The buffet at Haweli South Common is designed the same way the à la carte menu is: layered spices, generous portions, scratch-made. Just arranged so a table of four can try six curries, a tandoori platter, and a dessert without having to agree on a single order.
What makes Haweli's buffet different from other South Edmonton Common options
Most buffets in Edmonton cut corners. They batch-cook in the morning, hold dishes under heat lamps, and rely on salt and sugar to mask the fatigue. Haweli's approach is different.
The South Edmonton Common location uses the same kitchen philosophy as the brand's downtown location. It's one that has earned years of trust. Every curry on the buffet rotates fresh. Tandoori items come out in waves, not all at once. The spice blends are ground weekly. And the kitchen is visible, so you can watch the team work rather than guess what's happening behind closed doors.
The dining room itself sets Haweli apart. The term "haweli" refers to a traditional Indian mansion, a place where you're welcomed as family. You'll notice the space between tables, the calm noise level, the room to have a conversation. Diners from Rutherford, Ellerslie, and Summerside often make the trip because most chain options in the retail corridor feel rushed. This doesn't.
What you'll find on the buffet: curries, tandoori, and desserts
The buffet centers on North Indian classics, rotating items seasonally. At any visit, you'll see multiple curries: a butter-based sauce, a yogurt curry, a lentil preparation. Malai Butter Chicken is a standard, since it appears in nearly every request we hear.
Tandoori items are the buffet's backbone. Tandoori Chicken, marinated in spices and cooked in the clay oven (tandoor). Lamb Seekh Kabab, ground lean meat rolled and roasted. These are the dishes that separate Haweli from the typical buffet. Tandoor cooking demands time and skill, and most competitors skip it entirely to save labor.
On the vegetarian side: Palak Paneer, fresh spinach with homemade cheese. Daal Tadka is yellow lentils tempered with spiced oil, a simple dish that tastes of technique, not filler. Both are popular with meat eaters too; they're not afterthoughts.
You'll find rice dishes (biryani), fresh naan and breads, and shareable appetizers like Samosa Channa Chaat. It's a samosa broken over spiced chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and chutneys. One plate where every bite changes.
Desserts are where the buffet shows its range. Gulab jamun (milk solids fried, soaked in sugar syrup), kheer (rice pudding), or seasonal fruit-based sweets. Nothing from a mix.
Who the buffet is built for: families, groups, and date nights
A family of four walks in with different tastes. One person wants creamy sauces, another prefers vegetarian, a third wants tandoori. An à la carte menu forces compromise: someone orders what they didn't want, or the table splits into sides. The buffet solves it. Everyone fills their plate with what appeals to them, no negotiation.
Groups love it for the same reason. A team outing, a birthday gathering. You don't spend thirty minutes debating the menu. You eat, talk, no friction.
Couples use the buffet as a tasting menu. You try six dishes instead of two. The cost is often lower than ordering à la carte, so you taste more for less.
Locals from South Edmonton Common, Rutherford, Callaghan, and Summerside have made Friday and Saturday nights a routine. The buffet, the bar, the space combine to make something rare in the area. Diners from Mill Woods Town Centre, Twin Brooks, and Steinhauer frequently make the drive because few restaurants in those neighborhoods blend authentic North Indian food with this level of care and comfort.
Where to find Haweli in South Edmonton Common
Haweli Indian Kitchen & Bar is located at 2104 99 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6N 1L2, inside the busy South Edmonton Common retail district. Diners from neighborhoods like Twin Brooks, Steinhauer, and Empire Park find it convenient for Friday-night buffets. You'll find free parking, which is why many families and groups prefer this location over downtown alternatives.
The phone number is +1 (780) 469-7007. Call ahead to confirm the buffet is running on your preferred date, or to make a reservation for a group.
Hours are 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday, extending to 12:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The longer weekend hours make Friday and Saturday nights prime time for the buffet experience.
Ready to Try Haweli's Buffet?
Visit us at South Edmonton Common for the full North Indian experience. Order online, pick up, or dine in with friends and family.
Order Online NowFrequently Asked Questions
What's included in Haweli's Indian buffet?
The buffet rotates fresh North Indian curries, tandoori items like chicken and seekh kabab, basmati rice and biryani, fresh naan and breads, vegetarian dishes like Palak Paneer and Daal Tadka, and desserts like gulab jamun or kheer. You get variety without choosing one dish — perfect for tables that can't agree.
Is the buffet as good as the à la carte menu?
Yes. The buffet items come from the same kitchen, with the same recipes and scratch-made spice blends. The difference is convenience: instead of waiting for individual orders, you taste multiple dishes at once. The quality is identical — layered spices, generous portions, fresh ingredients.
Can I combine buffet and à la carte at Haweli?
Yes. Many guests order the buffet and add one or two à la carte items (like a biryani or extra naan) if they want something specific. The team is flexible, and the bar menu is always available.
Is Haweli in South Edmonton Common open for Friday-night buffets?
Haweli is open Friday 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. and Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., making Friday and Saturday evenings ideal for buffet visits. Call +1 (780) 469-7007 to confirm buffet availability on your preferred date.