The amount of times we’ve scrolled on past Leela Indian Food Bar (3180 Dundas Street West/Keele Street) in the online food-ordering apps and never once tried anything. We’re flabbergasted at that, so took the plunge and went for it.

The first thing we liked is that Leela has decent photos on the (app) menu which is REALLY helpful because we often choose a dish by the way the gravy looks, or the amount of ingredients on show. It’s something we wish more curry houses would do, so kudos to Leela for taking the time to go that extra step.

But, you can’t eat photos, so how was the food?

Very nice, actually. We went for the Chicken Kadai, a “medium spicy semi-dry Indian curry with onions, peppers, ginger and chef’s special spices” and it didn’t disappoint. The gravy was nice and thick with a good heat level. Based on this “medium spice” rating, we feel the Vindaloo will blow your socks off!

The portion was very generous and  — as you can see in the photo  —  it had a good amount of onions and ginger, which we love in a curry. Gives the needed crunch.

There was also a good-sized bag of poppadoms that were slightly oily, but still crispy. You could tell they’d just been prepared. The Mint/Coriander Chutney and Tamarind Chutney that accompanied those weren’t what we would class as “chutney” but more like sauces. Still tasty though.

Nice Home Made Mix Pickle too: spicy and flavourful.

Slightly disappointing Cucumber/Cumin Raita as it was a little runny … but we’re Raita snobs and like it more thick and creamy. Wasn’t a dealbreaker for the meal overall.

We’re very glad we finally took a spin on Leela and give it a solid Brits in Toronto 4/5 stars.