Must Try Authentic Indian Dishes In Calgary

When it comes to trying Indian dishes in Calgary one might face a lot of confusion due to the wide range of options available. Those familiar with Indian food often have expectations about the taste of a dish. For the first-timers, we have carefully curated a list of some of the best Indian dishes in Calgary that will surely give you starry eyes.

1. Tandoori Chicken

Often enjoyed as an appetizer, the popular Tandoori chicken is a dish whose origin can be traced back centuries. The dish has been a part of the Indian culinary scene for a long time and is known as one of the best non-vegetarian dishes on the Indian appetizers menu in Calgary. The speciality of this dish lies in its preparation method which involves cooking in a traditional clay oven commonly known as a tandoor.

• Ingredients: The first step of cooking Tandoori chicken involves marinating tender chicken pieces in a blend of yoghurt and a variety of authentic Indian spices. Commonly used spices include turmeric, cumin, coriander, pepper, and garam masala.
• Cooking Procedure: The marinated chicken is cooked in a traditional clay oven known as Tandoor in India. The heat of the tandoor gives the chicken a smoky flavour and a noticeable char on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
• Serving Style: You can enjoy Tandoori chicken with a side of salad and mint chutney for a flavourful experience. Some people also like pairing naan bread with it for a more filling experience.

2. Palak Paneer

If you are looking to order Indian food online in Calgary with a vegetarian option, we suggest you go for the healthy and wholesome Palak Paneer. This dish features cubes of cheese (Paneer) cooked in a spinach curry. Several spices and herbs are added to its preparation to enhance the overall taste.

• Ingredients: The ingredients include spinach leaves, cubes of paneer, diced onions, tomatoes, authentic Indian herbs and spices like cumin, turmeric, ginger-garlic paste, green chillies, and garam masala.
• Cooking Procedure: Spinach is boiled, pureed, and blended with golden-brown stir-fried onions, tomatoes, and a mix of spices including cumin, coriander, salt, turmeric, garam masala, and ginger-garlic paste. The curry is perfected by adding paneer cubes and simmering until ready.
• Serving Style: Palak Paneer is often enjoyed with a side of naan bread or roti. Some people also like pairing it with rice.

3. Butter Chicken

The best of the best, the king of chicken dishes, the Butter chicken is probably the most iconic dish from the Indian cuisine menu in Calgary. No Indian celebration or dining experience is whole without the presence of this culinary masterpiece.

• Ingredients: Boneless chicken A blend of tomatoes, cream, and butter along with finely chopped onions, ginger-garlic paste, and spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and red chilli powder is used to craft the curry base. Cashew paste is later added for an extra creaminess.
• Cooking Procedure: The preparation of this authentic Indian dish begins by marinating tender pieces of boneless chicken in a blend of yoghurt infused with herbs and spices. The chicken is grilled and cooked with sautéed onions, ginger-garlic, tomatoes, cashew paste, and spices.
• Serving Style: Butter chicken can be enjoyed with a side of fluffy naan bread or rice as per your preference.

4. Fish Vindaloo

Fish Vindaloo, an authentic Indian dish is popular for its unique flavour profile and wholesome goodness. The dish features tender pieces of fish marinated in a zesty vindaloo paste.

• Ingredients: The ingredients feature tender pieces of firm fish marinated in a blend of vindaloo spices. Main ingredients of the dish include chopped onions, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, red chilli powder, turmeric, and vinegar.
• Cooking Procedure: Diced onions are stir-fried to perfection followed by the inclusion of tomato paste spices and herbs. The marinated fish is then gently introduced to the curry, and cooked to a delectable, flaky texture.
• Serving Style: Typically served with steamed rice or Indian bread, the curry's tangy taste finds a balance with these sides.

5. Chicken Biryani

The Chicken Biryani ranks among the best Indian foods in Calgary, thanks to its widespread popularity. The dish is known for its flavorful combination of aromatic long-grain basmati rice and tender pieces of chicken infused with authentic spices.

• Ingredients: The main ingredients include pieces of marinated chicken infused with a blend of yoghurt and spices. Followed by long-grain basmati rice, spiced with a blend of cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, caramelized onions, diced tomatoes, and ginger-garlic paste.
• Cooking Procedure: Chicken Biryani is cooked by following a complex process. The marinated chicken is paired with half-cooked Basmati rice and layered with caramelized onions, tomatoes, and fresh herbs in a heavy-bottomed pot. The slow dum cooking on low heat infuses the flavours. Before serving, the biryani is garnished with saffron-infused milk and crispy fried onions.
• Serving Style: The dish is often served with a side of raita, chutney and ginger-garlic-based curry that enhances its overall taste and appeal.

What To Expect When Trying Authentic Indian Food In Calgary For The First Time

When trying authentic Indian food in Calgary for the first time, expect a burst of diverse flavours, from mild to spicy. Our menu reflects India's rich culinary offerings, typically of East Indian cuisine. Get ready for flavourful curries, aromatic rice dishes, and warm hospitality.

Don't miss trying Indian desserts for a sweet ending. It's not just a meal – it's a delightful discovery of tastes and cultural richness. Enjoy the culinary adventure!