Zaika Indian Bistro Bar

Address: 2303 Ellwood Dr. S.W.
City: Edmonton , Alberta

Website: Zaika Indian Bistro

Price: $10 - $20

Hours: Mon.–Thu: 11 am to 9 pm Fri.–Sat. 11 am to 10 pm Sun. 12 pm to 9 pm

While driving to Zaika, there was a fleeting moment where I thought I’d gone too far, but then our turnoff came into view and within a minute we were inside the Indian restaurant, where chandeliers above each booth cast a romantic glow. At the centre of it all, a large circular buffet table featured an array of dishes.

The buffet ($14 for lunch/$19 for dinner) varies daily, but you can always expect staples like butter chicken and goat or lamb curry.

For a fine and flaky starter, get a plate of fish pakoras. The lightly crisped exterior easily breaks apart to reveal a delicate basa that leaves behind a spicy aftertaste.

The bhindi (okra) masala, while only found seasonally in the buffet, can always be ordered from the menu. It’s a fiery vegetarian dish with okra and garlic that’s made for naan. Another dish worth ordering from the menu is the coconut basa curry, a creamy and slightly sweet stew.

For a heartier entree, try Zaika’s palak paneer, which is a plate of cheese curds in a fresh spinach sauce, providing balance between the rich cheese and the savoury cumin and paprika.

Reviewed by: Caroline Barlott