Over the next two weeks, we’ll be featuring each of the 10 businesses who are participating in Chinatown Dining Week, running January 14-24, 2021. All businesses are offering special takeaway deals during this period for $10 and/or $18. Check out all of the menus here.

Next to be profiled: we sat down with Rajendra Singh of Namaste India, 10023 107 Avenue.

Tell us a bit more about the restaurant.

Not many people know that we serve Indian meals in Chinatown. We also cater to halal and vegetarian customers.

How long has the restaurant been open?

We opened the first Namaste India in the west end in 2015. This location opened in October 2017.

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant?

We serve Indian favourites. Our most popular dish is butter chicken, but [I would also recommend] chicken lababdar, cooked in an onion and bell pepper-based sauce.

What makes your restaurant special?

Our buffet [when in-person dining is permissible] is very popular – we offer nine hot dishes plus salad and dessert. We usually have a different fish and vegetarian special, too. Most of our buffet items are gluten-free, and we have vegan items as well.

We are one of just a few Indian restaurants that serve chicken malai tikka, a mild, creamy dish cooked in the tandoor oven. Our mango prawns sauteed in a mango sauce are also special.

Why do you think people should dine in Chinatown?

I think people should know more about Chinatown – the area has a bad reputation.

What have you changed about your business as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?

We are currently not offering dine-in, and have not been able to host private events. We are [taking every precaution] as our business requires us to interact with many people on a daily basis, and we want to keep ourselves and our family safe.

How has your business been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

We are surviving on takeout orders.

Namaste India will be offering the following $10 and $18 specials during Chinatown Dining Week:

$10 Special: choose from Choice #1, #2, or #3:
Choice #1: Butter Chicken – Tandoori Grilled Chicken Cooked in an Ambrosial Tomato and Cream Sauce
Choice #2: Vegetable Korma – Vegetables with Homemade Cheese Cooked in Thick Creamy Sauce, Served with Basmati Rice or Naan (vegetarian)
Choice #3: Chana Masala – Chickpeas Cooked in Onion, Tomato, Ginger and Garlic Gravy, Served with Basmati Rice or Naan (vegan)

$18 special: Butter Chicken Combo (served with Butter Naan and Basmati Rice)

Check out other special menus, here.