Charcoal Biryani — Restaurant in Toronto

I typically leave reviews only when a place stands out—either for being exceptionally outstanding or utterly disappointing. Unfortunately, Charcoal Biryani falls into the latter category. My 1-star rating stems from the following serious issues:

False Advertising: I ordered the Charcoal Grilled Kebabs with Salad, which is advertised on the menu (as shown in the picture I’ve shared) as a fresh green leafy salad. However, what I received was a stale, bitter coleslaw that tasted as if it had been left out of the fridge for far too long.

Food Taste and Texture: Beyond the subpar salad, the flavor and texture of the kebab were highly disappointing. The hardness of the kebab gave the impression of being multiple days old, likely frozen and thawed repeatedly. This is not the quality one expects from a place in Downtown.

Unwelcoming Service: The host, who I assume is also the chef and owner of the eatery, lacked warmth and hospitality. Their demeanor made the experience far less enjoyable, leaving a poor impression.

Health and Hygiene Concerns (The Cherry on Top): To make matters worse, the chef/host had a knife mishap, injuring their finger. What was most concerning, however, was that there was no effort to clean or replace the knife, nor to address the chicken that had come into contact during this incident. Such negligence raises serious health and safety concerns.

These oversights not only compromised the dining experience but also posed potential health risks. I cannot, in good conscience, recommend this place.

P.S.: I only leave reviews when the experience is either exceptionally great or extremely poor. So, before anyone assumes that I leave only negative reviews, please feel free to check my balanced 50/50...

Editing the review as it was called “misguiding” by the owner. The facts are stated more clearly below.

1. The pager system did not work.

2. When I went to check on my food after 20 minutes I was not given an apology for the technical malfunction but accused of ignoring multiple attempts to contact. I was sitting at a table 10 meters from the restaurant watching them struggle with a very long line so I was definitely within range and thought they were just overwhelmed, leading to the delays. The pager was also not actively going off so clearly couldn’t have been my fault.

3. I was told a refund was not possible and not provided a reason. I preferred a refund because I had just been accused of ignoring the pager, they were busy, I didn’t have more time to wait for them to remake my food, and my dining partner had already finished their meal by that time.

4. The menu board was not on when I visited so the ordering process was unnecessarily complex.

5. I thought the price was high but realize now that I added a tip. I guess this is a reason tipping in advance when the option comes up is a huge mistake. I will try and adjust my tipping behaviour going forward.

6. In a food court when customers get there before the rush and are ordering pre-prepared food I truly think the pager system is unnecessary. Been working in the financial district for 20 years and this is the first pager I’ve ever been handed. I’m all for innovation when it works. This...

Charcoal Biryani, nestled within the Commerce Court Food Court, is an absolute must-visit! Acting on a friend's recommendation, I recently savored their spicy paneer masala dosa, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. The flavors were exceptional, striking a perfect balance of spice, and the creamy paneer was simply delightful.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of chatting with the manager, who proudly shared the inspiring story of her dedicated team. Despite their early morning journeys, their commitment to providing outstanding service was evident. Their warm hospitality truly enhanced the overall experience.

Now, let's address something important - Charcoal Biryani's dosas are not mere crepes. They deserve to be celebrated as the culinary marvels they are! The unique texture, crispy edges, and fluffy center combine to create an unforgettable dining delight.

If you're seeking an exceptional dosa experience, I highly recommend visiting Charcoal Biryani. Let's honor the dosa and grant it the recognition it truly deserves.

A devoted...