Basmati - Ottawa

Just had the worst Indian food ever. Dishes that are worth 13$, 14$ but with no taste and not sure what they put inside. please avoid until they improve. Advise to the owners : please if you don't know how to cook, get a chef. I think it was family and I saw everyone was trying but it is definitely not working. Also you need cleaner washroom and environment. If this was in Montreal, already would have been shut down.

Basmati used to be my favourite Indian restaurant in Ottawa. I felt very fortunate because I live so close! The original owner (I don't believe it is owned by the same individual as I never see the old staff anymore) was always on site back in 2013 and was an amazing, attentive and courteous cook. I used to love going in for their lunch thali, or to grab some channa masala, saag paneer, or curried mixed vegetables with gorgeous huge home made naan. Now, I always feel like I'm taking a chance with their food, it is often times drowning in oil and the spices are no longer well-balanced. I have thrown away whole dishes twice now because they were in such poor quality. One time the peppers in my dish were cut into quarters and it was served to me near-cold. Their naan is now small and round and seems store bought. Very disappointing and saddening that my favourite spot sucks now.

There's nothing good to say about this place. Butter chicken was $14 and tasted like tomato soup with chicken chunks. Not rich and creamy. I had to season it myself as nothing in dish to cut the acid. Saag Paneer was horrible. Was a can of frozen diced spinach with whipping cream poured on it and a few pieces of cheese. Ordered pakora and they didn't have any. Decided to send one samosa I didn't want. Was just horrible. I will never order again.

We had tried another place down the street but it was pub fare noisy and expensive. We noticed Basmatis and gave it a try. The curried lamb and shrimp were delicious and the portions were almost too much but was so tasty we managed to finish. No doubt great value for your money. Don't be fooled by the appearance of this place. If you like good authentic Indian food, this place has it at a very affordable price. I gave only 4 stars only because we often like a cold beer with this type of food and that was not available.

Not the same warm welcome like it was previously. The previous owner was a lot nicer and very accommodating. Service lacks now.