Until the start of Chinatown Dining Week, we’ll be featuring each of the 24 businesses who are participating in this year’s event, running January 18 – 28, 2024. All businesses are offering special deals during this period for $10 and/or $20. Check out all of the menus here.

Next to be featured is returning restaurant Namaste India. We sat down with Rajendra Singh of Namaste India:

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. Namaste also has locations on Whyte Ave and in Castle Downs.

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.

Non-Veg Combo with Butter Chicken, Chana Masala, Basmati Rice, and Naan.

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.

Fish Pakora

Why do you think people should dine in Chinatown?

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

Namaste India will be offering the following specials for Chinatown Dining Week. They are valid for take-out only:

• $20 Special: Choice of –
  • Veggie Combo #1: Paneer Makhani, Chana Masala and Basmati Steamed Rice served with choice of Butter Naan or Garlic Naan
  • Veggie Combo #2: Potato Spinach, Chana Masala and Basmati Steamed Rice served with choice of Butter Naan or Garlic Naan
  • Non-Veg Combo: Butter Chicken, Chana Masala and Basmati Steamed Rice served with choice of Butter Naan or Garlic Naan
  • Mussels Masala Combo: Mussels served with Chana Masala and Basmati Steamed Rice served with choice of Butter Naan or Garlic Naan
• $10 Special: Choice of –
  • Mussels Butter Masala (mussels cooked with chopped onion and tomato sauce) served on Basmati Steamed Rice
  • Butter Chicken served on Basmati Steamed Rice
  • Chana Masala (chickpeas) served on Basmati Steamed Rice
  • Fish Pakora (seasoned fish piece dipped in chickpea batter and deep fried to golden)
    
    Orders can be made via phone, in-person or on the website
    (780) 540-0100
    10023 107 Avenue
    Sunday Noon-10pm, Monday and Wednesday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday 11am-10:30pm, Saturday Noon-11pm, closed Tuesdays