Ghareeb Nawaz Restaurant — Restaurant in Toronto

Ghareeb Nawaaz, once a childhood favourite, does not disappoint and remains consistent in their quality. I used to frequent here when I lived in this neighbourhood. Now, after moving several divisions away, I only happen here by chance.

The first time I visited, after seven years, was because I was in the area and wanted to grab a bite to eat. I bought a couple paratha rolls for my family and two biryanis, thinking six people would be able to enjoy this alongside whatever was made at home. I was sorely mistaken, as my family was quick to question the whereabouts of the "rest of it." Fortunately, I was able to stop by earlier today and order to my heart's content. The owner looked at me and, even with my myself and my mother masks adorned, instantly recognized us. The customer service is almost familial, with the owner and his son ensuring a welcoming atmosphere in their hustling-bustling Danforth restaurant.

Not everything is for everyone, and I often find myself wondering if I should rate a restaurant by it's best or worst dish. In this particular case, there is no "worst item." The parathas, while not as oily as their common desi-restaurant counterparts, deliver their fillings in the wondrously soft and pillow-y fashion. The rolling technique could stand to improve, but it is easy to ignore the haphazard rolling style. My favourite is the chicken boti paratha roll; with its harmonious balance between richness and flavour, it is easily the best dish at the restaurant (the price is student-friendly too). The boneless chicken biryani is not for the faint of heart, it packs a tangy, spicy punch, carried by perfectly cooked rice. The veal biryani had meat that was quite literally melting in my mouth. The tender, succulent meat, accompanied by a masala (seasoning) that delicately balances salt with acid and fat, makes this biryani the one my family finished to the last grain of rice.

Their second-to-none paratha rolls and their dependable quality, makes Ghareeb Nawaz a must-try. They have outlasted many-a-restaurant in that strip-mall (even a Subway), and continue to do so because they do not compromise on excellence. If I had a million stars to...

This is my 2nd time getting take out from here, and I think it might just be my last. The first time, we ordered the chicken biryani and Seekh Kebab Wrap. The Biryani was not great, it tasted kind of bland, and was pretty oily while the Seekh Kebab Wrap was just ok. The meat in the kebab is good though, I would buy that on its own.

This time around, we got the Seekh Kebab Wrap and the Chicken Boti. The Seekh Kebab Wrap, while tasty, it lacked any other kind of ingredients. It was simply the meat of the kebab, a tiny bit of lettuce and whole lot of roti, too much infact. I ended up having to peel away so much of the roti just to get a decent bite.

The Chicken Boti hardly had any meat inside of it and was mainly filled with lettuce. Lastly, the chutney they gave with the roles was the absolute worst. I honestly don't think you can even call that chutney because just based on the consistency, and the taste it's exactly like the flavoured paani water you get with gol guppas.

I was definitely disappointed in the quality and quantity of food I was given especially for what I paid for. Highly doubtful I...

Since I was in highschool, over 10 years ago, my mom has been going to Ghareeb Nawaz. As a busy, single mom who's a full time RN, she has little time to cook as much as she would like. She's also notoriously choosy when it comes to take out, especially south Asian cuisine. If it's too oily or greasy or simply the incorrect amount of spice, she will not return to that establishment. It's gotta be like what she enjoyed back home. Even when the location moved from Markham Rd to Danforth, it was worth the extra drive for it. It's her go to.

Now my mom's an excellent Biryani maker herself, so the standard is set pretty high, but when she simply doesn't have it in her to cook, she will gladly order 3 chicken Biryani's to go to have in the fridge. The prices, portions, flavour and execution have my mom's approval. No easy feet, considering I've been trying to get my mom's approval...