When you think of Indian food, the first dish that likely comes to mind is butter chicken, right? We all adore this delectable and distinctive dish, thanks to its mouthwatering flavour profile and widespread popularity. However, Indian cuisine extends far beyond just butter chicken and curries; it features a rich profile of flavours, tastes, and preparation methods that are sure to tantalise any palate and leave you craving for more.
But what about the other dishes that deserve equal recognition or perhaps even more? That's the question we're here to answer in this article. Join us as we dive deeper into the unique offerings of East Indian dishes, exploring a popular restaurant in Calgary that is known for its exceptional delicacies.
Diversity Of The East Indian Cuisine
The beauty of Indian food lies in the unique pairings of dishes from each part of the country. The land of India is culturally diverse which largely impacts its food choices. Indian food is known for its spices, flavours, unique dish pairings and vast vegetarian options. From the mustard-infused delicacies of West Bengal to the subtle dishes of Assam, East Indian food features a stunning range of culinary traditions. This diversity is widely reflected in the ingredients used, such as mustard seeds, poppy seeds, and various types of fish and also in the balance between vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Some regions are known for their typical vegetarian food options, while others include the flavours of fish and meat, making East Indian cuisine a captivating journey for food enthusiasts.
Beyond Butter Chicken
Many people in Calgary believe that Indian food is just about dishes like butter chicken and naan bread. That's because these dishes are popular and familiar. But in reality, Indian cuisine is much more diverse and exciting. This misunderstanding happens because these popular dishes are often promoted and advertised more. Plus, some folks might not have tried other Indian dishes because they stick to what they know.
Indian food has a wide range of flavours and styles from different regions, each with its unique dishes and tastes. To discover the authentic variety of Indian food in Calgary, it's important to go beyond the familiar and try the lesser-known dishes from various Indian regions available at our restaurant. You'll be amazed at the delicious surprises waiting for you once you break free from this misconception.
Best East Indian Restaurant In Calgary
Gate Of India Calgary is known for its commitment to showcasing the traditional flavours and techniques of East Indian cooking. Whether you're savouring a fragrant biryani, a rich and spicy curry, or a tandoori masterpiece, each offering reflects a genuine approach to authentic East Indian food.
What sets Gate of India apart is its dedication to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The chefs here take pride in sourcing the finest spices, meats, and vegetables, ensuring that every bite bursts with authentic taste and texture. This commitment to quality shines through in each dish, from our succulent kebabs to aromatic vegetarian offerings.
You can also order East Indian food online in Calgary by visiting our website’s menu section and experiencing culinary delights like never before.
10 Unique Dishes From Gate Of India That Are Not Butter Chicken
Below is a list of carefully curated East Indian dishes that are far beyond butter chicken. Remember to try them once you visit our restaurant:
Aloo Gobi
Aloo Gobi is a traditional East Indian Dish loved by many. Simple yet flavorful this vegetarian dish features tender cauliflower florets and hearty potatoes cooked to perfection in a fragrant blend of spices, including onions, tomatoes, ginger, and garlic. People often enjoy this dish with a side of butter roti/naan bread or aromatic jeera rice.
Malai Kofta
Malai Kofta is often considered a vegetarian showstopper in Indian cuisine, known for its mildly spiced gravy that beautifully complements the slightly sweet and creamy koftas. This creation features minced potato and Indian cheese balls, known as "koftas," bathed in a luxurious and creamy sauce infused with a delicate blend of spices. The koftas themselves are a delightful blend of mashed potatoes and paneer (Indian cheese), and they're then fried to golden perfection, offering a delightful contrast of crispy exteriors and tender interiors.
Palak Paneer
Palak Paneer is a classic vegetarian dish offered at Gate of India that combines the goodness of Indian cheese, known as "paneer," with the vibrant flavours of fresh spinach and a blend of authentic spices. This dish is a nutritional powerhouse, as spinach is not only rich in vitamins and minerals but also adds a vibrant green colour to the dish.
The preparation involves cooking paneer cubes in a rich and aromatic spinach puree that's been infused with traditional Indian spices. The result is a creamy, mildly spiced gravy that perfectly complements the tender and slightly chewy texture of paneer. It pairs wonderfully with naan, roti, or rice, making it a satisfying dish at Gate of India.
Chicken Tikka Masala
This flavorful dish starts with marinated chicken breast, which is prepared in a clay oven, giving off a smoky and charred flavour to the chicken. The tender chicken pieces are then simmered in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, infused with a medley of aromatic ingredients, including onions, bell peppers, ginger, and garlic.
Served with naan or rice, it's a must-try at Gate of India, offering a delightful journey into the heart of Indian cuisine.
Methi Malai Chicken
Methi Malai Chicken is an authentic East Indian dish that features the culinary finesse at Gate of India. This flavorful creation features tender chicken breast cooked to perfection with the addition of fresh fenugreek leaves. The key to its distinctive taste lies in the creamy sauce that covers the chicken.
Bhoona Lamb/Goat/Beef
This dish features your choice of lamb, goat, or beef, cooked to perfection with a blend of tomatoes, onions, and thick bhoona spices. The preparation method, known as "bhoona," involves slow-cooking the meat in a thick, intensely spiced sauce until it becomes tender and deeply infused with flavour. The result is an aromatic curry with a luscious gravy that clings to the meat, ensuring each bite is a burst of flavour.
Lamb/Goat/Beef Curry
This dish offers a choice of lamb, goat, or beef, carefully cooked with a harmonious blend of ingredients, including onions, tomato sauce, ginger, garlic, and a medley of aromatic spices.
The key to the appeal of this curry lies in the careful balance of flavours and spices. The tender meat absorbs the rich and savoury sauce, resulting in a dish that's both hearty and deeply flavorful.
Daab Chingri Prawn
Daab Chingri Prawn is a Bengali-style dish that brings the flavours of the sea and the coastal cuisine to Gate of India. This dish features juicy prawns, expertly cooked in a rich and aromatic sauce infused with a blend of coconut, onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and green chilli. The unique feature of this dish is its cooking method. It is traditionally prepared by sealing the prawns and spices inside a tender coconut shell, creating a natural vessel that allows the flavours to meld together beautifully.
Lamb/Goat/Beef Biryani
The Lamb/Goat/Beef Biryani at Gate of India is a true masterpiece of Indian cuisine. This dish features your choice of lamb, goat, or beef, expertly cooked with a tantalizing blend of aromatic spices and long-grain rice. The meat, marinated and cooked to perfection, is layered with fragrant rice. The spices infuse each grain of rice and every tender piece of meat, resulting in a rich and aromatic dish.
Peas Pulao
This fragrant creation features long-grain rice cooked to perfection with tender green peas and a blend of aromatic spices. The rice, infused with the sweet freshness of green peas, takes on the subtle flavours of the spices.
Gate of India's authenticity, premium ingredients, and preparation shine through in every dish, making it the best East Indian restaurant in Calgary, available for both dining in and ordering online. Whether you're savouring the vibrant vegetarian options or indulging in the bold flavors of lamb, goat, or beef preparations, each bite at Gate of India is a journey into the heart of India's diverse and exquisite gastronomy. So, venture forth and explore this culinary gem to discover the richness and depth of Indian flavours right here in your city.