If you’re craving authentic Indian cuisine in the Durham Region, particularly around Pickering and Whitby, Milanu’s Tandoori Grill is a standout destination. Known for its rich, traditional flavors and a warm, welcoming ambiance, Milanu’s serves as a culinary bridge between the vibrant heritage of Indian food and the tastes of the Canadian GTA.
A Local Gem in Pickering, Serving the Durham Region
Based in Pickering, Milanu’s Tandoori Grill has become much more than a neighborhood restaurant — it’s a destination for food lovers across the Durham Region, including Ajax, Whitby, and beyond. Their reputation for authenticity, quality, and hospitality has earned them multiple accolades, and they’re widely regarded as one of the top Indian restaurants in the area.
What makes Milanu’s special is their commitment to using hand-picked ingredients, in-house spice blends, and time-honored recipes. Many of their dishes are cooked in a traditional tandoor — giving their meats and breads a smoky, deeply-layered flavor.
A Menu That Speaks to Everyone
Milanu’s menu is impressively diverse. Whether you’re vegetarian or a meat-lover, in for a casual meal or planning a special event, there’s something to suit your palate.
Starters & Tandoori Specials
- Punjabi Vegetable Samosa: Crisp pastry filled with spiced potatoes — a great way to kick off your meal.
- Tandoori Mushrooms: Grilled in the clay oven, marinated in red spices, and served with salad and green chutney.
- Amritsari Paneer Tikka: Cottage cheese (paneer) marinated in a special spice blend, grilled to perfection.
- Malai Paneer Tikka: A milder, creamier version — ideal for those who prefer less heat but rich flavor.
- For an even more unique vegetarian starter, try the Soya Chaap Tikka, available in tangy, creamy, or pickled (achari) versions.
Curries & Main Dishes
The curry section at Milanu’s is truly comforting and expansive:
- Paneer Butter Masala: Soft paneer cubes immersed in a buttery, creamy tomato sauce.
- Dal Makhani: Rich black lentils simmered slowly with butter and spices for that deep, soulful flavor.
- Gobi Aloo Masala: Cauliflower and potatoes cooked in a spicy masala — a homely favorite.
- Shahi Paneer: A royal curry, with a creamy, cashew-infused gravy.
- For non-vegetarians, you can choose from classics like Butter Chicken, Lamb Masala, and more.
Tandoori Grill / BBQ Meats
Milanu’s tandoori offerings are a highlight, grilled in a clay oven for that signature smokiness:
- Tandoori Chicken — juicy, marinated in aromatic spices.
- Chicken Tikka — boneless chicken pieces, tender and flavorful.
- Lamb Chops and Seekh Kebabs — perfect for a hearty, protein-rich meal.
Indo-Chinese & Fusion Dishes
Milanu’s also caters to those who enjoy a fusion twist. Their Desi Hakka Chinese menu features dishes like:
- Hakka Noodles — Indian spices meet classic Chinese-style noodles.
- Chilli Paneer and Manchurian Gravy — Indo-Chinese favorites that are spicy, tangy, and satisfying.
- Mom os — steamed or fried dumplings, packed with vegetables or meat, served with chutneys.
Biryani & Rice
No Indian restaurant is complete without biryani — and Milanu’s delivers:
- Chicken Dum Biryani, Goat Biryani, and Veg Biryani — fragrant, layered with spices, cooked with care.
- Lighter rice options like Jeera Rice or Peas Pulao are great pairings with rich curries.
Breads, Wraps & Extras
- Freshly baked naan, kulchas, and loaded wraps (filled with grilled meats, fresh veggies, and sauces) bring a comforting yet versatile touch.
- For something quick yet satisfying, their Tandoori Chicken Wrap and Paneer Tikka Wrap are popular picks.
Desserts & Beverages
Finishing off a meal at Milanu’s means treating yourself:
- Gulab Jamun: Soft milk-dumplings soaked in rose-scented syrup.
- Kesar Rasmalai: Paneer discs in saffron-infused milk, garnished with nuts.
- Gajar Halwa: Warm carrot pudding cooked in milk and ghee — cozy and nostalgic.
- Kulfi Faluda: Indian-style ice cream with rose syrup, basil seeds, and faluda noodles — refreshing and textural.
- For a fusion twist, there’s also a Double Fudge Chocolate Cake that brings together Western dessert style and Indian sweetness.
- On the drinks side, traditional favorites like Masala Chai, Mango Lassi, and Sweet Lassi are available to balance spicy meals.
Why Milanu’s Stands Out in Whitby & Durham Region
- Authenticity & Quality
Milanu’s uses in-house masala and carefully sourced ingredients to recreate genuine Indian flavors. Their traditional tandoor oven gives the grilled dishes a real smoky depth that’s hard to find elsewhere. - Variety for All
The menu appeals to a wide audience — vegetarians, meat-lovers, fusion food fans, and even dessert lovers. Whether you’re ordering a family meal or catering a party, there’s something for everyone. - Convenience & Accessibility
Located in Pickering, Milanu’s is easily accessible to those living in Whitby, Ajax, or other parts of the Durham Region. They offer dine-in, takeout, and catering services, making them a versatile choice for weeknight dinners or big gatherings. - Award-Winning Experience
Milanu’s isn’t just well loved by customers — they’ve also earned awards for their food and service, which speaks volumes about consistency and quality. - Community-Focused
Their catering isn’t just for big weddings — they serve local community events, corporate functions, and family celebrations across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This makes them a go-to not just for dinner, but for meaningful moments.
Best Times to Visit
- Lunch: Their Indian special lunch menu (available from around 12 PM to 3 PM) offers great value, like the Tandoori Chicken Quarter with Plain Naan or Grilled Chicken Wrap.
- Dinner & Weekends: Ideal for sampling their tandoori grill meats, biryani, and sharing platters.
- Events & Catering: For birthdays, Diwali, or corporate parties, Milanu’s catering brings a rich, festive menu to your table.
If you’re looking for authentic Indian food near Whitby or anywhere in the Durham Region, Milanu’s Tandoori Grill is a must-visit. Its strong roots in traditional Indian cooking, combined with a thoughtfully curated menu that includes Indo-Chinese fusion, make it a restaurant that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re indulging in creamy curries, smoky tandoori delights, or homemade Indian desserts — Milanu’s offers a flavorful, comforting, and memorable culinary journey.
Next time you’re in Pickering or exploring the Durham Region, treat yourself (and your friends or family) to a meal at Milanu’s Tandoori Grill. You’ll be transported, bite by bite, to a little piece of India right in your neighborhood.