Amaya-zing
northern indianToronto
(Jul.10.07)
We may never have set foot on Indian soil, but you wouldn’t guess it based on our Indiva wardrobe and the shivasina imprints we’ve left at the best yoga studios across the city. 
Add our recent outing to the just opened Amaya, and we’re literally eating up Indian culture.
It may be small in size (seats 40), but buzz is already growing for its contemporary décor and exquisite mix of Northern Indian fare (translation: not as spicy, but if you want it, just ask). And with its small-plate theme, you can order a bit of everything (as we did) to share and enjoy.
We started with the cassava fries masala ($6) – slender-cut wedges with a mango dipping sauce that were so good, we debated round two. Next came a red and green pairing of organic chicken tikka ($14); both moist, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Add the dal panchratna ($8) for its blend of five lentils, ginger and garlic, plus buttery soft naan bread ($3), and it’s a miracle we had room for the lamb vindaloo ($17). Good thing we did, because its chunky medley of lamb, tomato and hot chilli was a table-hit.
There’s so much more we could go on about (the tandoori marinated tenderloin, $24, or espresso-cardamom crème brulee, $7), but the best way to experience India sans-airplane is by visiting this little gem yourself.
Amaya – The Indian Room
1701 Bayview Ave. (Near Eglinton Ave.)
416-322-3270