Coming from Detroit, where we had pizza takeout or dined at pizzerias at least once a week, we were concerned that in Canada, we couldn’t find the same delicious dishes we had grown used to back home. No fear, though; we went out and sampled many of the Indian delights in Toronto to assemble a list of what we think are go–to places to try in Toronto. If you think we’ve missed one off our list, please add it to the comments, and we’ll update the post once we’ve tried it!)
Toronto is a big city, so for the purpose of this post we tried take out from the highest ranked Indian restaurants and went to different areas to see how they compare.
Banjara Indian Cuisine
Banjara has excellent reviews online, and before we began our mission to try the local Indian restaurants, colleagues and friends recommended it, too. It has 2 locations, one in Christie Pits and the other on Eglington West.
All of their food is superb and fairly affordable, with most entrees priced at $12. What really differentiates them for us, though, is their combo takeout platters. These include rice, naan, daal, aloo gobi, veggie pakora, and rice pudding; all served with a main dish, which can be anything on the menu, all for only $13.95. It makes much more sense for us to be just 2 people, as it saves money on all the appetizers that we normally want to get as well, plus there are always leftovers!
Ambiyan – The Indian Experience
I wouldn’t go as far as to say that this restaurant gives you an ‘Indian experience’ apart from the food, which is excellent. It’s a bit more expensive than the inner city restaurants, but it’s really pleasant to eat at. It has a nice bar and outdoor patio and is located in the heart of Unionville (for all you out-of-Torontonians looking for a good spot). Entrees here are around $16, but the service is great, and the food is worth it. Also, they always give us free mango lassis, so we can’t complain! What keeps us coming back? The table is big enough for 6 (we normally eat with Karin’s family).
Savera Indian Cuisine
We found Savera on my friend’s birthday; she was having a rough day and was searching online for an Indian meal to cheer her up. Suddenly, she found an Indian not 20 minutes walk away (according to Google). She insisted that we go and I couldn’t refuse.
The entrees were all priced at just under $12, and the manager gave us a free starter and dessert. The food was great, especially considering how close we were to home; we were thrilled and have so far been back several times with friends and family, and even some of my colleagues from India, who gave it their approval.
The restaurant is cozy, and we enjoy going back there; the only thing we have against it is they don’t deliver, and when we ordered take, we found it a bit greasy.
Indus Tavern
We’ve only ever ordered take out from Indus, and found it to be quite decent. It doesn’t have the best reviews online, but if you’re looking for something a bit cheaper and hearty then Indus is your guy. They also have good deals like ‘dinner for 4′ and if you spend more than $30 you can get a free starter normally worth $5.
Amaya Express
Amaya has a few locations around the city, but it also delivers. It’s not as expensive as Ambiyan but is definitely pricier than the others on this list. It comes highly reviewed, especially on just-eat.ca. What differentiates them is some of their locations are more like fast food joints, with not too much polish or decor (others are much fancier), and that they have roti and curry bowls on their menu, so if you’re looking for something a bit different, they’re a good option.
Little India Restaurant
Little India Restaurant is in a great location on Queen Street, close to the downtown core and the Fashion district. To our knowledge it doesn’t do delivery but has good reviews for value and flavour, especially when you consider its location. They also have a lunch buffet which we’d normally stay away from, but is consistently good in quality, and only cost $11.99. They have also won a lot of awards and their sharing platters come highly recommended.
What is the best thing to try at an Indian restaurant?
When you visit an Indian restaurant, one of the best things to try is Butter Chicken. This dish is a creamy, mildly spiced chicken curry that’s perfect for anyone new to Indian cuisine or looking for something comforting and delicious.
The chicken is cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with butter and cream, making it incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Pair it with warm naan bread or fragrant basmati rice to enjoy the experience fully. Butter Chicken is a crowd-pleaser and a fantastic introduction to the wonderful world of Indian food.
Which Indian food is famous in Canada?
Indian food is quite popular in Canada, and several dishes are particularly famous and widely enjoyed. Some of the most popular Indian dishes in Canada include:
- Butter Chicken: This creamy and mildly spiced chicken dish is a favorite in Indian restaurants across Canada. It’s often served with naan or rice.
- Tandoori Chicken: Marinated in yogurt and spices and then cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), tandoori chicken is known for its distinct smoky flavor and vibrant red color.
- Samosas: These deep-fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat are popular as appetizers or snacks.
- Naan: This soft and chewy flatbread is a staple in Indian cuisine and is often used to scoop up curries and other dishes.
- Chana Masala: A vegetarian dish made with chickpeas in a spiced tomato sauce, chana masala is popular for its hearty and flavorful profile.
- Biryani: This aromatic rice dish cooked with spices, meat (such as chicken, lamb, or beef), or vegetables is a beloved dish in many Indian restaurants.
- Paneer Tikka: Marinated paneer (Indian cottage cheese) grilled to perfection, often served as an appetizer or main course.
- Dal Makhani: A rich and creamy lentil dish made with black lentils and kidney beans simmered in butter and cream.
- Saag Paneer: A vegetarian dish made with spinach and paneer, cooked with spices and cream.
- Rogan Josh: A flavorful and aromatic lamb curry known for its rich red sauce made with yogurt, garlic, and a blend of spices.
These dishes, among others, have become popular due to the growing number of Indian restaurants and the increasing appreciation for diverse cuisines in Canada.
So there you have it, our list of Indian Restaurants to try in Toronto. Let us know if you end up trying one, and what you thought. Also feel free to add your own reviews as comments, or suggestions for places we should try.
