Absolutely delicious - worth crossing Ottawa
I have loved this restaurant ever since it was in the Glebe. I was away from Ottawa for a number of years, and when I returned I found that it had moved to Montreal Road. I have been telling my colleagues at work about this place for some time now and yesterday they suggested we go for the lunch buffet. I had never tried the buffet before and I was somewhat apprehensive as to whether the food would be as delicous as I found it in the evenings. And of course whether those who were joining me would all find the food appealing. Everyone at my table gave "kudos" as soon as they had taken in the first morsel in their mouth. I was overjoyed by their reaction. The buffet today (August 8, 2008) consisted of Rice, variations of Beef and Chicken curries, Stir Fried Vegetables, vegetarian spring rolls, chicken soup, and Pita Bread. Superb was the verdict for every dish, and we ordered half/half of the Beef Rendang spicy/mild renditions. The beef simply melted in our mouth - it is that tender, but really the spicy (3*) version of the rendang is something that should be shared and not ordered as a main dish if you are by yourself. You don't feel the heat so much in the mouth as you do when your stomach gets a tingling of it. It is incredibly tasty but be aware of the spicyness. The dishes on the buffet ranged from mild to medium hot, and everyone was able to handle them quite comfortably. The spring rolls were regualrly replenished because as the owner explained "we want you to have them crispy and not soggy". Great taste. The Indonesian Gado Gado salad (I prefer it over the Malysisan Gado gado) has plenty of chillies and is smothered in peanut sauce with a generous helping of beans, tofu, cucumbers and sprouts. Absolutely delicous. The total bill for 4 with a couple of soft drinks came to around $70.00. The buffet is reasonably priced at $9.95 per person. I have found the owners to be welcoming and warm. I highly recommend this place for fresh and tasty food. It has plenty of free parking. From the Museum of Civilization in Gatineau to the restaurant, it was only a 15 minute drive. Don't let the fact that it is in the East end of Ottawa deter you from going to Chahaya Malaysia.