Chatorey
Chatorey brings Indian street food to Toronto with its selection of spiced fries, sweet drinks and fun fusion dishes.
This restaurant shows that great flavours can be found in the unlikeliest of locations: in this case, a small food court in The One Centre, a plaza in Scarborough's Golden Mile shopping district.
Since opening in August 2023, owner Pamil and his staff have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors.
Though much of this feedback is focused on the menu, which borrows elements from American fast food and Indian cuisine, many comments mention the restaurant's unusual method of presentation.
Chatorey serves meals in glass jars emblazoned with the company logo. Pamil says that he chose to forgo traditional packaging, not only to distinguish Chatorey from other restaurants, but to cut down on single-use plastics.
You can take these adorable jars home with you once you're finished with your food. They're great for storing snacks and make decent decorations to boot.
Peri Peri Fries ($7.99) are one of Chatorey's signature items. These thick-cut fries are seasoned with paprika, garlic powder and peppers and topped with a creamy white sauce. Tandoori Chicken Fries ($8.99) take the spices found in the Peri Peri Fries to the next level.
In addition to the white sauce and hot peppers, zesty tandoori sauce and marinated chicken chunks are added to give the fries an extra kick.
Bhelpuri ($4.99) is a crunchy snack made from puffed rice, fried sev, diced tomatoes and onions.
While the consistency is similar to trail mix and the taste is broadly comparable to a spicy salad, this dish defies easy description and is best experienced directly.
Kurkure Momos ($10.99), also known as fried momos, are bite-sized dumplings with a crispy coating.
Sides of sour cream and spicy marinara sauce lend the momos a more complex flavour, but honestly, I wouldn't blame you for eating them plain. Each piece is packed with tender chicken, not to mention cumin and turmeric.
Kulhad Pizza ($6.99) is a unique take on a familiar dish. Instead of the square or triangular slices we've come to expect, Chatorey serves their pizza in clay cups.
Digging through a layer of melted cheese will reveal a savoury-sweet mess of olives, oregano, corn and tomato sauce, enhanced by the earthy flavour of the unglazed pottery.
Kulhad Chai ($1.99) also makes use of this earthy flavour, mixing it with the comforting taste of milk tea.
Though milder and more conventional than the pizza, this warm beverage is charming in its simplicity and pairs well with many of the spicier dishes.
If you want to cool down with a refreshing drink, look no further than the Mint Watermelon Cooler ($7.49). This pastel pink drink comes in a tall flask, filled with mint leaves, watermelon juice and lime slices. At first glance, the Chocolate Mud Pot ($7.99) looks more like a potted plant than a dessert. In actuality, this is one of Chatorey's Twisted Shakes, a collection of decadent variations on classic milkshakes.
This rich, creamy drink is hidden under a layer of chocolate crumble, with a mint sprig "sprout" on top.
Chatorey is located at 41 Lebovic Ave, Unit A126.
Fareen Karim