If you are trying Indian food for the first time, the experience can be super exciting yet, a little confusing as well. The country has several regions, each with its special offerings and recipes passed down through generations. For instance, tandoori starters, a range of mouthwatering curries, a selection of rice and bread, and a delicate assortment of desserts can make it harder for you to know where to begin.
If you are on your way to visit an Indian restaurant in Calgary for the very first time, you do not need to order everything on the menu. In this article, we’ve rounded up eight signature dishes that you must try as a beginner, what they taste like, and who it is best for.
What Should You Order at an Indian Restaurant in Calgary for the First Time?
1. Chicken Pakora: Crispy, Crunchy & Gone in Seconds
The start of a great dining experience should always begin with some crispy appetizers like chicken pakora. The dish is an easy first choice for beginners new to Indian food in Calgary.
Chicken Pakora is prepared by coating tender chunks of chicken breast in a well-seasoned chickpea batter and frying until golden and crispy. The outside gives a satisfying crunch while the inside remains tender and juicy. Chicken Pakora is often enjoyed with a range of chutneys and spicy sides that enhance the overall experience.
Order it for the table and don’t be surprised if it disappears before everyone gets a second piece.
Best for: Sharing, crispy-food lovers, and first-time Indian food guests.
2. Tandoori Chicken: Where the Smoky Magic Happens
If you think Indian food is all about saucy curries, it’s time to meet the tandoor.
Tandoori chicken is among the most popular appetizers, known for its unique flavor profile and texture. Tender pieces of raw chicken are skinned and marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spice blend, and cooked in a traditional clay oven called the tandoor. The traditional cooking method gives the dish its unique and popular charred and smoky flavor.
It’s a great choice if you enjoy grilled food and want to experience one of the cooking techniques Indian cuisine is famous for.
Best for: Grilled-food fans and anyone who wants something smoky instead of saucy.
3. Paneer Butter Masala: Vegetarians, This One’s for You
Indian cuisine has plenty of options if meat is not on your plate. Paneer Butter Masala is one of the most popular options for vegetarian food lovers and is often a part of celebrations and family gatherings.
The dish combines fresh cubes of tender cottage cheese called Paneer in a creamy gravy. The curry is prepared by emulsifying tomatoes, onions, ground cashews, ghee (clarified butter), and fresh cream with a blend of spices.
If you are visiting an Indian restaurant in Calgary for the first time or ordering online, this dish is a must-try.
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4. Dal Makhani: The Comfort Food You Didn’t Know You Needed
Do not mistake the appearance of this dish for being boring. It is one of those offerings that look innocently simple on the outside but completely win you over immediately after the very first bite.
Made with black lentils and kidney beans and cooked with butter, cream, and aromatic spices, the rich lentil dish offers a smooth and hearty texture. The dish can be enjoyed with a range of Indian breads like tandoori roti and naan, and also fluffy and aromatic basmati rice for a comforting experience.
Best for: Comfort-food fans, vegetarians, and anyone who loves hearty flavors.
5. Chicken Biryani: Because Plain Rice Was Never This Exciting
Rice plays an important role in Indian cuisine. And when talking about rice, we certainly can’t miss out on a dish that has stolen hearts around the world: Chicken Biryani.
Chicken biryani is a delicious and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a blend of aromatic spices. The chicken is cooked with the rice to bring out rich flavors in every bite. It is a popular and comforting meal, often enjoyed with raita or salad.
Chicken biryani is a crowd-pleaser for many occasions, especially for wedding catering in Calgary. Its rich flavors make it a favorite among guests and a great addition to any celebration.
Best for: Rice lovers, hearty appetites, and guests looking for something beyond curry
6. Kerala Fish Curry: Take Your Taste Buds on a Coastal Trip
Indian food is incredibly regional, and Kerala fish curry is a delicious reminder of that.
Kerala is a coastal state in southwestern India known for its lush greenery, thick tropical forests, and serene backwaters. It is also known for its wide variety of dishes, including Kerala Fish Curry, among others.
The dish is prepared using a variety of fresh and firm-fleshed fish that can easily hold their shape in the curry. Common fish choices include sardines, mackerel, and sometimes tilapia. The curry is prepared using fresh-grated coconut or coconut milk, Indian spices, and tamarind for a tangy touch.
Best for: Seafood lovers and curious eaters who want to explore regional Indian flavors.
7. Palak Paneer: Green, Creamy & Seriously Comforting
It’s time to eat your greens, but with a traditional Indian twist! If you think spinach is boring, consider trying Palak Paneer; it might change your mind. The dish is a classic Indian favorite that brings together soft cubes of Indian cottage cheese called Paneer in a spinach gravy perfected with aromatic spices.
The dish is creamy without being overly heavy on your palate, offering an earthy flavor. You can enjoy it with garlic naan or tandoori roti, which soak up the curry and provide the perfect bite.
Palak Paneer is a great choice for people who want to try something different from the usual tomato-based curries. It’s comforting and definitely not your average bowl of spinach.
Best for: Vegetarians, paneer lovers, and first-time guests who want to try something new.
8. And Of Course, Butter Chicken: You Knew It Was Coming
So, we couldn't really finish the list without adding it. Yes, Indian food is far more than Butter Chicken. But that doesn’t mean Butter Chicken doesn’t deserve a place at the table.
Butter chicken is a common and popular find at every Indian restaurant in Calgary, and for good reason. The chicken is marinated and prepared in the clay oven before being finished in a creamy tomato-based gravy with butter and aromatic spices. The combination of smoky chicken and rich, smooth sauce makes it easy to understand why this dish has become such a familiar introduction to Indian cuisine.
Butter chicken is especially suitable for first-timers of Indian cuisine who prefer milder and creamier flavors. Add naan, and you have the classic curry-and-bread combination that has made Butter Chicken a favorite far beyond India.
Best for: First-time guests, creamy-curry fans, and anyone who came here already knowing what they wanted.
Food for Thought: Mild, Medium, or Spicy — What’s Your Pick?
One of the most common questions that people often ask before trying Indian food for the first time is “Is everything going to be spicy?” The short answer is: not at all.
Indian food is all about layers of flavor and not just adding heat. Dishes can be creamy, tangy, earthy, spicy, or smoky depending on the type of dish and its prep method.
If you are on your way to our restaurant in Calgary, here’s an easy way to pick your dishes based on your flavor mood:
| If you prefer... | Try... |
|---|---|
| Mild & creamy | Butter Chicken, Palak Paneer |
| Rich & hearty | Dal Makhani, Lamb Rogan Josh |
| Crispy & crunchy | Chicken Pakora, Chicken 65 |
| Smoky & grilled | Tandoori Chicken |
| Fragrant & filling | Chicken Biryani |
| Something different | Kerala Fish Curry |
The best part? You don't have to choose between “safe” and “spicy.” Indian cuisine gives you plenty of flavor in between.
Why Gate of India Is a Great First Stop for Indian Food in Calgary
If this is your first time exploring Indian food in Calgary, Gate of India is a great option to consider. The restaurant is located on Country Hills Boulevard NE in Calgary and offers the kind of variety that lets first time guests explore Indian cuisine without having to figure out everything at once.
Our menu offers a wide range of dishes in vegetarian and non-vegetarian offerings for people with different tastes and dietary preferences. Our Indian food menu features nearly 150 dishes across appetizers, tandoori favourites, vegetarian curries, meat dishes, seafood, biryani, Indian breads, desserts, and more. To make your first visit easier, we've narrowed the menu down to eight signature dishes worth trying, each offering something different.
Another reason to consider Gate of India is the positive feedback it has received from customers across popular review platforms. Diners have often talked about the flavorful food, attentive service, welcoming atmosphere, and variety of dishes. You’d find mentions of favorites ranging from butter chicken and biryani to tandoori specialties and vegetarian options.
With thousands of Google reviews and strong ratings on platforms such as Tripadvisor, our restaurant has clearly made an impression on many Calgary diners.
Read more reviews about Gate of India Calgary on Google to see what customers have to say about their dining experiences.
Conclusion
Trying Indian food in Calgary for the first time can feel a little overwhelming, especially with the wide range of dishes and flavors available. At Gate of India, we offer a variety of beginner-friendly dishes that are flavorful and approachable without overwhelming your palate. Before your visit, it can help to learn a little about the different flavors Indian cuisine has to offer and think about what you personally enjoy. If you’re unsure about what to order, our staff is always happy to answer your questions, explain the dishes, and help you find something that suits your taste.
Rest assured, Indian food is a great choice for anyone looking to try something beyond the ordinary. From mild and creamy curries to aromatic biryanis and flavorful tandoori dishes, there’s something for everyone to discover.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I customize the spice level of Indian dishes?
- Yes you can. Our Calgary Indian restaurant can easily make this adjustment for you to suit your preference. If you’re not used to spicy food, let your server know and ask for a milder version of the dish.
- What is the best Indian food to order for a group?
- Ordering a mix of curries, biryani, naan, tandoori dishes, and vegetarian options is a great way to share different flavors. This also lets everyone at the table try something they enjoy.
- Are there good vegetarian options in Indian cuisine?
- Absolutely. Indian cuisine has a wide variety of vegetarian dishes, including palak paneer, chana masala, dal, aloo gobi, and mixed vegetable curries. Many of these dishes are filling and packed with flavor. You can explore our menu where we have around 15 veg appetizers.
- How do I know which Indian bread to order?
- Naan is a popular choice for scooping up curries and gravies, while roti is lighter and made from whole wheat flour. If you enjoy a richer, softer bread, you can also try garlic naan or butter naan.
- What makes Indian cuisine so different from other types of food?
- Indian cuisine is known for its use of aromatic spices, herbs, sauces, and different cooking techniques. Each region has its own specialties, so Indian food can range from creamy and mild to tangy, smoky, or spicy.
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About the Author
Gate of India Calgary Restaurant was founded by Kailash Raturi. He is a renowned chef with over 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Originally from Tehri Garhwal in Uttarakhand, North India, Kailash has been sharing his passion for authentic Indian cuisine with Calgary’s food community since 2003. His expertise and deep understanding of traditional Indian flavors have shaped the restaurant’s memorable dining experiences.
Visit our About Us page to learn more about Gate of India Calgary restaurant and the people who make it memorable