Looking for Indian food in Vancouver but not sure what to order? From creamy butter chicken and fragrant biryani to garlic naan, Peshwari naan, tandoori dishes and Indian street food, Vancouver has plenty of options for exploring the flavours of India.
Whether you’re trying Indian cuisine for the first time, looking for something new beyond butter chicken, or searching for Indian food around Downtown Vancouver, Denman Street or English Bay, this guide will help you understand some of the most popular Indian dishes and decide what to order.
Indian food is incredibly diverse. Some dishes are creamy and mild, others are smoky and spicy, while vegetarian dishes can be just as hearty and satisfying as meat-based curries.
Here are 15 Indian dishes worth trying in Vancouver, along with tips on what they taste like and what to order with them.
1. Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is one of the most popular Indian dishes for people discovering Indian cuisine.
Also known as murgh makhani, it traditionally combines tender chicken with a tomato-based sauce, butter, cream and aromatic spices.
The result is rich, creamy and flavourful, with a gentle balance of sweetness, tanginess and spice.
What does butter chicken taste like?
Butter chicken is generally known for its:
- Creamy tomato sauce
- Tender chicken
- Mild to moderate spice
- Aromatic Indian spices
- Rich and buttery finish
It is a particularly good choice if you enjoy creamy sauces and prefer less heat.
What should you order with butter chicken?
Pair it with best garlic naan, butter naan or basmati rice.
If you’re sharing dinner, add a vegetarian dish such as dal makhani or palak paneer for more variety.
2. Chicken Biryani
If you prefer rice dishes, chicken biryani is an excellent introduction to Indian cuisine.
Biryani is an aromatic rice dish prepared using fragrant rice, spices and ingredients such as chicken, vegetables or other proteins.
Unlike a curry, biryani isn’t primarily a sauce-based dish. Its appeal comes from the aroma of the rice, the spices and the way the ingredients are cooked together.
What does biryani taste like?
Depending on the style, you may notice flavours from:
- Basmati rice
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Fried onions
- Fresh herbs
- Saffron or other aromatic ingredients
Some biryanis are mild while others have more heat, so ask about the spice level if you’re sensitive to chilli.
What goes with biryani?
Raita is a popular accompaniment because its cool, creamy texture balances the spices in the rice.
3. Garlic Naan
For many people, Indian food and naan go hand in hand.
Garlic naan is a soft, leavened flatbread traditionally cooked in a tandoor. Garlic and herbs add extra flavour, while butter can give the bread a rich finish.
The combination of a soft centre and lightly charred edges makes garlic naan ideal for scooping up curry.
What should you eat with garlic naan?
Try it with:
- Butter chicken
- Chicken curry
- Dal makhani
- Palak paneer
- Paneer butter masala
- Chicken balti
If you’re ordering for two or more people, consider trying different naan varieties rather than ordering only one.
4. Butter Naan
If you prefer a simpler flatbread, butter naan is a great option.
It has a soft texture and rich buttery flavour without the stronger garlic flavour of garlic naan.
Butter naan works particularly well with creamy curries because it allows the flavours of the curry to remain the focus.
For first-time diners who aren’t sure which naan to order, butter naan is an easy and versatile choice.
5. Peshwari Naan
Want to try something different?
Peshwari naan is a sweet and nutty style of naan that offers a completely different experience from garlic or butter naan.
It is traditionally associated with fillings or toppings that can include ingredients such as coconut, nuts and dried fruit.
The sweet and aromatic flavour creates an interesting contrast with savoury Indian curries.
If you normally order garlic naan, Peshwari naan is a fun alternative to try on your next visit.
6. Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori chicken is one of the classic dishes associated with Indian cooking.
Chicken is marinated with yogurt, spices and aromatics before being cooked at high heat in a tandoor.
The result is tender chicken with a smoky aroma and charred exterior.
Why try tandoori chicken?
Choose tandoori chicken if you prefer:
- Smoky flavours
- Grilled food
- Charred edges
- Aromatic spices
- Less sauce
It is also an excellent starter for sharing.
7. Chicken Tikka
Chicken tikka is another popular tandoori dish.
Small pieces of chicken are marinated with yogurt and spices before being cooked in a tandoor.
Compared with a curry, chicken tikka focuses more on the flavour of the marinade, spices and char from the tandoor.
Chicken tikka vs. tandoori chicken
The main difference is the preparation.
Chicken tikka is typically made with smaller boneless pieces, while tandoori chicken is generally served as larger pieces of chicken.
Both are excellent choices if you enjoy smoky and grilled flavours.
8. Dal Makhani
Indian cuisine has an incredible variety of vegetarian dishes, and dal makhani is one of the most comforting.
This rich lentil dish is traditionally made with black lentils and beans and slowly cooked with spices, butter and sometimes cream.
The long cooking process gives dal makhani its characteristic creamy texture and deep flavour.
What should you eat with dal makhani?
Try it with:
- Garlic naan
- Butter naan
- Basmati rice
- Jeera rice
It can be ordered as a main vegetarian dish or shared alongside meat-based curries.
9. Palak Paneer
Palak paneer combines paneer, a fresh Indian cheese, with a spinach-based sauce and aromatic spices.
The paneer is mild and soft, while the spinach provides an earthy, savoury flavour.
It is one of the dishes worth trying if you’re searching for vegetarian Indian food in Vancouver.
Is palak paneer spicy?
It doesn’t have to be very hot. The spice level depends on the preparation, so ask your server if you prefer mild food.
Palak paneer pairs well with both naan and rice.
10. Paneer Tikka
For vegetarian diners who enjoy grilled food, paneer tikka is a great choice.
Chunks of paneer are marinated in yogurt and spices before being cooked in a tandoor, often with onions and peppers.
The result is smoky, lightly charred and packed with flavour.
It works particularly well as a shared appetizer or as part of a vegetarian meal.
11. Samosas
No guide to Indian street food would be complete without samosas.
These crispy pastries are filled with a seasoned mixture, with potato and peas being a classic vegetarian combination.
Other versions can include meat or different fillings.
Samosas are ideal for sharing and are often served with chutneys that provide sweet, tangy or spicy flavours.
When should you order samosas?
They work well as:
- A starter
- A snack
- Part of a street-food meal
- A shared appetizer
If you’re new to Indian food, samosas are one of the easiest dishes to try.
12. Chana Masala
Chana masala is a chickpea curry prepared with tomatoes, onions and aromatic spices.
It is hearty, savoury and naturally vegetarian.
If you’re looking for Indian food that is filling without meat, chana masala is an excellent choice.
Try it with naan, roti or rice.
13. Chicken Balti
If you’re already familiar with butter chicken and want to explore another curry, consider chicken balti.
Chicken balti is associated with a bold, aromatic curry style featuring ingredients such as chicken, tomatoes, peppers, onions and spices.
It can offer a more savoury and robust flavour profile than some creamy curries.
If you enjoy trying different Indian curries, chicken balti is worth adding to your list.
14. Puri Bhaji
Indian cuisine isn’t limited to dinner.
Puri bhaji is a comforting combination of puffed, deep-fried puri bread and a spiced potato-based bhaji.
The puri is light and crisp while the bhaji is warm, savoury and filling.
It is a great option if you’re interested in exploring Indian dishes beyond the familiar curry-and-naan combination.
15. Dahi Puri
If you enjoy bold combinations of texture and flavour, try dahi puri.
Crispy puris are filled with ingredients such as potatoes, yogurt and chutneys.
You can get several flavours in a single bite — creamy, tangy, sweet, spicy and crunchy.
Dahi puri is a good introduction to Indian street food if you want to explore something beyond traditional curries.
Indian Street Food to Try in Vancouver
Indian street food is one of the best ways to experience the variety of Indian cuisine.
Popular options include:
- Samosas
- Dahi puri
- Puri bhaji
- Chaat
- Pakoras
- Aloo tikki
- Vada
Street food tends to offer contrasting textures and flavours, often combining crispy ingredients with chutneys, yogurt, herbs and spices.
If you enjoy trying small plates and sharing food, Indian street food is a great choice.
What Is the Best Indian Food for First-Time Diners?
If you’ve never tried Indian food before, you don’t need to start with the spiciest dish on the menu.
A few approachable choices include:
Creamy and mild
Butter chicken
A rich tomato-based curry with a creamy finish.
Grilled and smoky
Chicken tikka or tandoori chicken
Great if you enjoy grilled meat.
Vegetarian
Dal makhani or palak paneer
Hearty options that don’t rely on meat.
Bread
Butter naan or garlic naan
Both work well with curry.
Rice
Chicken biryani
A fragrant and filling rice dish.
If you aren’t sure about spice, simply ask your server for a mild recommendation.
Mild, Medium or Spicy? Understanding Indian Food
One of the biggest misconceptions about Indian cuisine is that every dish is extremely spicy.
That’s not the case.
Indian cooking uses many spices for flavour, aroma and depth, and these aren’t necessarily hot.
For example, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon and turmeric can add considerable flavour without making a dish spicy.
Chilli provides heat, and the amount can vary significantly between dishes and restaurants.
If you prefer mild food, tell your server:
“I’d like something flavourful but not too spicy.”
If you love heat, you can ask for a hotter preparation.
Indian Vegetarian Food in Vancouver
Indian cuisine is especially well suited to vegetarian diners because there are so many meat-free dishes.
Some popular vegetarian choices include:
- Palak paneer
- Dal makhani
- Chana masala
- Paneer tikka
- Vegetable biryani
- Puri bhaji
- Samosas
- Dahi puri
Vegetarian diners don’t have to settle for side dishes. Many Indian vegetarian dishes are designed to be complete and satisfying meals.
North Indian and South Indian Food: What’s the Difference?
India has one of the world’s most diverse culinary traditions, so there is no single style of “Indian food.”
North Indian cuisine is commonly associated with dishes such as:
- Naan
- Tandoori chicken
- Paneer dishes
- Rich curries
- Dal
- Kebabs
South Indian cuisine includes favourites such as:
- Dosa
- Idli
- Vada
- Sambar
- Coconut-based dishes
- Rice-based meals
There are also many regional cuisines from Punjab, Gujarat, Bengal, Rajasthan, Kerala, Maharashtra and other parts of India.
This regional diversity is one of the reasons exploring Indian food in Vancouver can be so interesting.
Indian Food Around Denman Street and English Bay
If you’re exploring Vancouver’s West End, Indian food can be an easy option for lunch or dinner.
The areas around Denman Street, English Bay and Stanley Park attract locals, visitors and people exploring Downtown Vancouver.
After walking around Stanley Park or spending time near English Bay, a warm curry, freshly baked naan or tandoori dish can make for a satisfying meal.
If you’re looking for Indian food around Denman Street, Bombay Kitchen and Bar – Denman St is located at 1061 Denman Street in Vancouver.
Its location in the West End makes it a convenient option for people looking for Indian food near Denman Street and English Bay.
What Should You Order at an Indian Restaurant in Vancouver?
If you’re eating Indian food for the first time, a simple meal can be easier than trying to choose from an entire menu.
For two people, consider:
1 starter + 1 curry + 1 vegetarian dish + naan or rice
For example:
Starter: Samosas
Curry: Butter chicken
Vegetarian: Dal makhani
Bread: Garlic naan
Rice: Basmati rice
If you’re dining with a larger group, add a tandoori platter and another curry so everyone can try different flavours.
Sharing is one of the best ways to explore Indian cuisine.
How to Choose Indian Food Based on What You Like
Not sure what to order?
Use your favourite flavours as a guide.
If you like creamy food
Try:
- Butter chicken
- Dal makhani
- Paneer-based curries
If you like grilled food
Try:
- Tandoori chicken
- Chicken tikka
- Paneer tikka
If you like spicy food
Ask about:
- Chicken balti
- Spicier curries
- Chilli-based dishes
If you like vegetarian food
Try:
- Palak paneer
- Chana masala
- Dal makhani
- Paneer tikka
If you love bread
Try:
- Garlic naan
- Butter naan
- Peshwari naan
If you love rice dishes
Try:
- Chicken biryani
- Vegetable biryani
- Basmati rice
How to Order Indian Food for a Group
Indian food is ideal for sharing.
Instead of ordering one large dish per person, consider ordering several dishes and sharing them.
For four people, for example:
- 1–2 starters
- 2 curries
- 1 vegetarian dish
- 2–3 naan
- 1 rice dish
- Chutneys or raita
This lets everyone experience different flavours.
You can also mix creamy, grilled, vegetarian and spicy dishes so that the meal doesn’t feel repetitive.
Where to Start When Searching for Indian Food in Vancouver
When you’re searching for Indian food in Vancouver, don’t just look for the restaurant with the biggest menu.
Think about what type of experience you want.
Want a classic curry?
Try butter chicken.
Want smoky flavours?
Choose tandoori chicken or chicken tikka.
Want vegetarian food?
Try palak paneer or dal makhani.
Want something crispy?
Order samosas.
Want to explore Indian street food?
Try dahi puri or puri bhaji.
Want something different?
Try Peshwari naan or chicken balti.
The best Indian dish for you depends on your taste — and exploring something new is part of the fun.
Final Thoughts: Exploring Indian Food in Vancouver
Indian food in Vancouver offers much more than the familiar combination of curry and naan.
From butter chicken, biryani and tandoori chicken to Peshwari naan, dal makhani, palak paneer, puri bhaji and dahi puri, there is a huge range of flavours and textures to explore.
If you’re new to Indian cuisine, start with a few approachable dishes and gradually try something different.
If you already enjoy Indian food, use your next visit to order a dish you haven’t tried before.
And if you’re exploring Downtown Vancouver, Denman Street, English Bay or the West End, Indian food can be a convenient and satisfying part of your Vancouver food experience.
The next time you search for Indian food near you in Vancouver, think beyond the usual order.
Try a new naan.
Try a different curry.
Try an Indian street-food dish.
You may discover your next favourite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indian Food in Vancouver
What are the most popular Indian dishes to try in Vancouver?
Popular choices include butter chicken, chicken biryani, garlic naan, tandoori chicken, chicken tikka, samosas, dal makhani and palak paneer. Indian street food such as dahi puri and puri bhaji is also worth trying.
What is the best Indian food for beginners?
Butter chicken is a popular choice for first-time diners because it is creamy and can be prepared with relatively mild spice. Garlic naan, chicken tikka and samosas are also approachable options.
What Indian food is vegetarian?
There are many vegetarian Indian dishes, including palak paneer, dal makhani, chana masala, paneer tikka, vegetable biryani, puri bhaji and samosas.
Is Indian food always spicy?
No. Indian cuisine uses spices for flavour and aroma as well as heat. Many dishes can be prepared mild, medium or spicy.
What should I order with butter chicken?
Garlic naan, butter naan or basmati rice are excellent choices with butter chicken. You can also add dal makhani or palak paneer for a more varied meal.
What is Peshwari naan?
Peshwari naan is a sweet and nutty style of naan traditionally associated with ingredients such as coconut, nuts and dried fruit. It is a good option if you want to try something different from garlic or butter naan.
What is the difference between naan and roti?
Naan is generally a soft, leavened flatbread cooked in a tandoor, while roti is generally an unleavened flatbread. Both are commonly served with Indian dishes.
What Indian food should I try in Vancouver’s West End?
If you’re around Denman Street, English Bay or Stanley Park, consider trying classic dishes such as butter chicken, biryani, tandoori chicken, naan, dal or Indian street food.
