Address: 252 Dundas St, London, ON N6A 1H3, Canada

Phone: +1 226 663 2357

Price Range: $$$$

Website: https://charminarindiancuisine.com/london

Charminar Indian Cuisine | London

Charminar Indian Cuisine in London, Ontario, offers a flavorsome dive into the world of Indian gastronomy. This bustling restaurant, situated conveniently on Dundas Street, has garnered a reputation for serving up some of the most authentic and mouthwatering Hyderabadi biryani you'll find outside of India. 🥘

The menu is extensive and diverse, incorporating both traditional South and North Indian dishes alongside a sprinkle of Indo-Chinese fusion items. Notably, the biryanis have a special place in their culinary lineup. From the highly praised Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani, packed with aromatic basmati rice and flavorful spices, to the spicy Vijayawada Special Boneless Chicken Biryani, there's a biryani for every palate type. Though do note, the Family Packs tend to be generous portion-wise, but the sides like yogurt and salan could be more adequately sized. Pro tip: if you’re ordering for a group, you might want to request extra condiments! 🥄

Beyond the biryanis, the appetizers are equally noteworthy. The Punjabi Veg Samosa is a hit, often leading diners to place another order to go. The samosas are perfectly crispy on the outside and filled with a savory blend of potatoes and peas, spiced just right. On the non-veg front, the Chicken 65 and Chicken Majestic are standout starters. The latter features chicken pieces coated in a smooth, silky yellow batter that's deep-fried to a golden perfection, then tossed in an aromatic spice blend. Absolutely addictive! 🍗

For curry lovers, Charminar doesn't disappoint. The Butter Chicken, albeit noted to be slightly on the sweeter side, is rich and creamy with tender chunks of chicken. However, some felt the garlic naan accompanying it could use a bit more garlic and butter. Another curry worth mentioning is the Charminar Special Chicken Curry (Laal Chicken), distinctively packed with flavor and a slight tang from the chef's special sauce. Food enthusiasts who enjoy a bit of heat should not miss the spicy Gongura Chicken and Amaravati Chicken Curry, both highly regarded for their robust, spicy profiles. 🌶️

Vegetarians also have plenty to celebrate here. The Gobi Manchurian, a well-executed fusion dish, has crispy cauliflower florets tossed in a spiced Manchurian sauce that's both tangy and savory. Similarly, the Paneer Tikka Biryani, enriched with marinated, grilled paneer cubes and aromatic spices, receives enthusiastic thumbs up from many. Another gem is the Pachi Mirchi Paneer Biryani, which combines paneer strips with green chilies for an extra kick. 🥦

While Charminar Indian Cuisine offers a fantastic dining experience, there have been occasional hiccups. Some diners have reported a mismatch in the consistency of dish quality and freshness, particularly with takeaway orders. The aforementioned stale dishes seemed to be an isolated but concerning incident highlighting the need for consistent quality control.

Visiting Charminar is a treat for the senses. Despite the high foot traffic leading to occasional slower service times, the staff consistently aims to cater to your needs. The interior ambiance is relaxed and welcoming, making it a great spot for both casual dining and special gatherings.

Opening hours are convenient, with late-night dining available until 11:59 PM on weekends and 10:30 PM during weekdays. They also have an added imposition of gratuity for groups of five or more, something to bear in mind when making plans. Reservations are generally recommended during peak times to ensure you get a table without a lengthy wait.