunately, and sometimes too often, an over cooked breast that is dried out and chewy. When they get is right with the cooking part, it's not long before I am back again. When I am disappointed, well, a different story.

Tandoor Chicken with Naan flatbread plus the tip sets me back by about $20.00. A little pricey. I like to think of this as a once in awhile treat because there is no way I'm going to spend that amount of money more then once or twice per month. Is it worth is? Only when the chicken is not dried out, otherwise I end up with serious buyers regret. This now brings me to the point where I must settle-up for the amount owed for the food. Like most people I use my debit card. So I am presented with the debit card machine and asked if I am okay with the amount of the purchase. Press "ok". The next field asks if I want to leave a tip by percentage or a dollar amount. For me, this is where the confusion starts. Why am I being asked for a tip if I didn't receive any personalized table service. Is it appropriate to leave say a 15 to 20 percent tip, which is the norm for table service when I am only picking up the food. I really don't think so. Mmmmph... very perplexing.

A "Conditional Pass" Aroma of India received on May 20, 2021 during a DineSafe Inspection by the Middlesex-London Health Unit is highly concerning. Actually, alarming! I hope you guy have got your act together because bad news travels faster then good new and the main reason for the single star in...

Yesterday evening, I celebrated my birthday dinner at Aroma of India, a place I’ve been frequenting for nearly two years. Over the years, I’ve sampled almost everything on their menu, mostly through takeout, and I’ve always enjoyed their offerings. But last night, I had a culinary experience that was nothing short of extraordinary, prompting me to write this review.

Recently, I noticed some changes at the restaurant, from the menu updates to subtle shifts in the flavors. They’ve introduced momos, Indo-Chinese dishes, and some incredible North Indian delicacies (both veg and non-veg). Initially, I thought the taste had become more like a standard fine-dining Indian restaurant. However, upon inquiry, I discovered there’s been a management change. The new owner is also the chef—a seasoned culinary artist with over 20 years of experience in Brampton.

And let me tell you, this chef is a game-changer.

I am generally very critical (some might even call me a bit of a cynic), but this time, I was blown away. The highlight of my meal was their Matar Paneer paired with crispy Butter Garlic Naan and a chilled Coke. I’ve had Matar Paneer countless times, but the flavors here were simply unparalleled. It was so good that I didn’t even miss chicken—something I never thought I’d say.

The paneer was soft and perfectly cooked, the peas fresh and vibrant, and the gravy rich yet balanced with a subtle kick of spices. The garnishing of fresh green chilies and coriander elevated the dish, making it irresistible. The naan was crisp on the outside, buttery, and soft on the inside—just the way it should be. And pairing it all with an ice-cold Coke was the cherry on top.

Beyond the food, the customer service was impeccable, and the atmosphere warm and inviting. You can tell the chef’s dedication and passion for his craft in every aspect, from the presentation to the flavors.

I strongly recommend visiting Aroma of India and ordering Matar Paneer with Butter Garlic Naan and a Coke/Sprite. Once you do, come back here and let me know if my review holds true—I’m confident you’ll thank me.

Thank you, Chef, for making my birthday dinner a truly memorable experience. Keep up the fantastic...

Aroma of India offers a true taste of Indian culinary tradition, wrapped in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Located in the heart of downtown, this gem delivers an authentic dining experience with a modern twist. The restaurant’s cozy yet vibrant decor, with rich tapestries and soft lighting, instantly sets the mood for a memorable meal.

I began with the samosa chaat, a delightful blend of crispy samosas, tangy yogurt, and a burst of spices. The crispness of the samosa contrasted beautifully with the cool, creamy yogurt, while the tamarind and mint chutneys provided an explosion of flavor. It was a perfect introduction to what was to come.

For the main course, I opted for the lamb rogan josh—a rich, aromatic curry that was a true standout. The lamb was tender, and the sauce was perfectly balanced, with a depth of flavor that lingered long after each bite. Paired with freshly baked garlic naan, the combination was nothing short of extraordinary. The naan, soft and chewy with just the right amount of garlic, was ideal for scooping up the delicious curry.

My dining companion chose the paneer tikka masala, a vegetarian dish that did not disappoint. The paneer was grilled to perfection, with a slight char, while the rich tomato-based sauce, spiced with garam masala and cumin, was wonderfully creamy. It was a dish that proved equally satisfying for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

To finish, we shared a bowl of kulfi—a traditional Indian ice cream flavored with cardamom and pistachio. Its creamy texture and delicate sweetness provided the perfect end to our meal.

The service at Aroma of India was exceptional. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, providing excellent recommendations and ensuring our experience was flawless from start to finish.

Overall, Aroma of India is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Indian flavors in a comfortable, elegant setting. Whether you're a fan of classic curries or looking to explore contemporary takes on traditional dishes, this restaurant delivers in every way. I will certainly be returning soon to try more of their...