Name: Pushap Sweets
Address: 5195 Rue Paré (MAP)
Telephone: 514-737-4527
Cuisine: Indian, Vegetarian
A block east of the Decarie Expressway, just behind the Hotel Ruby Foo’s, is arguably the best channa in the entire city. Affectionately known as just Pushaps to regulars, the menu is cheaper than McD’s and entirely vegetarian.
The great thing about Pushaps is the tali plate. Every day, there’s a different combo of rice, bread (puri or chapati), curry, vegetable, and your choice of either lentils or channa (chick peas). Ordering with the chapati usually ensures that the tali is vegan, but ask ahead whether any of the veggie dishes have cheese in them.
Nowhere in Montreal have I come across channa this good. Mind you, it’s heavily spiced — not hot, just spicy. So if you’re ordering for a child or your palate prefers things on the blander side, go for the lentils — also good, just much milder.
There is, of course, an a la carte menu, but they’re not known for it. Don’t get me wrong, I ordered off it once, and wouldn’t complain about a thing. It’s just that the size, quality, and price of the tali alone is irresistable. Throw in a couple samosas or pakoras (all made on site) in at the start, and you won’t leave hungry.
As their name suggests, Pushaps also excels at desserts. Like the samosas and pakoras, these are made on site, so their frequently fresh. In fact, there are usually short take-out line-ups for their sweet. On some days, they’ll offer up to two vegan dessert choices — regrettably not as sumptuous as the non-vegan varieties.
Despite Pushaps appeal, it’s neither conveniently located nor ambient. Although it’s easily accessed from Decarie, it’s further north than Jean-Talon. The atmosphere, moreover, is rather shabby in a diner kind of way. Long story short, it’s no place to woo a romantic interest, but perfect for breaking bread with vegetarians.
CT Moore also blogs full-time about new media at the Gypsy Bandito Vlog and about search engine marketing at the SearchAnyway Blog.