While I stated in my review of Vij’s on Cambie, this past January, that I didn’t need to return, as I’d been to all of his restaurants and that they were all good – I found myself locked into a reservation with my partner, who booked us in at My Shanti.
I had been there about five years ago and I had enjoyed it.
As usual, she had the menu pre-planned and, for the most part, I just agreed.
Like Vij’s, the décor at My Shanti is lovely; it complimented the aromas emanating from the kitchen … exotic.
As there is a lockdown in Vancouver currently, many restaurants are still serving patrons on their patios. Thank goodness for the patio heaters at My Shanti.
The menu appeared to be classic Indian but with some interesting twists here and there – but overall, more traditional than Vij’s. The one thing that you can’t get away from are the aromas that drift from the kitchen; they are mouth-watering.
Now, having been to Vij’s so recently, I couldn’t help but compare the two … and I realized that I enjoyed Vij’s a fair bit more. While I’m usually not turned on to nouveau Indian, a few people do it well; and Vij is one of those.
The order: Paneer pakoras, Dhal with Saag Paneer, Chana Bhatura, Coconut Prawns, and the Featured Vegetarian Dish.
Our server was nice enough to suggest that we’d have leftovers – and wanted to ensure we were cool with that. But hey, that’s our MO when we go out … try as many items as possible and take the rest home.
The appetizer was … well, fine.
The pakoras were a bit of a let down. It’s fried cheese, who doesn’t love that? But it was just okay. I definitely preferred the classic veg pakoras at Vij’s.
The Dhal with Saag Paneer (served separately) was quite good. It was served with a (tandoori, I think) roti.
The Dhal was done in the Panjabi style, cooked with some “rajma,” or kidney beans.
What I liked about the Saag Paneer, is that it wasn’t heavy. Flavourful and with no heavy creams.
Now – the item that I was jonesing to try – Chana Bhatura. For those who haven’t had this before, it’s a classic. It’s what we would have when I was kid on Gerrard Street in Toronto – all of those Panjabi street foods – Kebab and Naan, Chicken Tikka, and of course, Chana Bhatura … fried, chewy puris served alongside mouthwatering chana masala.
It was very good.
Now, I don’t have Chana Bhatura very often, but I don’t think I’ve ever paid more than about $6 for a serving. So, at $17.25, I wasn’t sure if it were going to be topped with gold flakes.
Alas, it wasn’t. Only a small serving of chana and two large puris. They could have gone with one puri, and seriously cut $5 off the price … and perhaps move it to the appetizers (where it really belongs).
The featured vegetarian dish was nice. Nothing special. Just mixed veggies in a smooth, velvety curry.
The Prawns were quite good, bathed in what tasted like a bit of a sweet and sour curry. Definitely different.
We also ordered a small serving of rice (just the right amount and flavourful) and some raita with pickled onions (which was forgotten, but we were billed for it).
Aside from the little miss on the raita, the service was really nice.
I mentioned to the server that her pronunciation of the Indian dishes was pretty spot on!
So, I struggle with the rating here.
Remember that anything 6 and above is good in my books.
Good service – good food – but I still found it to be a step down from Vij’s.
I’m certain that the spices have got to be similar (or the same) as it’s the same chef – but I enjoyed the menu more at Vij’s.
Return: Not really, but I now I think I need to reconsider my decision not to return to Vij’s … I’m definitely going back
Rating: 7/10
Vikas Sharma 
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