Dining at Ancila’s Indian Cuisine is sort of cryptic, so you'll just have to roll with it. Starting with the reservations: the restaurant accepts them, but I’m told to make sure to cancel, if necessary, as they won't take another reservation for that time. This led me to believe that the dining room is tiny, when in reality it’s a fair-sized establishment. Upon entering, I see one large table is occupied being served by a waiter; not in a rush I wait patiently and it wasn’t until a women (presumably Ancila) leaves the kitchen that I’m addressed and instructed to sit wherever I like.
She returns to the kitchen and as I’m sitting there – without water, cutlery, or even a menu – I begin to wonder what’s going on. Finally, when my friend arrives, Ancila comes back to the table and things get clarified. We’re advised there are no printed menus; instead, she'll ask questions to come up with an order: On a scale from one to ten, what is your spice tolerance level? Are you vegetarian? Of the proteins are there any you particularly enjoy? Do you have any dietary restrictions?
With that we decided on a creamy medium spicy vegetarian dish and a spicier tomato based meat offering along with rice and naan. Ancila then went back to the kitchen to prepare everything and didn’t return until later to check on our experience.
There was plenty of paneer in the tikka masala ($11); soft and fresh, it’s contrasted by a slight crunch from the bell peppers and onion. Being a thicker sauce, this went well sandwiched in
This place might seem empty from outside but it will fill you stomach from inside. Baaji we call her (the owner) is a very cool person and she will give you all the right suggestions. We normally will go in and order chicken takatak or butter chicken with medium spicy with naan and they just fill you up. I personally feel quantity is bit low in the serving bowl but no compromise on taste. You will never be disappointed.
I have just returned from my hotel after an excellent meal at Ancila's. Although we were given the menu Ancila came from the kitchen to ask the spice tolerance of our palates. On a scale of 1 to 10 I went for an 8 or 9 so Ancila excitedly informed me she had a recipe she had made which was in the Bombay style. All I can say is Wow the curry was packed with flavours and had a good level of heat from the green chillies. The service was a little snow but as Ancila explained "All meals are made by me and to order". Well worth the wait. I will be back!
Excellent butter chicken and kebabs. Do not miss this hidden gem if you are in the Toronto area. The food is freshly prepared and cooked to perfection. The chef customises the preparation to your taste and takes great pride in the quality of service and food.
If you are craving for authentic Indian food in this part of the world, do not miss this joint. Highly recommended.
FOOD:
I had come here on a Friday afternoon at around 1:00 pm for a quick lunch. I noticed that when I walked into the restaurant, it was empty however, I decided to give it a try regardless. Once I had entered, a kind woman (Ancila) came out from the kitchen. She asked me what I would like, and I told her that I would settle on the Butter Chicken With Naan ($7.99). She then asked if I would like it to go or for the dining room; I said for the dining room.
The food was ready within about ten minutes of me having ordered it. The Butter Chicken came in an oval-shaped silver dish, and contained many pieces of chicken. I loved the sauce, it was very creamy and tasty, one of the best that I had ever tasted. The chicken was also very tender and moist, not dry or difficult to chew. The Naan was abundant, with about four large pieces, all of which were hot (temperature-wise) and soft (some of them were a bit crunchy in the middle sections though however, not too many of them). I was extremely impressed with how delicious my meal cost, and all for such a low price! You could definitely tell that time was put into creating this dish in an excellent manner.
ATMOSPHERE:
I was a bit confused as to the atmosphere of this restaurant. There was pop music playing from a local radio station, along with very minor décor depicting the Indian culture. The tables were plainly set, with flower pots on each. I felt as though I wasn’t in an Indian restaurant, there was no indication that this restaurant was Indian. It did feel similar to being in a small banquet hall, which was not a bad thing however, I was hoping to see more of an Indian influence in the dining room. I was also a bit confused as to why the restaurant was empty during the lunch hour, which made it seem lonely as I was the only one dining.
SERVICE:
Ancila had actually served me herself, coming from the kitchen to take my order, and asking me how my food was once I was eating it. She then told me that if I were to return, to take one of her cards and to call ahead of time to place my order as she prepares each order from scratch, and needs time to do so. I then understood why the restaurant was empty as many people tend to do take-out instead of dine-in. I did find it a bit odd that take-out was the preferred method when there was a large dining room available for dine-in. Ancila was actually very nice, and made an effort to make me feel comfortable during my visit.
COST:
Butter Chicken With Naan: $7.99 + Tax = $9.02
WOULD YOU RETURN?
I did feel a bit funny sitting in a large dining room by myself however, if I were to do take-out, I would certainly consider returning. The food was very well-prepared, and I could tell that Ancila put in a lot of effort to make it taste as delicious as it was. I would surely recommend you all give it a try!
You won't be dissapointed... mind blowing food!. I promise you, going to Ancilas is life changing!! Ancila is the sweetest lady, the only reason you may have to wait a bit is because a) shes there alone, and b) food is made right then and there. I have NEVER had restaurant food so fresh. You're waiting for QUALITY food, not quick microwaved frozen garbage like in majority of restaurants. Worth the wait 100% but if you're in a hurry, call and pre-order. The butter chicken here is hands down, without question, the best most authentic butter chicken you will ever have. Im here at least 3 days a week. Im visiting the Mississauga area for a few months and going back to my home town soon. I have NO idea how im supposed to go without it! You MUST try if you love Indian food! I promise you will not be dissapointed!
Ancila is the owner, and it would seem she works there alone. Service is slow and I'm pretty sure there is only 1 menu in the place. That being said, Ancila is very helpful and quite personable. While the wait may be long, the food is outstanding and made to order, and quite worth it.
By far the best butter chicken I have ever had. And I have eaten a lot of butter chicken. The spice and the flavour is unparallel. This has got to be the most authentic Indian food I've ever eaten and would recommend it to everyone. The price is also phenomenal. A true hidden gem!!
Good food, slow service. Phone is rarely answered for pickup orders, and the service is not especially quick when you show up in person. That said, the food is very good and is at more than a reasonable price!
Absolut Delicious Dinner - 10/12/2012. Made reservation @ 1PM for a 6:30PM birthday dinner for 6 people . Ordered butter chicken, shrimp vindaloo, fish curry, tandoori chicken plus pilao rice and lots of naan bread! Everyone enjoyed the food, none was left to take home! so my daughter ordered extra butter chicken to take home.
I would recommend to make reservation before you come as the owner cook the food fresh! Good job Ancila!
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes