WOW SIP VANIER — Restaurant in Ottawa

This is a bit long (2 visits): First time (2 people, lunch) ordered Cilantro Lemon Chicken soup and Hot&Sour soup. Both seemed to have the same base, but added different 'pastes' to get different flavour. Both had some taste, but not proper. Main was Masala dosa and Mutton Kothu Porotta. Dosa (and masala) did not have any flavour, Sambar did not taste like sambar (if it was not labelled sambar, it had taste), Coconut chutney did not feel like coconut chutney (it had lentils ground with coconut, and was bit sour. Tomato (hot ?) chutney was too sour and not hot. Kothu porotta had some taste. All-in-all the visit gave me stomach issues. I had some Kothu porotta left over, and tried it the next day to check if it was the food from the restaurant that gave me the issues, and sure enough, same symptoms. Had chai, and it came in a clay glass, filled to the rim. The glass and chai were hot, and therefore, hard to hold. Had to ask for normal cup, and we put the clay glass in the cup and had the chai. Chai was good.

Second time we were 6 people (dinner). Ordered Coconut Kulukki Sarbath (virgin). There was no coconut flavour (had coconut pieces). Appetizers were Veg pakora and Amritsari Fish pakora. Fish pakora had too much batter, and the texture did not feel like fish and the masala was overwhelming. Veg pakora taste was ok, but bit overdone. Mains were Tandoori chicken, Poori and Potato masala, Mysore Masala dosa, Chettinad Ghee eggplant, Garlic Butter naan, Hakka Noodle (chicken), Veg Hyderabadi dum biriyani.

Tandoori chicken felt like it was cooked the day before and heated. Could not tell if it had any tandoori flavour. Masala Dosa was just a soggy crepe with a bit of hot chutney spread (it did not cover the whole dosa), and flavourless potato masala. I would say the sambar was much better than my first experience. Other chutneys.. same as first visit. Biriyani had some taste, but the flavour of cloves was very overwhelming. It was far from a Hyderabadi biriyani, and certainly not 'dum'. Hakka noodles had smokey flavour and had tandoori chicken pieces. Could not label it as 'hakka'. Poori was good, but the masala seemed to be a bit watered 'masala dosa' masala. Naan had good flavour, but very tough. My daughter got a piece of hair (long white) in the naan. Mentioned to the server, and he said he will mention to the chef. No apologies, but he came back and said everyone in the kitchen is waring hair nets, and nobody had white hair. He failed to note that the dough for the naan is pre-made. Whoever made the dough may have had white hair!

It was my birthday celebration, and the dessert was a piece of cheese cake with fruit topping. They poured mango pulp (canned) on the cake. A decent cook would know that canned mango pulp is not good for consuming as is. It is great for making mango lassi.

One of us asked for hot water, and the waiter said that it was coming twice. Each time, he said the chef was busy. In which restaurant does a chef make hot water to be served to patron. They should have had a electric kettle. In the end, the hot water never came. We were not asked how the food was.

This review is done by a previous owner of a restaurant in Ottawa, who was...

I had the pleasure of tasting food at Wow India restaurant, a newly opened Indian restaurant in Vanier Ottawa, Canada, and I must say it was a delightful experience that transported me to the vibrant streets of India. From the first bite to the last, every dish was a journey of taste and a testament to the rich culinary heritage of India that left me craving for more. Ambience: The restaurant's ambiance is a fusion of modern and traditional Indian decor. The warm, earthy tones, intricately designed artwork, and soft Indian instrumental music in the background created a comfortable and culturally rich setting. The spacious seating and cozy corners are perfect for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. Service: The service at Wow India restaurant was impeccable. The staff was not only welcoming but also well-informed about the menu offerings. They took the time to explain the dishes, their spice levels, and even suggested some excellent choices based on our preferences. The prompt service added to the overall positive experience. Food Quality: Now, onto the most important aspect—the food! We started with the classic Chicken Tikka, which was tender, well-marinated, and grilled to perfection. The flavours were authentic, and the accompanying mint chutney added a refreshing contrast. For our mains, we ordered the Butter Chicken and Vegetable Biryani. The Butter Chicken was creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. The Vegetable Biryani was fragrant and filled with perfectly cooked vegetables. The naan bread was soft and served piping hot. With every bite, I felt the explosion of flavors and the passion that went into crafting these dishes. Portion Size: The portion sizes at Wow India restaurant are generous. The value for the price paid was reasonable, considering the quality and quantity of food. Price: While Wow India restaurant offers a great dining experience, it falls on the slightly higher end of the price spectrum. It's not your everyday dining spot, but it's certainly worth it for special occasions or when you're craving authentic Indian flavors. Wow India restaurant is a fantastic addition to the Canadian dining scene. With its inviting ambiance, top-notch service, and flavour some dishes, it's a must-visit for anyone looking to savor the authentic tastes of India. Whether you're a fan of Indian cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore new flavors, this restaurant is sure to leave a lasting impression. I look forward to returning soon to sample more from their diverse menu, as every dish promises a tantalizing journey for...

Situated in a once iconic pub and grill, The Vanier bar and grill, now sits,

Wow India! Chef Ravi's creation.

The first course was the Aloo Tikka Chat. It was a phenomenal, wonderful twist on a south and Indian street snack. Absolutely spot-on perfect amount of seasoning, an amazing potatoe patty, sauce, nuts and chickpea, dates, chutney. Flavorful from the first spoon right through to the last.

They have an actuaTandor oven ( A Clay oven - AStaple BBQ if you will of Eastern Influence)and make some of the most delicious nan bread you will ever taste in the city. Done the right way, nan bread should have a crisp outer edge as well as light airy fluffy domes of burnt bread coupled alongside a somewhat thin layer of dough, that just pulls apart in a cheesy fluffy way. Simply one of the best naan breads in the city and not thick and doughy like most of the other places.

We then had an amazing Chinese infused Indian noodle dish called Kakka Noodle. I'm not going to spoil the surprise but any foodie in Ottawa should definitely check this dish out! Guaranteed you have never tried anything like this.

We then had the full chicken biryani, served in a copper stainless steel bowl topped with a hard boiled egg. The dish had everything and then some that you would be looking for in a classic biryani. Except this one had a twist with so much style and flare that the spoons were diving back into the rice dish on their own.

To finish, we had the mango cheesecake and Gulab Jamun Ki Naan, Which in itself is another dish you probably have never tried before. Alongside the many, on this absolutely inspiring "NewFuse" menu, The homemade ice cream, the whipped cream, the deep fried Naan soaked in rose water served with gulab jamun. An absolute orgasm for the taste buds!! Not to mention that the mango cheesecake was probably one of the best cheesecakes I've ever had in my life!

Did we mention that half of the menu holds dishes that we had never seen or heard of before, and do consider ourselves quite the East Indian, Sri Lankan and pakistanian admirer of food and culture.

We have eaten everywhere in Ottawa, from East Indian company right through to Coconut Lagoon, and for the price point, amount to food, proteins, overall service and flavor we now have a new favorite, Vanier bar and grill; Wow India!

Dine...