This was my second visit to Zaika in a week and me, without a camera. I had to use Steve’s Blackberry, so pardon the low res. This visit though was top shelf, even better than the first (high praise, because my first visit blew my socks off) for two reasons: The lunch buffet, which features about 12 hot dishes and a multitude of salads and desserts, had one of my favourites, chana masala ( a stewed chickpea/tomato/garam masala mix) on offer, along with Chef Bhoj Bahadur Mahat’s special creation of mango chicken.
Last week my favourite dish was the dal makhani, no… make that the butter chicken, or maybe it was the tandoori chicken which dripped with juice and sweet and spicy flavours. Hard to say really, because everything was crazy good.
Sure, the restaurant is chic, sleek and pulses with that techno beat that makes you wonder if you’ve been transported to New York or Vegas, but its the home-cooked dishes that are the real stars here. Chef Bhoj is a master of all things curried, and Joti’s mom makes a wicked pickled carrot condiment that should be patented. As far as desserts go, today I had room for the mango custard – sweet, creamy, heavenly. I have found peace.
The price of a lunch buffet: $12.00.A bonus: the Summerside Asian Market is right next door. We stopped in and picked up some items and talked to owner Garry Gill who gave us an enthusiastic and knowledgeable rundown of everything we needed to know about anything East Indian. Garry just happens to be married to Joti’s sister, Ashu, and besides that, the girls’ dad has been in the food industry for years and owns the India Garden restaurant in Edmonton. These folks have long been destined for the food industry. Take my advice, get down to Ellerslie Crossroads (2303, 2307 Ellwood Drive) and check out two fantastic new culinary offerings.
Vince and I went there on a whim the night before the newspaper review came out. It is near our neighbourhood. We thought it was great too. We went next door and bought Divali sweets in a tent set up for the celebration. A nice treat!
Hey Colleen,
I`m so happy to have found Zaika as well. We have a great place in Sherwood Park called Taste of India that has been our favourite East Indian place forever. Great place! But I`m glad to have found Zaika for when we need a curry hit in the city. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi,
I and my colleagues were visiting from Calgary for business. One recommended Zaika and we decided to try it. Boy did we make an excellent decision, great food, excellent atmosphere and decor. Found the staff courteous and helpful. Strongly recommend to anyone and next time I am here with family, we are sure to visit.