I went to Narayanni's with some friends and made a video of my time there. The food is delicious, the staff are friendly and polite and it's a buffet, so if your hungry you can eat to your hearts content! I recommend this restaurant!
I love that they are not afraid to use SPICE.. too often I find that Indian buffets are so mild to cater to a larger "Canadian demographic". Honestly though, if you don't like spice, don't eat Indian food IMO!!.. you whiners are ruining it for the rest of us!! OK sorry for that rant haha.. BUT yes, this place is bomb! It never disappoints and the quality and flavours are always top notch! I also love that there are different price points depending on the day of the week.. it caters to everyone!
One my absolute favourite restaurants. The menu changes always, so you're always able to experiment with a new variety of choices and find your next favourite dish. It's buffet style South African Indian food, and the vegan nights are amazing.
Narayanni's has been around for 9 years but I've only encountered it recently. Last month, I was invited down to their restaurant off Whyte Ave to try out their Indian food, which has South African influences. They have recently begun offering a four course lunch buffet in addition to their current dinner buffets. Their lunch buffet is only $12 while dinner buffets are $25. Definitely a great price considering the authentic quality and tastiness of the food. The interior of the restaurant is vibrant and spacious. It's family owned and very family oriented. "Mamma" Selva cooks the food while dad Daya is in charge of desserts. Daughter Youmashni Naidoo acts as host. The name of the restaurant, Narayanni, means Indian Goddess of abundance and is also the name of Naidoo's first granddaughter.
At the end of the meal I was satisfied without feeling as weighed down as I would from traditional creamy, buttery-based sauces found in most Indian buffets. And most importantly, the lighter fare didn't sacrifice flavour. The lunch and dinner buffet Tuesday through Friday is affordable, and $25/person for a weekend dinner buffet is decent value, but I would have liked to see an additional protein option at that price point. Narayanni's is fittingly named and representative of the abundance of good food served by Chef Selva. If you haven't been, you'll just have to see (and taste!) for yourself.
Narayanni’s, a Whyte Avenue staple since 2010, serves up some of the finest curry I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting. While the food is primarily Indian cuisine (as a result of immigration in the late 19th/early 20th centuries), it comes with a delightful South African twist: fewer dairy-based items, roti instead of naan bread, and a subtle European spin on items like the braised kale and cabbage. It’s the kind of cuisine that will leave you feeling content and full–warm and fuzzy–without weighing down your stomach with starches.
I was pleasantly grateful to have the chance to try this exotic little Indian/South African fusion restaurant located just off of Whyte Ave. This family-owned restaurant enticed me to visit and savor their new lunch buffet that has been in effect for just the last couple months. They've been open for dinner successfully for the last 6 years, but have only recently begun offering a lunch option to the public for a very reasonable price of $12 per person.
Last week, I had the chance to try Narayanni’s for the first time. I was invited to try their new lunch buffet, which just launched this spring. It’s been open for dinner for several years now, but just recently opened its doors for a lunch buffet from Tuesday-Friday from 11:30 AM to 1:30PM for 12$, which is an outstanding price. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend lunch, but they graciously let me try out their dinner buffet. They offer a Vegan buffer every Tuesday night, but I opted to try their Wednesday night buffet.
Located a block south of Whyte Avenue (in behind the Roots on Whyte building on 102 Street), Narayanni's has a ton of free street parking right in front of their building, the historic Arndt's Machine Shop. Owners, Daya and Selva Naidoo, were first Indian immigrants in South Africa before coming to Canada, which lends their homemade Indian cuisine a South African flavour: their sauces are not made with cream; they don't make Westernized favourites like butter chicken; they use only the best ingredients - local (whenever possible), free range, hormone and antibiotic free; and most of their offerings are gluten free, dairy free, and vegan (they even have a vegan dinner buffet on Tuesday nights).
Narayanni's, an Indian buffet restaurant that has been serving dinner for 9 years, recently started serving a $12 lunch buffet as well, and they have kindly invited me to give it a try. The restaurant is located on 81 Ave and 102 St with plenty of parking out front. Lunch Buffet Hours: Tue-Fri (11:30 am - 1:30 pm)
It was good but for two of us including the tip on a Saturday night it was $90. We each only had one alcoholic beverage. No naan bread but the roti is awesome. Nice ambiance but it's kind of expensive.
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Every Tuesday, no matter what I have on the go, I’d rather be at Narayanni’s vegan buffet. Nestled in the semi-industrial neighbourhood on 81 avenue and 101st, this discreetly located South African Indian restaurant is home to some of the most flavourful food I’ve ever eaten.
Owned and operated by the Naidoo family since June 2010, Narayanni’s has become a favourite for those who love South African and Indian food. According to Narayanni’s website this blissful marriage of food cultures began in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when “several immigrants from India crossed the ocean in steamships and settled in the eastern coastal regions of South Africa”. Selva and Daya Naidoo immigrated to Canada with their two daughters (one of whom – Youmashni – helps run the restaurant) in the 1980s, and brought this valuable culinary tradition along with them.
I’d suggest to arrive early – as soon as they open at 5:30 – to ensure a parking space and a good table. The massive white building, adorned only with the restaurant’s name, encases a large welcoming space, furnished with cozy booths along the walls and carefully decorated with plants and statues of various Hindu Gods. In the center of the space is the large circular buffet station, lined with multiple chaffing dishes filled with delicious food.
In the winter months, there’s nothing better than a pistachio chai before (or after) your meal, and in the summer Narayanni’s offers a great home-made iced tea. They also order $20 bottles of wine on vegan nights, although not all the wines are vegan, so make sure to double check.
Personally, I tend to start my meal in a somewhat unconventional manner: with a chocolate cupcake. History has taught me that I often fill up on the appetizers and main course without leaving any room for dessert, and missing out on Daya’s vegan baking is nothing short of a tragedy.
Next comes the first round of savoury: a couple of bhajias (onion and spinach fritters) topped with a healthy dollop of vegan cucumber raita (a refreshing yoghurt dip) and a side of sweet chili dipping sauce. I also never miss out on the wedding salad – a delightful combination of shredded fresh cabbage, peppers and parsley dressed lightly with citrus vinaigrette- and at least one helping of the soup of the day. My personal favourite is the garden vegetable, but the carrot and ginger is a close second. I always opt for the papadum lentil crisps for dipping and texture contrast, but you can always order some soft warm roti for a small extra fee if you so desire.
It would be too easy to fill up on starters and soup alone, so be careful to save space for the main course, as a wide alternating variety of expertly spiced stews and vegetables await. This is the stuff a vegan’s dreams are made of. From braised kale and cabbage, to masala mushrooms, to split pea dahl over rice, Selva’s spicy layers of flavor will leave you utterly satisfied and ready for a snooze.
Love this place. Best Indian restaurant in Edmonton. Not your traditional Indian restaurant, but not inauthentic. Although this place is on the expensive side, this is the place I go to when I want to gain 5-10 pounds happily. So I feel like I get my money's worth. Although charging $2 for a small roti/nan like bread is a ridiculous rip off. Also Pop's desserts are a fantastic way to finish off. However the selection of deserts has fallen off. Probably cutting corners to a degree.
Best Indian restaurant in Yeg, by far. Food quality is amazing and the desserts are delicious. Service is great, run by a very nice family.
Narayanni’s is a little off the beaten path. Just past the tracks on Whyte Ave and a block south, you’ll discover a restaurant that specializes in South African-Indian cuisine. Just look for the random white building with blue lettering. This is homemade, buffet style food so bring your appetite.
Exceptional food and truly one of the best restaurant meals I've ever had. Freshly prepared, flavorful spices with some heat, and very pleasant service. You feel welcome, and Papa greats you with a warm smile. You can dine quickly at the buffet or enjoy a leaisurely meal topped off with their fresh ground Africsn coffee (which is amazing!).
Amazing!. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone. I went there Sunday night for a buffet, and it was hands down the best buffet I have ever been too. The food is so rich, and healthy. I don't enjoy spicy food and am a vegetarian and I was so satisfied with everything. The staff is so friendly and make you feel like your at home. It is a gem of a restaurant that everyone needs to enjoy! This place went above and beyond my expectations of how good Indian food can be.
Delicious food! Great customer service!
staff: family owned and operated! They were present and ensuring that our family was taken care of!
service: i have been there with a small group. I have also been there for a larger private family function. Both times the service was excellent. Always coming around to the tables to ensure everyone enjoyed the food! They were very accomodating to a large family private function on a sunday afternoon ( they usually open for dinner!)
establishment: from the outside you would not be able to tell this place is here. nice large venue! Beautiful ambiance. The buffet is conveniently located in the center sonthat everyone can easily access it. Decent parking outside.
Food: flavorful and delicious! Great blend of spice and flavors from indian and carribean foods! Some dishes have great spicy kick!! Great variety at the buffet!!
Amazing. Narayannis food is amazing, cooked perfectly and the service was great! Two thumbs up
Unique. I like to go to Narayanni's because it's different from other Indian restaurants. The buffet, (on non-vegan nights) has a lot of vegetable dishes and the green beans are delicious! The meat dishes are really tasty too and I love the Masala chicken, yum. The downfall with the food is the roti they give you, I've had great roti and the one they serve is far from it, yuck. Desserts are great, the chocolate mousse is the best I've had in my life, the bread pudding is amazing and the rice pudding has a wonderful cardamon flavour. I wish the service was better though, I've been 3 times and have not had good service any of those occasions, it's slow and kind of indifferent.
Loved it the first couple times but find now it's always the same food at the Buffett and are defiantly lacking in the service department where they have 1 server who is usually slower than molasses and the owners sit at table in the restaurant in the back. Was something great but needs to switch up the buffet like their website says
Healthy stuff !!. A very healthy choice of food they have .I really like their desserts .The service was bit slow but all is well if I get good food :)
Thee Hot Sauce Committee is back! With another attack!!. Narayanni's... what can we say? It's gourmet South African/ Indian food. Been to a few vegan buffet nights and have never been disappointed! Reasonable price for all you can eat ($15) and extremely great service! Mr. Naidoo is the man! Last time we went they had half price bottles of wine and a beer special on Pilsner Urquell bottles of beer ($4). The beer arrived in a flash and we were pleasantly surprised when big boy cans were cracked! Steal of a deal! Super spicy food, dangerously delicious desserts all hidden off whyte for all ya feisty foodies! Mrs. Naidoo is the womyn! Reserve a table cuz these vegan nights can be very busy! They also make and bottle up their very own extremely spicy hot sauce!!! Enjoy!
Healthy unique South African style Indian cuisine. Friendly atmosphere.. I love dining here. The family and staff are very affable. The selection of food differs a little each night, and is always way above par for Indian buffet in Edmonton. I will always choose to eat here over any of New Asian Village's empire of restaurants across town. Narayanni's is far friendlier and the food is prepared with much more care. Thank you for being part of our community!
Delicious!. Found this hidden gem on Urban spoon and decided to check it out tonight. I went for their buffet, and I was throughly impressed.
Friendly staff, very clean, great service and most of all delicious food, very flavourful!
Highly recommend, and I would gladly come back!
Ignore ALL the negative reviews.....this place has Edmonton's Best Indian Food. Recently moved to Edmonton.....came to this restaurant for Mothers Day Brunch .....3 words.........FAN....TAS....TIC !!!!!....food was fresh and hot, curries were spicy, rice was great, naan was perfect, butter chicken amazing, salads green and plentiful and all desserts were delicious....
JUST GO!!!!!......if you want the best Indian food in Edmonton......JUST GO .....you will be glad you did .
Vegan night. Just went to vegan night for the first time - excellent food service and ambience for a tiny price. All the food was good but the desserts really beat all - especially the chocolate mint cheese cake. Be good to yourself and try it!
We went there to celebrate a special occasion. The service was prompt and friendly. The food, though, was the star. So so good. Not the Indian buffet you're used to with gloppy butter chicken. This was homemade, flavourful, and tasty. Even a simple dish like green beans was so good. I loved the beans, the butternut squash - sweet with a hint of spices. The masala chicken was excellent. It was all good. I'll definitely go back.
I have nothing bad to say about this restaurant. I come here quite frequently the staff is so nice, friendly and welcoming. The food is to die for. I love that they have a vegan night. I am not vegan but I appreciate it. A couple of my favorite options are the Greek salad and any lamb dish. This restaurant is listed as one of the more pricey restaurants but it is a buffet style restaurant so you can stuff your face with as much food as you possibly can for one set price. And for that reason I feel the price is very reasonable.
The bad: The food is quite spicy if you do not like spicy food you may not enjoy your experience at this restaurant. I do enjoy spicy so I do not feel this is a downfall.
The vegan buffet on Tuesdays is only $15 and worth every penny! Lots of variety and the chocolate cupcakes were the best I've ever eaten.
Oh my goodness. My mouth has never been so happy. I found out this is a family operated restaurant. There are two daughters I attempted to propose to both. Both apparently are 'unavailable'. Disappointing, but I would do just about anything to eat like this everyday! AMAZING!
Nutty for Narayanni's. It's telling when you walk into Narayanni's and randomly run into friends who tell you they've been eating there every Friday night for the past 4 weeks, and have no intention of stopping.
There aren't very many meat options, which I found refreshing, and when you can make eggplant and mushrooms taste as good as they did, who cares? The curries and couscous salad were a big hit, and the roti on the table in lieu of naan was a welcome change. Some of the food is traditional, some of it less so (I suppose they would argue it's the South African end of the spectrum) but all of it has been carefully sourced, crafted and spiced for the enjoyment of your taste-buds. It's lighter fare - no creams - so even the after-buffet-stupor is much more manageable than your typical Indian buffet.
If you're there on Friday night, look for us. We'll be with the regulars.
If you walked by it on the street, you wouldn't think twice about it. I didn't and I've been going to a restaurant just up the street for years. I tried Narayannis for the first time last weekend and had a "where have you been all my life moment". It's family run and the wait staff is not your typical at-the-table-every-five-minutes type but the food is well worth it. Very creative, aromatic dishes and it's all buffet-style. Great place for foodies but don't expect outstanding service.
Best Indian food in Edmonton hands down. It might seem expensive, but honestly it's worth the extra money. They use the best ingredients and spend time cooking the food attentively. I am Indian and the food here is close to home cooked. Do your self a favour and check this place out!
I could just live on the butternut squash and the trifle and be soooo happy...fabulous food and amazing service!!!!!!
Just went for the first time. LOVED IT. This family run restaurant is outstanding. I have to say that I have tried a lot of restaurants in Edmonton and this is my new favourite. Everything is so fresh and flavourful.
A Second On The Lips
+4.5
Love this place. You can .... Love this place.
You can taste the love and care in Mama's dishes.
Friendly service from this family run restaurant.
The food is South African Indian inspired food, and quite different from the regular Indian fare.
Go try the extended Friday/Saturday night buffets...a treat for the senses:)
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Vegan Night A Must!. If you ever try one vegan meal while in Edmonton, it must be at Narayanni's. Each month, nights are set aside for "Vegan Night", where the entire buffet becomes a plethora of fresh, delicious, vegan options. Make no mistake, the food will not only wow vegans, not non-vegans alike.
Other than the amazing food, there were two things that struck me about Narayanni's:
1) The energetic vibe of the restaurant and the diverse crowd that it draws. I was quite amazed to see such a wonderful cross-section of society there on vegan night: people of all ages, various cultural backgrounds, and social strata. Yes, there was even a group of skater kids there waiting to fill up on mouth-watering Indian vegan buffet!
2) Cleanliness--Narayanni's is spotless! You would think that a clean restaurant would be a no-brainer for most eating establishments, but unfortunately it isn't. My last couple of forays into trying new restaurants in Edmonton have left me disgusted with regard to the overall cleanliness of the establishment. This was NOT the case at Narayanni's--the restaurant is bright and clean, from the dining room, to the buffet area, to the washrooms.
Narayanni's is a must-go for Indian and vegan food in Edmonton. Make sure that you arrive early, as it fills up quickly!
Check out their $15 vegan buffet on tuesdays. Probably the best vegan meal I've ever had. Friendly staff, highly reccomend this place. 9/10 overall.
Came in for dinner for the first time with my parents and brother, we were seated quickly and water was brought within minutes. The most amazing Indian food I've ever had outside of my own home. I'm not a fan of new Asian village and other Indian restaurants but this place is doing it right.
It sounds pricey at $25 for the buffer but the quality of the food makes up for the cost. The staff was welcoming and made us feel like family.
I would definitely recommend narayannis to everyone. And I hope they cater different events...
Sets the bar for Indian food in YEG. Wow. Narayanni's is impressive. A refreshing break from northern Indian food, which dominates the Indian restaurant niche in Edmonton. Beautiful dining room, astute service, and well thought-out buffet. They have a vegan buffet a few times weekly as well. Stand-outs for the regular buffet included masala mushrooms, grilled eggplant, lamb meatballs and rice pudding. Everything was fresh, perfectly seasoned, and tasted like it just came out a friend's kitchen. A sign on the buffet states that "everything is cooked by our mama." I concur! It's magnificent.
Delish! My boyfriend and I really enjoy Indian cuisine and this place did not disappoint! We've found a new favourite Indian spot. The service is very friendly; the atmosphere is inviting; the food was all amazingly delicious [bonus: they try to buy local as much as possible]. You can tell this family has put a lot of heart and soul into this restaurant. We will recommend this place to all of our friends and family and we will be back for sure! Move aside New Asian Village... Narayanni's rocks!
Excellent. I believe this is the best Indian buffet in Edmonton, and it is clear the owners care about food. It may be the most expensive at $25, but it is also the freshest and least heavy. They don't use cream or ghee, and the variety is interesting, with organic meats and vegetables. I really like the squash and green been curries, and my lactose intolerant friends can eat every dish. The space is also wonderful and creative, with the buffet in a the middle of the floor with the table and booths circling it. Yes, service is slow, but usually because the staff are chatting with customers.
Real home-cooked food. I tried Narayanni's for the first time tonight. It's a lovely family run establishment, spacious inside, with a neutral decor. We were greeted by the daughter, and led to our booth. The whole restaurant is buffet (no ala carte available) $24.95 a plate Sunday to Thursday, $29.95 Friday and Saturday. The starters were very tasty, particularly the bhajis. The main dishes were greatly varied, most were vegan with one chicken curry one lamb curry and a chicken tandoori that was to die for. Everything was very moorish, and there was nothing I didn't like. We particulalrly liked the white chocolate raspberry dessert and I liked the rice pudding. We'll definitely be back!!
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A tad disappointing.... Went to Narayanni's late March for a reservation at 7:30pm on a Saturday night at this interestingly located restaurant along a side street in Old Strathcona. The decor is pleasant and creates a nice atmosphere for dining. The service was prompt and very friendly and we headed over to the buffet within minutes of being seated for some great tasting appetizers.
When we headed to the main dishes, I was disappointed to note that there were a number of dishes that were either gone completely or held so little that there really wasn't enough left to serve the three people in our party. It was only 8pm by the time we headed to the main buffet, and given the fact that we weren't the only group left in the restaurant,- and definitely not the last group seated - it was surprising that none of the dishes were refilled. I can certainly understand that the owners don't want to make too much and waste food, but when there are two out of three salads completely empty and several chaffing dishes almost empty when you still have customers paying $30 each for their meals, it's a bit irksome.
The food was good, and the staff were very attentive so that will bring me back but I would suggest getting there early so that you can get the full bang for your buck.
Excellent and interesting food!. I was recommended to this restaurant by Indian friends who are very knowledgeable regarding Indian cuisine. It is a bit different from the creamier sauces and dishes I have tasted in other restaurants, but the fresh flavours are tremendous. Care in the preparation was evident, and there were about eight mains and a lot of appetizers and salads. The service was very good; not too intrusive or familiar, but friendly and efficient. This is a place for a repeat visit.
Best Indian food :). I love it when I go to Indian restaurant and my stomach doesnt feel gross and bloated from ghee. Many vegan options on their buffet and even though it is $30, at least you will go home full and happy. The waitress is so so friendly!! the family understand fully what veganism means and try their best to accommodate. Thank You Naryanni's!
Narayanni's would recommend to all. I went with a bunch of my galfriends every month we try out different resturants which are authentic and over good food and service.
We all enjoyed the food since most of us are from African it reminded us of home. And mama was wonderful and the ladies too.
Best Food & Service in Edmonton. Every time I attend Narayanni's I marvel at the quality and variety of food. The spicing is so unique, you'll talk about it for days after. The service is charming and warm.
It just doesn't get much better. If you haven't been there, try one of their Grand Buffets on Friday or Saturday night.
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Fresh buffet, lots of veggies. Went here last night on yet another Groupon-like voucher. After walking into the restaurant, we were shown to a table, brought glasses of water and given drink menus immediately, then told to start with the buffet whenever we were ready. The food was definitely a little different than other Indian buffets in the city, maybe because it is South African Indian?
Anyway, the food was great! Everything tasted fresh, and there were do indistiguishable items drowing in sauce like I have experienced sometimes. I especially liked the cauliflower and cabbage dishes, as well as the chicken and lamb curry. There was also a soup I didn't try and a couple of salads.
One drawback: they were a little limited in the protein department. There were only 3 meat dishes (which I didn't find suprising) but I was suprised by the lack of legume dishes (lentils, chickpeas, etc.) which I thought were pretty commonplace on Indian menues. Again, maybe this is common with South African Idian.
The desserts were good, but definitely not traditional Indian (I had a white cupcake and chocolate mint torte).
Also, the price is a little higher than other buffets, but I guess that is the price you have to pay for good quality, local or organic (some menu items), fresh food.
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Indian Cuisine; Near Excellence. This family run joint has so many good things going for it. The building isn't much to look at on the approach but the interior decor and layout is quite nice. They support local growers and shoot for chem-free meats and I like that. They make sure you know that without being pretentious about it and I especially like that.
I'm glad I got to experience their buffet. I took a look at the menu and I would've had a hard time knowing where to turn; it all looked interesting. Once I got to sample the buffet it only reinforced my satisfaction. I tried some great dishes that I may not have ordered. The owners clearly care about what they're making. The sauces, the meats, the veggies, the rice... everything was tasty and distinct, which I find a rarity at most Indian restaurants.
The service wasn't overly memorable, and while we were there for the buffet our group did purchase a number of rounds of a variety of beverages. It was by far the most lacking element of the evening, but it was far from the worst service I've had. As far as price goes, it's more expensive than most alternatives in the area but the food is well worthwhile. I look forward to returning.
Yummeh!. Amazing! I went with a few friends after being recommended to Narayanni's by a co-worker. As soon as you walk in you know you are in the right place. The interior is gorgeous and goes oh-so-well with the richness of the food. We were told that everything is homemade and you can really taste it! Every dish had a remarkable flavour. It's probably the best Indian food I have tasted in Edmonton. The desserts were awesome, the soup delicious, the squash soooooooo sweet and the biryani is to die for. Narayanni's! I shall be back!!!
Fresh & Tasty. We had our son's 18 birthday party here. We reserved a table for 20. From the outset we were treated like royalty. This family run business is a testimony of how restaurants should be run. The food was fresh not recycled food (i can taste the difference). You can taste the lamb curry, now this is curry. The vegetables were out of this world and it tastes like its home cooked. They take pride in what they do and you can see the quality. Yes this is the best place to eat in Edmonton.
My favourite Indian/South African restaurant. I have tried other Indian buffets in town, and I have to say they offer the best in terms of quality and variety. First of all, this family-runned restaurant located in a unique heritage building have made an effort to use local organic whenever possible, and all the meat are from local farmers. Also free range and organic!! Whether or not that justifies the price is subjective, but what is undeniable is their effort to offer something different and of good quality.
If your are into MSG loaded dishes drowned in food colourings, then this is obviously not your restaurant of choice. But if you are into clean, honest, well prepared food, this is a MUST TRY!!
P.S Their Marsala chicken is the best I have tasted + the peace of mind from knowing that I am not consuming excessive amount of antibiotics and hormone from factory farmed "Schwarzenegger" chickens!!! + do TRY their Pistachio Chai!!!
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Narayanni's is among Edmonton's best restaurants. If you love good South Asian food, cooked to unimaginable perfection, then you will love Narayanni Restaurant on 10131-81 Avenue in Edmonton, located in a wonderfully restored heritage building. Ever since two colleagues recommended it to me within the span of 24 hours this past winter, it easily has become my favourite restaurant. I have eaten at dozens of restaurants in our great city, including all of Edmonton's best. Since discovering Narayanni I go back at least once every two weeks, each time with 4 or 5 happy regulars.
The food is gorgeous, the spicing is an exquisite blend of Indian, African and European that you would have to travel to Durban or Cape Town to get anything comparable. The soups -- the sweet potato soup is a must -- tastes like 'more, please' but caution... Leave room for the freshly made appetizers (pakoras, potato samozas, vada... and mango or cilantro chutney), the wide range of salads (from Greek or couscous to Indian wedding salad), rice dishes (basmati, saffron, white) and Naans; and the vegetable entrees (the spicy squash, braised green bananas, and eggplant are to die for), chicken, beef, lamb, prawn and other dishes, and the Indian, African and European desserts (soffi, rice pudding, coconut custard, Belgian chocolate mousse, finger cakes, tortes....) I could go on and on, including about the beautiful interior design, attention paid to every detail.
The vegetables are organic, always beautifully prepared, and the appetizers, salads and entree dishes would delight the palate of any vegan or vegetarian. Personally I love fins and feathers and I have never been disappointed by the mouth-watering free-range chicken dishes, fish entrees or succulent prawns. While I don't eat lamb or beef my friends all go back for seconds. And try the coffees or chai (regular or pistachio), the owners are connoisseurs. I went to Narayanni's last evening. And already I am booked for next Wednesday.
Like it.. Something different from the mainstreem something new althoughter exciting and exotic.I like the tender meat servings and kababs they have there portions are quite big well worth it.
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$25 buffet is more than worth it!!. I don't live in Edmonton, but every time I come to the city, Narayanni's is a "must-do." Everything from the atmosphere, the decor, the music, and the very inviting gorgeous circular buffet setup, entices the senses to prepare you for the most delicious and exquisite of Indian cuisines. This restaurant is in a league of it's own, setting the bar very high. I would challenge anyone to try to compare it to any other Indian restaurant in Edmonton (or even Calgary for that matter)...it doesn't even come close! The lamb and chicken are free range, and Alberta raised, and the vegetables are mainly organic. The Indian curries are prepared with a South African flare, with flavours that will make the taste buds dance...the curries are not made with heavy cream, but rather wholesome, and healthy ingredients. And when you spoon the curry onto your plate, the main substance is meat with curry gravy...definitely not soupy and lacking of meat like every other Indian restaurant that I have been to (other Indian restaurants have soupy curries, with "meat chunks" that are actually made up of mostly fat and bone) .
The fat/bones have been trimmed from the meat, and you are left with tender, delicious lamb and chicken (and eating it with the hand made/rolled Roti is the best part!). The $25 price tag for supper is well worth the cost...I actually believe that the buffet is undervalued. I brought my sister there when she was visiting me, and she was shocked at the quality, selection, and taste for only $25!! They have a fabulous pastry chef who prepares the most divine desserts...white chocolate raspberry torte, the most decadent chocolate mousse, and tiramisu that will challenge any Italian restaurant in the city. The pistachio chai is to die for. No other indian restaurant will give you the flavour and quality of cuisine as Narayanni's.
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Edmonton's best Indian restaurant. I enjoy Indian food in Edmonton generally, but this is Edmonton's standout Indian restaurant. The reason is that the type of food served is very different from the fare everywhere else. The others focus, for the most part, on rich dishes with tons of butter and oil, leaving you feel rather uncomfortable, particularly if you go for the buffet. By contrast, Narayanni's, run by an East Indian family who came to Edmonton via South Africa, where they also ran an Indian restaurant, serve lighter fare while offering a buffet with many choices that will leave you stuffed if you are not careful but not uncomfortable. Everything at Narayanni's uses fresh organic ingredients and is expertly prepared from scratch by the mother of the family that owns and operates the place.
The sauces are wonderful and the freshness of the food amazing. Rather than butter chicken you get curry chicken and chicken masala that melt in your mouth. Fish, often disappointing in Indian restaurants, is cooked just right. All the vegetable dishes have very distinct tastes and there's no greasy aftertaste. There's a mix of Indian and North American desserts. We've eaten here seven times and never been disappointed. Each time the buffet changes, though the overall tastes remain excellent.
The service is very friendly and warm. It's a family-operated place with mom, dad, their two daughters, and a son-in-law all pitching in. They are all proud of what comes out of their kitchen and very anxious to please.
FFFF...Fantastic. This restaurant, located in a well-restored heritage building, must the best Indian food in the city--move over New Asian Village, there's a new player in town!! I highly recommend this restaurant for lunch or dinner, absolutely fantastic. The veggies are so fresh, the meat is local and tender (no bones on the plate) and the host and hostess are delightful.
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Narayanni's restaurant. At first the prices might seem high for a buffet, but this is no ordinary buffet. In fact this is like a la cart dining in a buffet set up. The selection is grande for all types of diners.
We had quiet the eclectic group, one was vegan, one was celiac, one was jewish and I ate everything--this is no joke, true story I swear.
Let me begin with me since I ate every delicious morsel in the premises. The lamb was tender and flavourful, the chicken was what real chicken should taste like, juicy and flavourful and all the vegetables were fresh, crunchy and tasty. Every dish had its own flavour.
My celiac friend could eat everything except the roti. My jewish friend felt safe as there is no pork served in the restaurant. And for my vegan friend she was jumping for joy as there was such a selection for her to eat , and the chef (mamma) even made her a special dessert which tickled her.
Everyone had a great experience and enjoyed all the food. We will return with pleasure.
Best of the East. The best East Indian food I've had anywhere. The South African Ex-pats have brought us a cuisine that is unlike and superior to all of Edmonton's East Indian eateries that I've tried over the years. It is not overcooked nor over spiced nor too hot. The spicing is both subtle and delicious. The restaurant is very well done, a restoration of an old building near Whyte Ave with ample parking along 81 Ave. The smorg, which I have both at lunch and dinner is highly varied, each dish different and the service is excellen.
Great place, amazing food! Very nicely appointed decor.
A Tasty South African Indian Flair. This restaurant is a fantastic change from the usual North Indian food offerings in the city. The food is Indian with a South African twist on the spices & heat levels. A lovely offering of meat & vegetarian meals are available. The chicken is free range and the Alberta lamb is very lean. The decor is warm and tastefully decorated. Bathrooms are superclean! The Narayanni owners used to run Block 1912 on Whyte Ave. so the coffee & desserts are excellent.
Narayanni's is a hidden gem in a city packed with Indian food. It is obvious the chefs put in tremendous effort to make sure each offering is authentic and tasty, a commendable task for a buffet. While the variety could have been improved, especially for protein options, each item was top notch and well flavoured. Narayanni's is an absolute recommendation for anyone looking for quality Indian food in Edmonton, just ignore the lackluster exteriors.
This post contains mostly photos.
Saturday night we planned a joint birthday venture at Narayanni's. Dave is a food supplier for them and knowing the high quality food they order, and after some business lunches there thought it would be a great place for us to celebrate at. The praise poured on for this Indian gem hidden south of whyte ave, when we mentioned it at our weekly wine class as well . Narayanni's impressed me before I even saw the front door. Finding a place that can accommodate a party of sixteen people on a Saturday night in this city can be tough. Our table looked fantastic, sliders at everyones place sitting were a nice touch. Once we were ready to hit the buffet the manager told us about some of the dishes that were on the buffet. Highlighting that the restaurant uses free range chicken, Alberta lamb, and organic vegetables when there available. After hitting the appetizer buffet and returning with lamb and potato pastries fresh roti arrived at the table. Next I had a bowl of pumpkin soup that had just
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