Whether you’re among those 5% of Canadians with Indian heritage or just have fondness for Indian dishes, this blog will definitely leave you drooling. From Biryani to Gulab Jamun, we’ve scouted and listed the 13 most popular Indian dishes in Canada in 2024.
So, without further ado, let’s get right into exploring these Indian treats, shall we?
- Biryani
Biryani, most often the chicken variant, is a dish made from Basmati rice cooked with spices and meat (or vegetables). In Canada, biryani is one of the most popular Indian dishes not just because of the influence of Indian heritage but also its amazing aroma and taste. The aromatic spices and tender meat used in this dish make it a favorite among Canadians seeking bold tastes. It specifically stands out for its layered presentation, where rice and meat are cooked together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Varieties:
- Chicken Biryani
- Vegetable Biryani
- Matar Paneer Biryani
- Lamb Biryani
- Goat Biryani
- Shrimp Biryani
- Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Butter Chicken, or known to Indians as Murgh Makhani, is a creamy tomato-based curry featuring tender chicken. It’s rich, flavorful, slightly sweet and a beloved comfort food in Canada. Its creamy texture and mild spice profile appeal to a wide audience. The use of butter and cream in this dish gives it a luxurious, velvety consistency that sets it apart from other curries.
- Cholle Bhature
Chole Bhature is among the most popular Indian street foods in Canada. It consists of spicy chickpea curry (chole) served with fluffy deep-fried bread (bhature). Its hearty flavors, the combination of soft chickpeas and crispy fried bread creates a satisfying contrast.
- Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori Chicken is a widely loved Indian chicken dish that is initially marinated in yogurt, citrus, and spices and later roasted in a tandoor (clay oven). The smoky, tender, and juicy taste of chicken paired with a special tomato chutney makes this dish a favorite for most. The fact that this dish is cooked or roasted in a tandoor imparts a unique smokiness and char marks that can’t be replicated in regular ovens.
- Samosas
Samosas are distinct Indian snacks made from fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes, onions, peas, and sometimes meat or paneer. They’re typically conical shaped but you can also find them in triangular or crescent shapes. Their crispy exterior and flavorful filling make them a hit at parties. You can have both vegetarian and non-veg fillings to enjoy them to your liking.
- Naan
Naan is a soft, fluffy bread baked in a tandoor (clay oven). It’s perfect for scooping up curries and gravies like the above mentioned butter chicken. It is a staple dish in Indian restaurants across Canada because of its versatility and ability to complement various other Indian dishes.
Varieties:
- Tandoori Roti
- Butter Naan
- Garlic naan
- Chilli Garlic Naan
- Chicken Keema Naan
- Potato and Cheese Naan
- Lamb Rogan Josh
Lamb Rogan Josh is a flavorful Kashmiri curry made with tender pieces of meat (usually lamb or goat). It is an aromatic lamb dish with added spices such as cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon that most meat lovers cannot skip once they spot it in the menu of an Indian restaurant.
- Malai Kofta
Malai Kofta consists of deep-fried vegetable dumplings in a rich, creamy tomato-based gravy.
Varieties: The koftas can be made with different vegetables, and the gravy’s richness varies.
Malai Kofta is a vegetarian favorite, appreciated
- Palak Paneer
Palak Paneer is a classic North Indian dish where paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is cooked in a spiced spinach gravy. It is a favorite among vegetarians and health-conscious individuals looking for a combination of iron-rich spinach and protein-packed Indian dish. Some versions include cream or yogurt for richness, while others keep it simple with just spinach and paneer.
- Pani Puri (Gol Gappa / Puchka / Pani Ke Batashe)
Pani Puri is a beloved Indian street food. It consists of crispy, hollow puris filled with a mixture of spicy and tangy flavored water, mashed potatoes, chickpeas, onions, and various chutneys. This street food has become a favorite among foodies worldwide, including Canada. Many Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi restaurants in Canadian cities including Everest Tandoori Kitchen serve this flavorful snack.
Varieties:
- Dahi Puri
- Bhel Puri
- Aloo Gobi Masala (Indian Potato and Cauliflower)
This is a dry Indian curry made with potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi). It’s cooked with aromatic spices like turmeric, coriander, and garam masala. Aloo Gobi is also loved by many Canadians for its easy preparation, versatility, and nutritious ingredients.
Varieties:
- Dhaba Style Aloo Gobhi
- Roasted Aloo Gobi
- Tandoori Paneer Tikka
Just like Tandoori Chicken, Tandoori Paneer Tikka is also marinated skewers of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) grilled in a tandoor (traditional clay oven). It’s spicy, juicy, and slightly smoky. While many may also label this dish as a vegetarian alternative to tandoori chicken, others just enjoy it for its rich taste and enticing aroma.
- Gulab Jamun
And finally, no matter how full you are, there’s always room for a sweet Indian dessert. Gulab Jamun is a beloved Indian dessert made from deep-fried milk solids (khoya) soaked in sugar syrup. It is a staple at Indian festivals and celebrations to include gulab jamun because of its sweetness and melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Indian cuisine’s popularity in Canada is fueled by its bold flavors, diverse ingredients, and the warmth of its spices. These dishes have found a special place in Canadian hearts, offering a culinary journey that transcends borders!
