Hakka cuisine—fiery, fragrant, forged on the streets of Kolkata and Mumbai—finally has a proper home in Montreal thanks to Oorja. Chef Camara Boodram and owner Charan Vaddadi bring Indo-Chinese cooking into sharper focus at this Saint-Henri spot, with wok-fired momos, chilli paneer, braised five-spice pork belly, and Manchurian veggie balls that punch far above their $15 price tag. It’s bold, nostalgic food for anyone who grew up on Gobi Manchurian and late-night schezwan noodles, but Oorja’s drinks program takes it further: cocktails with masala bitters, tamarind, and cashew orgeat, plus baiju in the mix for good measure. The name means “energy,” and the place has plenty of it—vibrant, comforting, and unafraid to take a few risks. If you’re after something different than the usual Tuesday pasta or bistro fare, this place flips the script.
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Where to eat a great dinner on a Tuesday night in Montreal
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