Restaurant Review - Pushap

Pushap, 975, rue Jean-Talon Ouest, Montreal (one of three locations)

As many a Montrealer know, Park-Ex is a hot-bed for excellent and reasonably-priced (and by reasonably-priced, I mean downright cheap) Indian food. Everyone has their favourites and so it was last week that I forewent a trip to my usual Indian spot (I’ll save that review for another time) and tried Pushap, a restaurant recommended by several of my cohorts. Known for its vegetarian fare, Pushap also houses a remarkable dessert counter, with many a brightly-coloured treat. Arriving at the restaurant for lunch on a chilly Saturday afternoon, we found ourselves among the first guests in an otherwise empty restaurant, with things seemingly just getting underway in the kitchen. First impressions: while no one is going to return to Pushap simply for the décor, we were met by a friendly hostess who had our meals served to us within ten minutes of arrival. We both opted for the thali plates which were designated on the menu as a “house specialty.” My dining companion chose the more expensive thali plate, which came with an “appetizer” of papadum and raita. The thali plates themselves were spicy, delicious and filling. Each “prison tray” (the thalis are perfect for anyone who likes compartmentalized food), contained three different kinds of curry – lentil (or chickpea) , mixed vegetable and a somewhat mysterious one which was most likely eggplant, onion and maybe tomato? While each curry was quite good, it was the latter - the mystery curry, which stood-out – it was rich, without being greasy, quite spicy and boldly flavoured. Each thali also comes with rice, cabbage salad and fried, or non-fried, naan-like bread. Having sampled the two, the non-fried is the way to go.

Following this more-than-ample lunch, we tried two of the mystery desserts. As a result of a communication breakdown, we never did find out what we were eating, but the first dessert was a small honey and milk-soaked, coconut-covered dessert ball and the second was a bright green diamond of perhaps almond/chickpea paste and rose water. Both desserts were absolutely delicious, with each of us preferring our own dessert over the other. These desserts were accompanied by a healthy serving of Indian tea. Towards the end of our meal the place became quite busy, with a long line-up for take-out samosas and sweets. I won’t even mention how much we paid for lunch for two, sufficed to say it was under $15 – highway robbery! Will Pushap replace my regular stand-by for Indian fare in the Ex? No, but is it still worth a return visit? Most definitely.

Thali plates: $5-7

7/10