Ever stare at an Indian restaurant menu and feel totally lost? You’re not the only one.
With so many dishes, spices, and names you might not recognize, it’s easy to stick with what you already know. But that means missing out on some seriously good food.
Calgary’s Indian food scene is packed with traditional dishes that are full of flavor and history, and they’re worth discovering.
If you’re ready to branch out and taste something new, this guide will help you figure out exactly what to try next.
Here are some of the best traditional Indian dishes you need to try at the best Indian restaurant Calgary:
Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan
There’s a reason this dish is almost always the first recommendation. Butter chicken is comforting in the best way possible, with its mellow, creamy tomato gravy that’s full of flavor but never too intense. The chicken stays tender and soaks up all that buttery richness beautifully. Now pair it with garlic naan and things just click. The naan’s warm, chewy texture and subtle garlic kick make it perfect for scooping up every last bit. It’s the kind of meal that never loses its charm.
Chole Bhature
Some Indian cuisine Calgary feels like a full-on event, and chole bhature is definitely one of them. The chickpeas are simmered in a bold, spiced tomato-onion base that brings just the right amount of heat and depth. Then there’s the bhature, that golden, puffed-up bread that’s soft inside and crisp around the edges. You tear it, dip it, and let the flavors do the talking. It’s hearty, satisfying, and exactly what you want when you’re craving something bold and full of life.
Rogan Josh with Jeera Rice
The moment you smell it, you know it’s something special. Rogan josh is a lamb curry that’s deep, slow-cooked, and filled with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. The flavor runs deep without relying on heat, and the meat practically falls apart in the sauce. Pair it with jeera rice, where cumin adds a light, toasty note to basmati rice, and you’ve got a plate that’s balanced, rich, and quietly indulgent.
Palak Paneer with Tandoori Roti
This one’s a gentle favorite that keeps things simple yet satisfying. Palak paneer brings together creamy spinach and soft paneer cubes, all cooked with mild spices that don’t overpower. It’s smooth, savory, and easy to enjoy, whether you’re new to Indian food or a regular fan. With a piece of warm tandoori roti in hand, baked until just the right amount of smoky, every bite becomes something you want to linger over.
Biryani with Raita
Biryani has a way of stealing the spotlight every time. It’s not just rice and spices — it’s a layered dish where each spoonful delivers flavor, texture, and warmth all at once. Whether made with vegetables or meat, the aroma alone tells you it’s going to be good. And when you add a spoonful of chilled raita on the side, everything falls into balance. The yogurt cools the spice, brightens the richness, and ties the whole meal together.
Dal Makhani with Lachha Paratha
There’s a quiet charm to dal makhani. It’s not flashy or intense, but the kind of dish that feels like it was cooked with patience. Black lentils simmer slowly with butter, cream, and spices until the texture turns silky and the flavors deepen into something rich and familiar. It’s smooth, earthy, and filling without being heavy. Lachha paratha, with its soft layers and crisp edges, makes the perfect pairing. It gives you something to tear into, scoop with, and savor every bite like it matters.
Tandoori Chicken with Mint Chutney
The scent alone tells you it’s something special. Tandoori chicken is marinated in spiced yogurt, then cooked over open heat until it’s tender inside and slightly charred outside. The result is juicy, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy. Then comes the mint chutney, bright and refreshing with a little tang that cuts through the richness of the meat. Together, they create a balance of heat and coolness, making this dish one that feels alive on your palate from start to finish.
Aloo Gobi with Plain Paratha
Sometimes it’s the simple things that stay with you. Aloo gobi is a dry curry made with potatoes and cauliflower, cooked just right with turmeric, cumin, and a few spices that bring everything to life. There’s no sauce to hide behind, just well-seasoned vegetables that hold their own. Pair it with a plain paratha, warm and soft from the pan, and you get a meal that’s both humble and satisfying. It’s straightforward, comforting, and exactly what you want on a slow day.
Hyderabadi Chicken Curry with Steamed Rice
If you like your food with a little more kick, Hyderabadi chicken curry is one to try. It’s built on layers of flavor, starting with a base of caramelized onions, tomatoes, and a bold mix of southern spices. The chicken simmers in the sauce until it’s infused with everything around it, making each bite full of character. Steamed basmati rice softens the spice and lets the curry shine. Together, they make a well-rounded plate that delivers heat, depth, and a lot of soul.
Paneer Tikka with Green Chutney
Grilled food has a way of drawing people in, and paneer tikka does exactly that. The paneer is marinated until it’s coated in flavor, then cooked until the outside starts to crisp while the inside stays soft. It’s smoky, spiced, and full of warmth. What really ties it all together is the green chutney on the side. Fresh herbs, a little chili, and some citrus bring a pop that lifts every bite. It’s simple, vibrant, and a favorite for a reason.
Kadhi Pakora with Basmati Rice
Kadhi pakora brings comfort in the most unexpected way. The dish starts with a tangy yogurt and gram flour sauce, slow-cooked until smooth and slightly thick. Soft, fried fritters made from onions or vegetables are dropped in and soak up the flavor like little spiced pillows. It’s gentle, a bit sour, and beautifully balanced. When paired with simple basmati rice, the flavors settle in even more. Every spoonful feels like something familiar, even if it’s your first time trying it.
Masala Dosa with Coconut Chutney and Sambar
This one comes crisp and golden, with a surprise inside. Masala dosa is a South Indian classic, made from a thin fermented rice batter spread on a hot griddle until it crisps up perfectly. Inside, there’s a warm potato filling cooked with mustard seeds, onions, and turmeric. On the side, you get coconut chutney for a cool contrast and sambar, a lentil-based vegetable stew, to dip into. The textures, the flavor, the mix of warm and cool — it all just works.
Pav Bhaji with Buttered Buns
Pav bhaji is street food at its best. A spicy vegetable mash, thick and flavorful, is cooked on a large flat pan and served piping hot with soft, buttered buns. The bhaji is bold, with layers of tomato, garlic, chili, and just enough spice to keep things interesting. The buns are lightly toasted until golden, perfect for scooping and soaking. It’s messy, it’s rich, and it’s completely addictive in the best way.
Vegetable Korma with Naan
Vegetable korma is one of those dishes that finds its place between mild and flavorful. The vegetables are cooked until tender in a lightly spiced, creamy sauce made with cashews, yogurt, or coconut, depending on where it’s from. The result is smooth and slightly sweet, with hints of cardamom and cloves in the background. Naan makes the perfect partner. Tear a piece, dip into the korma, and let it coat each bite with warmth and comfort.
Mutton Keema with Pav or Rumali Roti
There’s something deeply satisfying about mutton keema. Finely minced meat is slow-cooked with onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and warming spices until everything blends into a rich, slightly oily mixture. It’s intense, full of flavor, and best enjoyed with something soft to scoop it up. Pav adds a touch of street-style charm, while rumali roti offers something light and elegant. Either way, this one’s made for digging in and not leaving a single bite behind.
If you’re ready to explore real Indian flavors in Calgary, start with these traditional dishes and discover why they’ve been loved for generations.