AAFRIEN INDIAN RESTAURANT — Restaurant in Toronto

Wholesome wedding lunch experience!

My now-husband and I were sceptical about which restaurant to have our wedding lunch party at. Despite planning a simple affair, we wanted everyone to have an authentic Indian culinary experience at lunch after our wedding ceremony. We chose Aafrein for a few reasons, the most important of which was the thoughtful nature of the staff in accommodating our food requests. On our special day, we obviously wanted no unplanned-for surprises and Aafrein’s staff ensured this was the case. In fact, our wedding lunch turned out better than we had imagined it to be!

To begin with, they were prepared for our party of 20-ish people. When the entire group was a little late to assemble at the restaurant, they altered their service to make up for lost time while making sure every guest had enough time to relish each dish - appetizers, mains and dessert. Their kind service and professionalism was on full display and certainly took a lot of pressure off of our shoulders.

Now to describe the food itself. Firstly the appetizers was a carefully thought of spread as we had a mix of vegetarians and non-vegetarians: Papdi Chaat, Gobhi 65, Fish chiili, Chicken Tikka. Each dish received accolades from at least one person on the table, especially the gobhi 65, which is a favourite among Indo-Chinese fare. The fish chilli was soft, firm and flavourful Basa while the papdi chaat made our wedding party nostalgic about Indian street food.

To our delight, the chef dropped a few surprises in the form of spring rolls and stuffed paratha ; the stuffed parathas were soft and warm and generously filled and became a group favourite quickly!

Mains consisted of Vegetable Handi, Paneer Butter Masala, Dal Makhni, Lamb Roganjosh and Chicken Madras, together with assorted breads, jeera fried rice and plain rice. When we thought that it couldn’t get better than the lamb roganjosh, the Chicken Madras hit just the right spot - it reminded us of home! Vegetarians on the table loved the handi and classic paneer butter masala too!

And what is an Indian wedding lunch without kuch meetha (something sweet in Hindi) ! We concluded with some rasmalai and gulab jamun which were fresh and moist.

We couldn’t thank the staff of Aafrein enough for a splendid spread and their careful attention to detail with the menu and arrangements. Special thanks to Mr. Sukhi and Mr. Naman for assuring us of the best and delivering the best! We recommend Aafrein for your special events as well as for a casual meal with friends and family - Thank you...

My extended family and I visited this restaurant a few days ago to celebrate my mom's birthday, and it was a fantastic experience. Since there were seven of us, we ordered quite a few dishes, and still had plenty of leftovers to take home! Interestingly, my sister and her husband had dined here before, and they mentioned that the portions were bigger this time around. I have to agree, as all the dishes came in large bowls with generous helpings.

We opted for the meal for four, which included bhindi masala and karahi paneer as the vegetarian curries, and kashmiri lamb rogan josh and butter chicken (mild) as the non-vegetarian options. The meal came with 2 servings of rice and 4 naan breads.

Additionally, we ordered chicken and lamb biryanis, an extra butter chicken curry (spicy), and later, a few extra butter naans. My younger cousins also ordered a chicken Hakka noodles dish.

Everything tasted heavenly. The butter chicken was my mom and dad’s favorite, while my cousins loved the Hakka chicken noodles, lamb curry, and biryani. My sister and I agreed that the lamb curry was the standout dish, though I also really enjoyed the lamb biryani and paneer curry. My aunt especially loved the bhindi masala. I found the Hakka noodles a bit bland in comparison to the other dishes, but to be fair, I tried them last, and my cousins thoroughly enjoyed them. The biryani came with a side of raita, which paired perfectly, and we also had a small onion salad that was surprisingly delicious.

For dessert, as part of the meal for four, we were served 4 pieces of rasmalai and 4 pieces of gulab jamun. I’m not sure if one of these was complimentary since it was my mom’s birthday, but the server presented the rasmalai to her with a flourish, saying "Happy Birthday," which made the moment even more special. At the beginning of the meal, we had a choice between pakoras or samosas, and we opted for the samosas. They were thoughtfully cut into smaller pieces so everyone could have a bite, which I found to be a nice touch.

Our server, Naman (if I recall correctly), was excellent—attentive, courteous, and accommodating. He brought us fresh green chilies and a spicier green chutney to complement the curries, which I appreciated since I enjoy spicier food.

Overall, we had an amazing time. The food was delicious, and we will definitely be returning for...

I must say, dining at AAFRIEN has been nothing short of an enchanting experience! This Indian restaurant, tucked away in our neighborhood, has quickly become my go-to spot for an authentic and delightful culinary adventure. After two visits, I am absolutely delighted to share my wonderful experiences.

First and foremost, the restaurant's manager and staff deserve a standing ovation for their warm and attentive service. From the moment I stepped in, I was greeted with genuine smiles and a level of hospitality that instantly made me feel like a cherished guest. It's rare to find such exceptional service, and it truly sets them apart.

Now, let's talk about the food! Oh, the food! The moment the aroma of freshly baked naan bread reached my nostrils, I knew I was in for a treat. The naan is an absolute delight - soft, fluffy, and generously buttered, making it the perfect accompaniment to the flavorful dishes.

But wait, it doesn't end there! The Butter Chicken is an indulgence you simply cannot miss. Creamy, velvety, and tantalizingly aromatic, this dish is a feast for the senses. The tender morsels of chicken are immersed in a luscious sauce, skillfully balanced with the perfect blend of spices. It's comfort food at its finest, and one you'll find yourself dreaming about.

Beyond the delectable dishes, I must applaud the kitchen's attention to detail and authenticity in their cooking. The dishes are prepared with love and care, honoring traditional Indian recipes while incorporating their own unique touch.

What makes AAFRIEN even more special is its convenient location within walking distance from our home. It has quickly become a familiar haven for me, and I feel incredibly lucky to have such a culinary gem so close by.

In conclusion, if you're searching for an exceptional Indian dining experience that ticks all the boxes - from attentive service, mouthwatering dishes like the naan bread, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Butter Chicken, to a convenient location - look no further. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking an authentic and delightful journey into the world of Indian cuisine. You won't be...