The Nilgiris Restaurant is a South Indian restaurant known for its vegetarian buffet.

The Scarborough location, which occupies a corner unit in the Markham McNicoll Centre, is one of two in the GTA. The second location can be found on Ebenezer Road in Brampton.

Balu Khandaswami has managed the franchise with his family since 2001. He has watched the business grow over time and has plans to expand it even further.

Balu tells us that when the restaurant first opened, it only offered takeout. The space was renovated in 2007 in response to customer feedback, giving people the option to dine-in.

Paintings, statues and carvings of Hindu gods give the otherwise utilitarian dining room a unique character. Balu says that these decorations were all souvenirs from back home.Though takeout is still the more popular of the two options, as the customers and couriers waiting near the entrance surely prove, the dining room often attracts a sizable crowd.

"We're very busy later in the week," says Balu. "Friday nights are especially busy."

The Nilgiris Restaurant offers a buffet on weekends, which is extended to include Fridays during the spring and summer months.

The buffet features an array of South Asian specialties, from fragrant rice dishes to comforting flatbreads.

Ghee roast masala dosa ($12.99) is what most people think of when they hear the word 'dosa'. This thin pastry comes in a long tube, with a variety of sauces for dipping. Rava masala dosa ($12.99) is folded into a flat rectangular shape. Though it is served with a similar selection of sauces, the dosa itself has a grittier texture, courtesy of the semolina used in the batter. The mixed vegetable uthappam ($11.99) is thicker than either of the dosas, with an almost pancake-like consistency. Chopped onions and peppers are sprinkled on top, giving it a strong, savoury taste. Medu vada ($6.99) are crispy, donut-shaped snacks made from black lentils.

Be warned, though: these deep-fried fritters are the perfect size and shape to pop into your mouth. You may end up eating more than you intend to!Idli ($7.99) is a popular Indian breakfast food, often served with sambar and chutney. Though this soft rice cake can be a bit bland on its own, it pairs well with spicy flavours. The Chili Idli ($9.99) takes this pairing to the next level. Thin strips of idli are coated with chili sauce and garnished with green peppers. The result is a spicy dish that's easy to share with friends.The Chennai food platter ($15.99), also called the madras thali, is a large tray composed of many common breakfast foods. A bowl of rice sits at the center, surrounded by sauces, idli, papadam and vada. Poori with potato masala ($9.99) consists of a hollow orb of deep-fried bread and a side of curried potatoes. Parotta with vegetable kurma ($9.99) is a similar dish, with a flaky, croissant-like texture and braised vegetables on the side.Indian Masala Tea ($2.99) comes in a unique metal cup, which keeps the tea warm for a longer period of time. Lassi ($3.99) is available in sweet, salty and mango varieties. The mango kind is bright orange, while the sweet kind is pale pink and tastes faintly of roses.Both drinks are cold and creamy, making them the perfect way to end a hearty meal.The Nilgiris Restaurant is located at 3021 Markham Road, Unit 50.