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King Palace
Categories: Restaurants Indian Restaurants Pakistani Indian, Pakistani [Edit]
820 Church StToronto, ON M4W 2M9
(416) 515-8188
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 am - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
25 reviews for King Palace
Review Highlights
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"You absolutely cannot go wrong with the Butter Chicken." In 5 reviews -
"...friend's wedding (home-cooked indian food ftw) and have..." In 2 reviews -
"Decode the combos and you will enjoy." In 5 reviews
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25 reviews in English
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Review from Melanie C.
Oakville, ON
1/26/2012
I tend to get hungry at the most inconvenient hours. King Palace is my hero!
There is so much selection I am always overwhelmed. I also find their portion sizes gigantic. I highly recommend their garlic naan and the lamb curry. The rice is also delicious, as are any of the meat curries. I have also tried some vegetarian dishes and have not been disappointed. I'm not sure you can go wrong here!
Although there are a few tables, I have never dined in. Partly because I come to King Palace at odd hours and partly because the ambience isn't 5-star.
The portions are so big that it usually lasts me a couple of days. This food miraculously tastes delicious no matter how many times you reheat it. (Caution: the naan is best consumed fresh.)
When you're angry at the world that every other kitchen has closed, don't forget about King Palace! -
Review from Moritz H.
2/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
SPICY Food! Tried the Kashmiri Chicken Combo. Came with Salad (without dressing), and (soft) Naan, plus a Coke. I don't know why there was no dressing on the salad (maybe the greens where meant to be put on the bread with the chicken?!) The soft Naan was really good, and the chicken pretty hot.
Fast and friendly service, the price was great (13$), and they are open all night! The interior is "Take-Out"-friendly but nothing more. The counter looks great with all the different dishes. At least 30 of them (ready cooked), so I understand why they have to microwave them - always the same problem if a diner offers too many things... -
Review from Vivek S.
Updated - 1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Just a quick update to advise against the combos listed on the wall. While they're a good value --hovering around the $10-13 mark for two or three items-- throwing them all in the same container is a disaster. By the time we got home our chili chicken, mixed veg and lamb curry were one. Still tasted good, but I wish we had got them in separate containers.
Other than that, keep calm and curry on, KP.Listed in: Namaste!, Up Late In The Tee Dot, Yorkville and You
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/29/2011
I dropped by this place with Martin W after a night of pretty hard drinking and thinking at… Read more »
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Review from matt w.
York, ON
4/7/2012
Awesome food, you just have to think of it as not your traditional restaurant. I think of it as a place to get some great ready-made indian that I need to heat up when I get home (on a plate). A good amount of spice, plenty of flavour. I unfortunately don't remember exactly what I ordered, but everything was great.
You get a high end restaurant flavour at street prices. On top of that, I've never noticed it closed. Great for a post outing dinner. I ignored the combos and just pointed, they figured it out for me and it was a decent price. I will definitely go back.
My only critique would be the naan. Sure it was good, but I would give this place 5 stars if it was like the naan at higher end places - super fluffy and with irregular puffs. I agree with with most people that bringing it home and heating it up yourself is the way to go. Also try to get them to put your separate items in their own containers, something about being human where you want your dishes on their own. -
Review from Ryan T.
Toronto, ON
10/1/2011
The down and dirty greasy spoon of Pakistani food, this place is popular with the taxi drivers, likely for it's drive up and take-out style (there is some seating)
Dozens upon dozens of dishes to choose from, and the food is OK, good enough for a late night Indian food fix at least.
But honestly, it's not spectacular, so I'm not sure why there are so many 5-star ratings. I assume it's because the sight of the large selection of food is overwhelmingly exciting, either that or they're just a bunch of wankers showing their lack of experience. Regardless, still recommended.
The only thing that really irks me every time I eat there is they insist on microwaving everything in the takeout Styrofoam containers they use. I like to get it cold and take home for warming.
Worst saag paneer I've ever had!
Very very good, and delicious Naan. Need more Naan!
Mango chicken is tasty, not greasy. Perfect for the reluctant ones.
Lamb and beef were chewy. Not recommended.
Curry is good.
Daal is good.
Butter chicken is ok.
Make sure you order as a combo, it comes with everything you need. Things get a little pricey if you start trying to order pieces of things separately. -
Review from Steph L.
11/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
If you need a cab or late-night Pakistani/Indian food, then head on down to King's Palace.
Their donut-shop-like neon sign acts like a beacon in the night on Church Street, here you can find over 44 combos (veggie dishes, boneless meat options, and other).
I couldn't decide on what kind of chicken I wanted, so I ordered:
*Combo #33 - Three boneless chicken combo ($11.99)
(comes with two naan, salad, and pop)
* Palak paneer ($7 bucks)
They heat up of all the food in the microwave.
The microwaving part doesn't bother me... but the heating food up in Styrofoam does. I'll still eat here, don't get me wrong, I just pretend I don't see it.
When you get your food take-out, keep in mind that the order of chicken is half sauce, which leaks out of the container they give you.
As for the food...
The naan was a pleasant surprise!
Even after I had walked home, it was still really hot.
Crispy with little charred bits, chewy and soft on the inside, and gigantic.
The chicken was tender and soft and only one piece of boned chicken snuck in. The meat is smothered in sauce and oodles of oil.
Butter chicken was decent...sweet, creamy, and very mild.
The curry chicken wasn't particularly spicy, but not bad..
The Chicken Kasmiri was super flavourful, but I can't say it was my favourite of the three.
The palak paneer was very earthy and citrusy. There weren't very many pieces of paneer. I think I will go for a lentil dish instead next time.
There's something about this place that keeps you coming back!
Greasy, convenient, and cheap. -
Review from Fern H.
10/28/2011
Just like the food I had here, I am only lukewarm about King's Palace.
Met a friend for lunch and we both grabbed a combo. I had the mattar paneer on rice. It came with a small side salad and pop ($10). My friend chose the mango chicken, saag paneer on rice combo ($12.50).
As soon as I took my first bite, I though 'damn, should have ordered the naan instead of rice'. The rice was cold, hard and clumpy. I've eaten at King's Palace before and was blown away by their warm and toasty naans.
The paneer on this day was blah...no flavor, kinda greasy and only a few measly cubes of cheese. I ate about 1/4 of the food on my plate and had no desire to eat more or take the rest with me. I'm sure my meal could have used a few extra minutes in the nuker. My friend, on the other hand, gobbled up her entire meal so she really loved her food or was just really hungry.
Next time, I will avoid getting the rice combo and stick with naan instead. -
Review from Juliana H.
Toronto, ON
8/19/2011
One word - wicked! Yah yah... I know haters will say its not authentic and so on. Maybe so, but it's the only fast food I would request for my birthday dinner. I absolutely love the crazy amount of combos all displayed behind the counter! And the very odd inefficient way the guys behind the counter seem to put together an order is also kind of fascinating to watch. Seriously, their rice is strangely addictive and I love all their dahl dishes. People have complained that it's too spicy. No way! It's perfect!
Generally I do take out. It only makes sense because the servings are huge and I end up lugging home a lot of left overs anyway. The restaurant itself isn't catering towards a fine dining experience... it's totally functional which is just fine if you're stopping by for quick eats.
I have a hard time convincing people to try it out because people are put-off because it used to be attached to a gas station in its previous location and now it's beside a car wash. This is irrelevant in my opinion. Decode the combos and you will enjoy! -
Review from Gokul M.
Toronto, ON
2/9/2012
Positive: Open very late into the night, quick service, not too pricy, filling portions
Cons: Food is microwaved and not at all fresh, very oily and unhealthy.
Overall, i still go there from time to time because ultimately food is tasty, and having that kind of food occasionally (once a month) can't do too much harm to me. -
Review from Monica K.
North York, ON
2/25/2011
Ohhhhhh yeahhhh!! Now THIS is the real deal, none of that artificial stuff you get at other places (New York Fries Butter Chicken anyone?) I came here with a rather large group, probably about 15 of us? Yeah, we couldn't all sit down but nobody cared because the food was just mmm mmm good. The service was quick and friendly, and the place was small but cozy. The place kind of has a Chinese Fast Food Restaurant feel to it, except with much yummier food.
The nahn bread was huge! The butter chicken was delish, and they even had those orange thingies.... the super sweet desserts that kind of look like little funnel cakes, THAT got me excited, not because of the sugar high, but because they're not that easy to find in Toronto if you don't know where to look, and especially if you don't know what they're called. I always called it "that-super-sweet-swiggly-orange-thing-that-tastes -like-honey!" I got my first taste at my Indian friend's wedding (home-cooked indian food ftw) and have been hooked ever since. I also like that you can actually see your food before they scoop it on to your plate. -
Review from Eugene M.
Toronto, ON
11/20/2011
So tasty. So unhealthy. A guilty pleasure if you like South Asian food. Yummy naan, good paneer, all dishes we tried made for a flavourful fast-food experience. Great for take-out or grabbing a quick lunch.
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Review from Jenny H.
Toronto, ON
12/18/2011
Three stars for now, and I want to go back a second time as I think it has potential.
Since I don't like spicy hot (but never give up on it) I asked for something not spicy and they gave me a dish that was extremely hot and I ate only a small amount of it. I found out later that Butter Chicken would have been a better bet, so maybe that will be worth a try.
I didn't like the salad, it was a bit of lettuce and cucumbers and a couple of carrots with a watery dressing.
The naan was excellent and plentiful so I did not go away hungry. Couldn't stop eating it.
Service was friendly and helpful. Interesting to watch the guys behind the counter walking aimlessly around in circles but getting it done. It's a few weeks ago and I can't remember if the cutlery was real or plastic. They would lose a star for plastic and/or paper plates. I think they used a combination of paper and real plates, again not sure. They heat up the food in the microwave but I tried to ignore that.
The food on display was impressive and very attractively displayed, I just wish I could eat some of it without my mouth being on fire. In case you've never been there, it is a long steam table with many items.
Unpretentious and comfortable. Very clean though I did not see the washrooms.
Back I go one of these days for another try, there has to be something there for me. -
Review from Ariel G.
10/8/2009 4 Check-ins Here
Last night, while the family opted for Pizza Pizza, I sauntered across the street to King Palace.
It is located next to a hand car wash, and surely does not win prizes for ambiance.
They feature a nicely displayed steam table with a wide variety of Indo-Pak specialties, with a wonderful fresh baked nan bread.
I randomly picked a nice chicken dish, a wonderful lentil dal, and the aforesaid nan. The chicken was served on a perfectly cooked rice, nice seasoned and cooked very well.
It took about 3 minutes to be served and walk out with a bag of goodies. I could have saved a few dollars if I had chosen on their combos, but the menu was so extensive that I opted for creating my own.
It is quick, available, good, tasty and millions of cabbies can't be wrong. And for those of you who look for it its Halal. -
Review from Bryan G.
Toronto, ON
4/21/2009
GENERAL NOTES
Some of the best Indian/Pakistani food in the city. How do I know? Cabbies. All the time. Honestly, who would know better than the cabbies? Also 24 HOURS!!!
MENU RECOMMENDATIONS
You absolutely cannot go wrong with the Butter Chicken. Creamy, tasty sauce and huge chunks of succulent chicken over rice. I finally tried the Mango Chicken and that was similarly delicious. And for those who prefer more "authentic" indian, there's loads of options. Basically there's a plethora of catering trays filled with meat and veggie options - probably 20+ different options. They've let us just take a container and mix and match until it's filled as well. As for the nan, they recently changed it and I really don't like what they've got now. Disappointing.
SERVICE NOTES
There is one counter and usually 1-2 people people ready to take your order/fill your container and these guys don't exactly move fast. Once your Styrofoam container is ready they'll offer to heat it in the microwave. It's basically as sketchy as it sounds. If you're on your way home, just take it cold and heat it up yourself...on a plate.
LOCATION NOTES
Located on Church, just north of Bloor on the south side across from my friend Neil's place. Just look for the cabs. Seriously. Parking in a small lot right at the front of the building.
HUMOUROUS STORY
My friend Chicken Parm Phil uses Cetaphil because his name is Phil. -
Review from Min Min T.
Scarborough, ON
7/16/2009
I stumbled across this taxi stop while geocaching around the Toronto Reference Library. I've had a bad run with Indian fast food anywhere outside Little India, so I was pleasantly surprised when I dug into the saag paneer and naan! Cheap, fast and lots of options.
Nothing gormet about King Palace, so not likely I'd stop here again unless I'm looking to fill up quick. -
Review from Martin W.
2/24/2011
I used to come to this place for lunch very frequently when it was at the Richmond and Sherbourne area. Then they moved and I was so sad not to get my King Palace fix. Last week I had the fortune to come to the current location and everything was as I remembered it. It was as if they picked up the entire building and moved it over. Even the seating and microwaves were exactly the same. The food, as DELICIOUS as ever. The herbs and spices they use really make the food here bursting with flavour. I don't care that they nuke the food to heat it up, its still fannnntastic! They are also open late, so perfect for a late night snack or full on meal! I cannot wait to go back!
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Review from Rj P.
12/22/2009
Indian/Pakistani food at it's best.
I knew this place was good when the Taxi drivers were all there at 4 AM. 24-hour service is a big plus.
Since then it has become my go-to place for Pakistani/Indian food. The combos are plentiful, the options are many and the service is always very friendly and helpful if you are not sure what the dishes are.
I've ordered a-la carte and prices tend to be high - so stay with the combos and order a different one for everybody in your crew and then share to get a taste of everything.
Amazing. I go back monthly. -
Review from Diva L.
Toronto, ON
11/25/2011
As a Pakistani born in Canada who misses home cooked meals I come to King Palace when I need a fix of south asian food. I am very selective in what I order. My first experience with the rice was not as good as my experience with their naan. I very much recommend the naan over the rice. My favorite dishes are the haleem, channa, and butter chicken. The daal looks good too but I have never tried it. The people behind the counter of course let you try anything if you are unsure of the taste or want to see if something is spicy enough. I know the idea of them popping it in the microwave bothers some but I always get mine to go and enjoy it at home. Many South Asians come here. As the reviews state many cab drivers come and let me tell you cab drivers wives usually cook AMAZING dishes so if they come the food has to be decent. I know it definitely cannot beat real home cooked south asian meals but it definitely satisfies my cravings when I can't get fresh cooked food.
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Review from Kat F.
2/11/2009 3 photos
When I'm famished after a long night at the local watering hole, King Palace is a good place to head for a filling meal. The portions are massive and affordable, and the naan is cooked while you wait. The place is always teeming with South Asian youth and the parking lot filled with cab drivers - especially in the middle of the night (3-4am when the bars let out). Sometimes it's hard to grab a table but luckily the food lends itself well to takeout!
And yeah, it's true - they do always have the TV set to South Asian music videos!!Listed in: Late Night & 24 Hour Toronto
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Review from John F.
North York, ON
6/16/2010
Primarily Pakistani in nature, with a TV showing newscasts in Urdu (I think it was Urdu). Food is served from a steam table, but is very good quality and looks great. We were not in a curry dish mood the late evening we stopped, so both of us ordered tandoori chicken. The "half" chicken was actually two legs, but they were well seasoned and very well marinated so that the flavour penetrated.
We also had a side order of plain jeera pulao which was good. Salads that come with the combos are noting special but not bad. Naan is good and very generous.
This is a joint with no atmosphere to speak of but very friendly and a good place for late night service.
For such a little place, the selection is enormous. All meat served is halal, too. -
Review from Dallas H.
2/21/2010
This place would be a lot better if I didn't have to eat everything cold. Microwaved food is just something I can't do.
+1 for being open late. -
Review from Sandy L.
Toronto, ON
6/11/2011
I'm basing this review on the one order of lamb curry takeout that I ordered. There were so many things wrong with that one thing that I'll just provide my criticisms in list form:
- There was more bone than meat. Since when does the lamb in lamb curry have bone in it?
- There were big chunks of some internal organ in it. I'm guessing liver.
- The lamb curry was not provided separately from the rice, it was poured on top of the rice all in the same container
- There was not nearly enough lamb curry and sauce for the rice provided. Granted it was a more than fair amount of rice.
The only good thing I have to say is that after navigating through all the bone and organs, it did taste ok (but not great), for the parts of the rice that got enough curry on it. And the naan was also ok (but not great). Do yourself a favour and go to Amaya Express down the street instead. -
Review from Kartik K.
Toronto, ON
8/4/2009
this is always a great place to eat either late night or when pressed for time. I always found the non-vegetarian food to be consistently well made with the right amount of spice. vegetarians might not like this restaurant as much, i find that the veggie dishes are hit or miss. The naan is quite good , made the traditional way (no eggs / yeast)
menu recommendations:
butter chicken, rogan josh, chicken kashmiri, brain masala (unfortunately only on weekends)
I usually end up paying around 13$ with naan and drink. -
Review from Tiffany G.
Toronto, ON
12/17/2008 2 Check-ins Here
Kings Palace was recommended to me by an Indian new comer (a few years ago) to the city as the closest thing to real, home cooked Indian food. Don't come expecting a nice sit down restaurant. There are places to sit but the ambience is lacking. On a regular day they will have loud Indian music video's or news blaring in the backround on the large television screen . But, the staff are friendly and bring your food to the table. This is a fast food joint that will have your taste buds longing for more. You will always see at least one cabby parked outside which I think is a sign to how good it is. The food is layed out behind a glass counter and you pick what you want to eat. They have combo's and the portions are large. I always opt for a vegetarian item (cheaper than the meat items) but am never sure what I am eating exactly (there are no names on the food items). I just know it tastes good. The nann is large, fluffy and buttery. Perfect to scoop with. I highly recommend you take a chance with this place even if the interior has you second guessing.
Note: Different Address to what Yelp has (it changed locations):
820 Church Street
Toronto, ON M4W 2M9
(416) 515-8188 -
Review from Joe Y.
York, ON
5/16/2011
God I love this place. Whenever I'm down for late night Indian dishes, this place has been on the top of my list for the past a few years. The staff isn't all that friendly though, they seem a little annoyed most of the time. Not that I really care because I only do takeouts at King's Palace but for those who dine in should memo. Most importantly the food is very decent for the price you pay (their butter chicken is probably one of the best in TO).
