May 17, 2012
Nov 19, 2010
07:52 AM
restoronto

First Look: Truly authentic Indian food arrives on Avenue

By PostCity.com Staff
Chefs Suraj Bagdi and Brijesh Shelwan

Chefs Suraj Bagdi and Brijesh Shelwan

If the tandoori at your local "authentic" Indian lunch spot doesn't taste smokey then you've been tricked.

In India, all tandoori is made in an authentic coal tandoor, creating that signature smokey flavour.

But, in Toronto, the majority of Indian restaurants use a gas tandoor, which doesn't give the meat that burned-on-coals taste.

At the Copper Chimney, which recently opened on Avenue Road, the food is definitely authentic because owner Sanjay Gusain has not only brought in a real coal tandoor but he's also hired Chef Brijesh Shelwan, formerly of Cuisine of India, to look after the tandoori.

Gusain has also snagged Suraj Bagdi, formerly of Host restaurant, as the curry chef.

For lunch, check out the pre-set Thali, which includes chicken tikka, one veggie dish, one chicken dish, basmati rice, samosa, plain naan and raita ($9.95).

For dinner, go hungry and indulge in the mixed grill platter: an assortment of tikkas, kebabs and jumbo prawns ($19.95).

The garlic vegetable balls, made up of grated veggies, peas, and carrots, are also a must try ($5.95).

The Copper Chimney, 2050 Avenue Rd., Toronto, (647) 436-2538

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