This one is on the house.
Every popular Indian restaurant in Canada wears its heart on its sleeve, pouring love into the local Indian communities by offering an extra plate of roti and sabzi, often discounted on the house.
The popularity of North Indian meals cannot be overstated—it has blurred geographical boundaries. If you’re a food lover who craves warm, comforting, yet light and flavorful meals, North Indian cuisine has got you covered.
From rich, creamy curries to healthy lentils, this culinary experience has won the hearts of Canadian immigrants.
Here’s a list of the most popular, lip-smacking North Indian dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.
1. Butter Chicken
A Curry that is silently headed to be Canada’s favorite.
Butter chicken is one of the simplest recipes- small, juicy pieces of chicken mixed with perfectly balanced spices, dipped in yoghurt, sharply grilled, and then simmered in a tomato-based gravy stewed with butter and garam masala.
Paired with jeera rice or butter naan, you’ll feel like you’re floating in the sky as your taste buds crave more. It’s an irreplaceable dish and is quickly becoming a timeless recipe, especially with demand soaring every weekend at Indian tiffin centers in Toronto .
Works well with: Naan, garlic roti, and jeera rice
Great alternative for: Those who prefer a mild, non-intense curry
2. Chole Bhature
You are warned: Every bite gets you close to getting addicted.
This legendary dish is expanding its fan base in Canada. Originating in desi Punjabi households, it remains a weekend ritual in many Indian homes.
Driven by its fame, it’s featured on nearly every menu—especially as a Sunday special at Indian tiffin centers across Canada.
The chole: tangy, rich, and smoky-flavored chickpeas. The Bhature: soft, crispy, and fried into golden-brown puffy pillows. Together, they feel like a warm hug—just like home.
Works well with: Chopped onions, a cold jar of lassi and a pickle.
Great source of alternative for: If you are looking for a healthy version, turn it into Wheat Bhature
3. Biryani
Biryani is an emotion and a feeling that can’t be quite expressed through words.
This aromatic and flavorful rice dish not only satisfies your appetite but also feeds your soul, offering a heavenly feeling with every bite. Basmati rice, layered with marinated veggies or meat based on your preference, makes biryani the king of North Indian meals.
To make it feast-worthy, you can opt for the Dum method, sealing the dish with dough to lock in all the flavors.
Regionally, it’s taken on its own identities—Lucknowi, Kolkata-style, and Hyderabadi—each with custom tweaks.
Biryani remains the centerpiece of Indian family gatherings, get-togethers, and celebrations.
In Canada, it’s equally popular among students and young adults, with many Indian Tiffin centers offering student-friendly biryani packs.
Biryani can never be taken off the Indian dinner table.
Works well with: Onion or Bhoondi Raita and a dash of lime.
Best enjoyed on: Weekend movie nights together and lunch with friends.
4. Palak Paneer
Greens are always evergreen, and it is hard to dismiss.
Palak Paneer is a comfy space for all vegetarian lovers. Dice up cubes of paneer, blend spinach with ginger-garlic pastes and spices, and cook until creamy green gravy bubbles on top. Add the paneer and let it soak in all the spicy goodness.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also healthy, packed with iron and protein to fuel your day.
Each bite of paneer melts in your mouth and sends you down memory lane.
Works well with: Plain paratha, Plain naan, Simple roti and steamed rice
Best enjoyed on: Weekend movie nights together and a grand lunch with friends.
5. Aloo Paratha
The traditional Indian breakfast is still running its show.
Aloo, being one of the important staple items in Indian cuisine, never misses out on its participation in any recipes.
Accordingly, Aloo Paratha often gets to be the first shortlisted food when thinking about, ‘What is for tomorrow’s breakfast?’.
It’s a spicy potato mix stuffed into the dough and then spread out to thin, flat, crispy breads. It is the simplest yet most finger-lick-worthy taste. The best part of Aloo Paratha is that it effortlessly adapts itself to serve you any time of the day when the hunger bell hits hard.
With a little sprinkle of ghee as a topping, experience the magic of aloo poetry with every bite.
Works well with: Curd, pickle and even a glass of Elaichi chai
Why it’s loved: An instant dose of protein and a healthy breakfast served primarily for children, teenagers and young adults.
Wrap Up
Indian food is taking the global stage—and for good reason.
The rich and flavorful North Indian dishes are embraced by the Indian diaspora everywhere, elevating their status across borders.
Canada is no exception. With the rise of homemade food delivery services, nearly every iconic North Indian dish is now within reach and more accessible than ever.
Whether you’re craving biryani on a weekend or looking to add something healthy to your plate, leading Indian tiffin centers like Meal Maven have everything on the menu to make sure you never go hungry.
So, remember—whenever you want a wholesome, nutritious, yet warm and comforting home-style meal, a desi dish is just a phone call away and will be delivered right on time.
