What is inside
What is inside Schezwan Paneer Toast?
Schezwan Paneer Toast is paneer cubes, cheese and vegetables marinated in schezwan sauce and grilled between toast. Here is what is inside it, layer by layer, and why each one is there.
From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 2 min read
Layers
5 in all
Key ingredient
Paneer
Heat
Medium to hot
Served
Hot, toasted
The 5 layers of Schezwan Paneer Toast
Schezwan Paneer Toast is built from 5 parts. They are listed in the order you meet them, and the numbers match the diagram.
The grilled bread
Two slices of bread, buttered on the outside and toasted on a grill until crisp and golden.
The schezwan sauce
A hot, garlicky red chilli sauce, used to marinate the filling and often spread inside the bread.
The paneer
Cubes of fresh paneer tossed in the sauce, giving the sandwich a soft, milky centre that takes the heat well.
The vegetables
Onion, capsicum and sometimes cabbage, cut small and cooked briefly so they stay crunchy.
The cheese
A layer of melted cheese that binds the filling and softens the spice.
01
What it is made of
This is an Indo-Chinese filling in a grilled sandwich. The sauce is hot and garlicky, the paneer is mild and the cheese is there to join everything.
- Bread
- Paneer
- Schezwan sauce
- Onion and capsicum
- Cheese
- Butter
02
How the layers work together
Smoky, garlicky and spicy, with soft, creamy paneer and a crisp outside. The cheese and paneer cool the heat, and the sauce keeps it from tasting like a plain cheese toastie.
03
Where it comes from
Schezwan paneer is an Indo-Chinese dish that began as a restaurant starter and was adapted into sandwiches and toasts in Indian cafes. The sauce is based on Sichuan flavours but adjusted for Indian tastes, with more chilli and garlic.
04
Variations and other names
You may see this filling in several forms:
- Schezwan paneer starter: served dry on a plate.
- Schezwan paneer roll: in a flatbread wrap.
- Schezwan paneer pizza: on a base with cheese.
- Chilli paneer: in a thick, tangy sauce.
05
How to eat it
Eat it hot, cut in triangles. The cheese is molten, so take small bites at first, and have a cold lassi ready.
06
Schezwan Paneer Toast at Tapri Chai
Schezwan Paneer is $12.99 CAD on our menu. We make it in a 100% vegetarian kitchen at 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa, open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm, closed Mondays.
Questions, answered.
What is Schezwan Paneer Toast made of?
Schezwan Paneer Toast is made of bread, paneer, schezwan sauce, onion and capsicum, cheese and butter.
How many layers does Schezwan Paneer Toast have?
Traditionally 5: the grilled bread, the schezwan sauce, the paneer, the vegetables and the cheese.
Is Schezwan Paneer Toast vegetarian?
Yes. The traditional recipe is vegetarian, and every dish at Tapri Chai is vegetarian.
Is Schezwan Paneer Toast spicy?
It is medium to hot. The schezwan sauce carries a strong chilli kick.
Where can I try Schezwan Paneer Toast in Ottawa?
At Tapri Chai, 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa. Schezwan Paneer is $12.99 CAD on our menu.
At Tapri Chai
Taste it for yourself.
Our kitchen in Barrhaven is 100% vegetarian. 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Ottawa. Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm. Closed Mondays.