Eatdrink #44 November/December 2013

22 www.eatdrink.ca
№ 44 | November/December 2013
The Raja is equally well-suited for intimate dinners or large groups,
with private rooms and business meeting amenities available
and one of the unique house specialties,
Bengal Duck. Vegetarians have an extensive
selection to choose from and there are
also pre-selected meals and appetizers to
inspire or share. Portion size is more than
reasonable. For those who are concerned,
the level of spiciness and heat is very clearly
identified on the menu — although a great
many dishes (such as Korma) are mild and
creamy — but the staff is extremely helpful
and affable in this regard so there is no
reason to be shy about asking.
There are two Tandoors (clay
ovens) in operation at Raja and all
breads are baked fresh in house.
As well as the more familiar naan
flatbreads there are also whole
wheat roti and a Peshwari naan
which boasts an almond and apricot
filling. Local ingredients are used
whenever possible and the meat
sources are exclusively halal.
Desserts can sometimes be uninspired
or a bit predictable at Indian
restaurants but the Raja counters
this nicely by offering a variety of
simple but elegant sorbets — an
ideal way to conclude a meal of
many courses.
Although Raja strives to make
dining a regal experience they are
also eminently pragmatic. During
the weekday lunch hour, when
time may be at a premium, there’s a
guarantee that lunch will be served
within 20 minutes of being ordered.
A similar nod to real life is reflected
in their menu for children. It offers a
friendly introduction to Indian food
in the form of mild dishes such as
Chicken Tikka or chicken fingers.
The Raja buffet — available on Sundays
— also gives a very affordable
sampling of some of the more popular
dishes and is useful to those who
might be unsure about what they
might enjoy.
Chowdhury’s simple trinity of
excellent customer service, outstanding
food and superior staff
is definitely working, because this
Raja certainly rules!
The Raja Fine Indian Cuisine
428 Clarence Street, London
519-601-7252
www.rajafinedining.ca
tues–sat: 11:30 am–2:30pm & 5 pm–10 pm
sunday buffet: noon–3 pm & 5 pm–9 pm
closed mondays
SUE SUtherLAND WOOD is a freelance writer who
also works in the London Public Library system. She lives in
London with her teenage sons and a floating population of dogs
and cats.