A Foodie's Paradise ‘Govardhan Thal at Pickering’, Ontario:
I'm still reeling from the incredible dining experience I had at Govardhan Thal in Pickering, celebrating the birthday of my dear friend “Ambalal Parmarji Bhai”! 🎂 This hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone who loves authentic North / Gujarati / Punjabi vegetarian cuisine. The moment we walked in, we were warmly greeted by the lovely owner - ‘Kiran Ben’, whose welcoming smile set the tone for a fantastic evening.
A Symphony of Flavors
The menu at Govardhan Thal is a masterclass in vegetarian cuisine, with a wide variety of dishes that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. We indulged in an array of delights, including:
Starters: Pani Puri, Dahi Bhallas, and Pakora Breads: Ghee Chapati, Bajra Roti, Palak Mixed Parontha, Puries, and the sweet Puran Puri Main Course: Undhiyu, Kachori, Chhole, Khaman Dhokla, and more Desserts: Aamras with Ghee, Gulab Jamun, and other sweet treats
Each dish was expertly prepared and presented, showcasing the rich flavors and traditions of North Gujarati and Punjabi cuisine.
Impeccable Service
The service at Govardhan Thal was top-notch, with our server, Pinki, being the star of the show. Her attentive and caring demeanor made us feel like we were dining in the comfort of our own homes. Pinki's infectious smile and persuasive nature had us wanting to try a little bit more of everything😊!
A Birthday to Remember
Ambalal Parmarji Bhai's birthday celebration was made even more special by the warm hospitality and delicious food at Govardhan Thal. It was a wonderful evening filled with laughter, good food, and great company.
A Blend of Cultures
What struck me was the diversity of the clientele – locals, Canadians, and Indians alike – all enjoying the delicious food with friends and family. It's clear that Govardhan Thal has become a beloved gathering spot for the community.
Rating: 5/5 Stars
In conclusion, my experience at Govardhan Thal was truly exceptional. The combination of delicious food, excellent service, and warm hospitality makes it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for authentic North Gujarati and Punjabi cuisine in the Pickering area.
I highly recommend Govardhan Thal and look forward to returning soon!
Special Mention:
Kiran Ben and Pinki, your dedication to providing an exceptional dining experience is truly appreciated. You're both assets to Govardhan Thal, and we can't wait to come back and enjoy more of your delicious food and warm hospitality!
Best Wishes:
Happy birthday again to Ambalal Parmarji Bhai! May your special day AUG 11 every year, be filled with good health, joy, love, and many more celebrations. 🎉 “August 11 - 2025, Dinner with Friends😋” — Ved Vrat...
Read moreThis is the first time ever that I am writing such a negative review but I have to do it to save others from experiencing what I experienced.. last month for an event on 23rd July I had placed a catering order with Govardhan Thal restaurant.. the food was picked up from their pickering location.. I wasn’t expecting any surprises as I had once placed an order with them in Feb same year and the food delivered from their Markham/Scarborough location was satisfactory.. but it gave me a great shock this time.. When the 40+ of our guests were ready to start their lunch, we open the food trays and this is what we saw: the food had gone bad and was smelling very bad making it evident that its gone bad.. It wasn’t about any single item problem.. There were multiple issues.. While 2 major items i.e. dry mixed vegetables sabji, masala pulao rice had already gone bad, the sambar was salty with no other taste or veggies in it , we has ordered 160 pakoras and had hardly received 30-40 pakoras, roties weren’t like the usual ones we get at their Markham location, papad and salad were extremely less in quantity for the number of people that we ordered.. it was a total disaster and we, being the host were completely embarrassed.. Food is a very important part of any event and we wanted to be sure its good and therefore had paid a great amount of money to this restaurant including the tip that we had paid in advanced at the time of picking food but it was all only created a bad memory for us and spoiled an important event of our life.. When I called restaurant in panic they offered to send another curry i.e Chole that was available in the restaurant and some more pakoras and she said we need to come and pick.. we agreed as we wanted something to feed to our guests and half way to restaurant we got a call that they will deliver it which arrived more than 30 mins later.. starving guests ate whatever was edible and we had called everyone next day to confirm if their health is ok as we in our family already had stomach upset.. After the event, when I called them, the only thing i heard was an apology and an offer to come and eat in their restaurant which I will never do as I care about my health and safety.. an apology from restaurant on a call is not helping me in anyway to come out of the guilt and embarrassment of not feeding my guests a healthy and safe food in-spite of spending and wasting a great amount of money on the event that we planned.. I am writing this so that it helps other people and save them from any stress of their important...
Read moreA Late Night Delight at Goverdhan Thal in Pickering
As a food enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for unique dining experiences, and last night, Goverdhan Thal in Pickering was my chosen spot. I arrived around 8:30 PM, just half an hour before their closing time at 9:00 PM. Despite the late hour, the staff courteously asked me to pay the bill upfront before indulging in their buffet. This arrangement was a bit unusual but understandable given the time constraints, and I appreciated their transparency.
I kicked off my meal with a classic favorite: pani puri. The crispy, tangy water-filled balls were a delightful start, bursting with flavor and setting the tone for the rest of the meal. Moving on to the main course, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety offered, even so close to closing time. The spread included a good amount of fresh vegetables, a selection of sweets, tangy pickles (achar), refreshing buttermilk (chaas), and a crisp salad—truly a complete meal for anyone.
As 9:00 PM approached, the staff began to wind down the operations, but they were incredibly accommodating. I was the last customer in the restaurant, yet they served me freshly made hot rotis with a warm smile, ensuring I felt welcome rather than rushed. This gesture was much appreciated, especially since it showed their dedication to customer service, even as they were about to close.
However, one area that could use some improvement is cleanliness. While the food and service were commendable, a bit more attention to the overall cleanliness would elevate the dining experience to the next level.
Overall, my visit to Goverdhan Thal in Pickering was a pleasant one, filled with delicious food and warm hospitality. It’s a place I would recommend, especially for those who enjoy traditional Indian cuisine served with a personal touch. Just make sure to arrive a bit earlier to fully enjoy...
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