CLOSED - Buffet Palace (Indian)

Update 2021-Sept.-10: Being unable to reach Buffet Palace by phone for a few days I went there and found it was closed with a notice on the front door it had been seized by the landlord.

Fortunately a man onsite identified himself as the (former) owner and that it would re-open possibly this month as "Euro & Thai", would still be a buffet and that he had been re-hired as the chef... let's hope all three of these are correct!

Buffet Palace (actually Joe's Buffet Palace but more commonly known without the "Joe's") is located at 361 Yonge Street north of Dundas, so is transit-accessible as is very close to Dundas subway station. Buffet Palace has a large selection. It also has a very large interior which unfortunately needed far more customers when we went there. Mishy really liked the interior especially the tables at the front with large windows that have an outdoor patio. Pop is $1.75 per can, not AYCD. I decided to try a mango shake; unfortunately it was overly sweet (granular undissolved sugar present) and small in a normal-sized drink tumbler, about two-thirds the size that I was expecting. I don't usually have anything except pop (and this illustrates why... pop is more consistent, and less sugary) so I really can't count this as it isn't a food item.

Butter chicken was excellent, just about the best as it was not too sweet. Tandoori chicken was very good and moist; Mishy said it was not smokey but I disagreed. Mishy loved the saag paneer and said it was very nicely spiced; I found it very good, rich in cardamom. Chicken masala (which was actually chicken curry to me) was quite good and had a nice seasoning.

Vegetable biryani was very tasty, though almost Chinese/Hakka style. Chana masala was not bad, but missing something and was a bit vinegary. Veggie zucchini was delicious and hid well the zucchini flavor that I don't like with spicing; however watch out as it is rather hot. Paneer makhani was very good. Dal makhani was also good, and not too hot.

Eggplant was excellent, really brought out the hidden flavor which is why I usually don't like as it stays hidden. Yellow dal was alright and aloo gobi okay but not the freshest. Vegetable bajji, very similar to pakora, were fresh and moist and would have been good if not so salty. Spring rolls were dry as Mishy also noted. Palau rice was good, with caraway it seemed. Chickpeas were very good with mint hints.

For dessert, Mishy loved the caramel custard and had seconds; I liked it too. Rice pudding was good. Mango ice cream was the only flavor (Chapman's) and was good. Cherry Jello was delicious and a good choice to go with the flavours of the rest of the meal. Mango custard was good and a unique offering. Lunch was only $12.99, which given the area is an excellent price. Most of the items were quite good with only a couple of minor shortcomings, and we had an excellent lunch which Mishy especially liked.

Rating: 8 - 8.5 / 10