Update: 2021-Sep-12 - There is currently no buffet/AYCE at this location post-lockdown even though it is now permitted, and it is unknown if and when it will ever return. I am therefore removing it from the active list, and will follow up periodically and restore it should it return to AYCE status.Chauhan's Fine Indian Cuisine & Banquet is located at 2800 14th Ave. in Markham, a km or so north of Steeles, so may be transit-accessible if one has a bike or doesn't mind a walk. Chauhan's has a large open bright happy interior with nice decoration including mauve tablecloths, a high ceiling, chandeliers, and valances on the windows as it doubles as a banquet hall. There was a group there for a birthday party; other than them there were no other customers other than us, so I wonder how busy it usually is. Pop is $2.29, canned not AYCD, which is a bit excessive.
Onion soup was delicious, excellent, not excessively salted, and something rarely found at AYCEs. Mishy loved the baked eggplant with anise. Naan bread was piping hot as it should be, fresh and delicious. Mushroom soup was good and interestingly spiced. Samosas were absolutely delicious and among the best spiced I've ever had. Aloo gobi was good, although it was getting a little old. Chana masala was very good and not too hot. Mishy liked the chicken biryani a lot, but the actual chicken she said was a bit stale and dried out. I agree that it was also very well seasoned but unfortunately aging.
Butter chicken was fantastic, well cooked and the sauce was absolutely delicious. Chaat papdi were a bit dried out but still good. Beef vindaloo was very good and not overly hot which is a welcome change as I don't like overly hot food anymore… it also dulls my sense of taste for a while after which is an impediment! Carrot matar was very good and well-seasoned. Saag paneer was good, as was kadhi pakora. Egg kolhapuri was good but slightly stale, not enough though to matter.
For dessert, strawberry, pistachio almond (a wonderful and unique flavor that I have never had before,) chocolate, butterscotch, vanilla and mango ice creams all were good and not freezer burned. Rice pudding was very good. Weekend lunch was $14.99 (though was indicated $15.99 on the online menu) which is not excessive considering the area. I can mostly forgive that some items were slightly stale, given that this is an out-of-the way location that probably survives on thin margins and avoiding wasting food is desirable, and I appreciate the originality and care in the seasoning of many of the items. All-in-all we had a very enjoyable lunch.
Rating: 8.5-9/10
Onion soup was delicious, excellent, not excessively salted, and something rarely found at AYCEs. Mishy loved the baked eggplant with anise. Naan bread was piping hot as it should be, fresh and delicious. Mushroom soup was good and interestingly spiced. Samosas were absolutely delicious and among the best spiced I've ever had. Aloo gobi was good, although it was getting a little old. Chana masala was very good and not too hot. Mishy liked the chicken biryani a lot, but the actual chicken she said was a bit stale and dried out. I agree that it was also very well seasoned but unfortunately aging.
Butter chicken was fantastic, well cooked and the sauce was absolutely delicious. Chaat papdi were a bit dried out but still good. Beef vindaloo was very good and not overly hot which is a welcome change as I don't like overly hot food anymore… it also dulls my sense of taste for a while after which is an impediment! Carrot matar was very good and well-seasoned. Saag paneer was good, as was kadhi pakora. Egg kolhapuri was good but slightly stale, not enough though to matter.
For dessert, strawberry, pistachio almond (a wonderful and unique flavor that I have never had before,) chocolate, butterscotch, vanilla and mango ice creams all were good and not freezer burned. Rice pudding was very good. Weekend lunch was $14.99 (though was indicated $15.99 on the online menu) which is not excessive considering the area. I can mostly forgive that some items were slightly stale, given that this is an out-of-the way location that probably survives on thin margins and avoiding wasting food is desirable, and I appreciate the originality and care in the seasoning of many of the items. All-in-all we had a very enjoyable lunch.Rating: 8.5-9/10
