As the tagline of Brits in Toronto states, it’s our mission to search out the best curries — tough job but someone has to do it. In these times too we like to support the local eateries in the city.

Thought we’d try a place called Bukhara Grill (2241 A Bloor St. West = Bloor/Runnymede). Never heard of it before but read some reviews and they were pretty good.

Fired up the website and placed an order for Chicken Jalfrezi (extra spicy), Eggplant Bharta, Cucumber Raita and Mixed Pickles. Our usual go-to “test” dish is a Chicken Tikka Masala, but thought a change would be good.

First off, the Chicken Jalfrezi. It wasn’t really as spicy as we’d requested, but again, maybe our tolerance levels are too high now to really be satisfied. The spice level did kick in a little after a while but it wasn’t vindaloo-level heat.

The chicken was moist and tender … the flavours were good … but we honestly can’t say it was set apart from any other curry we’ve tried in Toronto, one that we MUST HAVE AGAIN like some other places. It was a decent-sized portion, though, if you need lunch leftovers next day.

The Eggplant Bharta was a nice vegetarian option, but again, nothing off the charts. Maybe a chickpea dish — like a Chana Masala — may have been a better choice? Flavour did the job adequately … and that was it.

Cucumber Raita is usually standard, but this one was actually very good, nice and creamy and tart. Perfect balance for the curry. A good amount of Mixed Pickles too.

So, all things considered, we’re STILL on the never-ending hunt for a typical “British” curry and give Bukhara Grill a Brits in Toronto 3/5 stars.