Madras Masala

What is Madras Masala? Occupying a straightforward storefront at 796 Bloor Street West near Christie Pits, Madras Masala has anchored the local South Indian dining scene since 2008 under founder Dhamodharan Rengasamy. The interior is unpretentious and relaxed, furnished with no-frills banquettes and dining tables suited for casual weeknight dinners and weekend group feasts. It serves as a dependable Bloorcourt fixture for regional homestyle cooking that leans heavily on southern coastal spices.

Madras Masala Menu & What to Order The kitchen's centerpiece is its expansive lineup of oversized, golden fermented-crepe dosas, particularly the heat-packed Mysore Masala Dosa and the fiery Gunpowder Masala Dosa filled with turmeric-spiced potato mash. Beyond the griddle, order the Chettinad Biryani, fragrant with whole spices and curry leaves, or dunk steamed idly and crisp medhu vada into bowls of tangy tamarind sambar and coconut chutney. The kitchen provides extensive vegan, vegetarian, and naturally gluten-free selections alongside halal-friendly meat curries.

Know Before You Go The dining room operates primarily on a walk-in basis, though phone reservations can be arranged for larger dining parties. Peak dinner hours on Friday and Saturday nights draw steady neighborhood crowds and delivery couriers, but table turnover is generally prompt. Situated steps between Christie and Ossington subway stations, street parking along Bloor can be scarce, making the Line 2 subway the most convenient transit option.