Best Punjabi Indian Cuisine in Calgary: Must-Try Dishes & Guide

Punjabi food is often celebrated as one of India’s finest cuisines, and for good reason. It is rich, bold, and packed with flavors that make every bite unforgettable. Once you try it, you will find yourself craving more.

But with so many mouthwatering dishes to choose from and only so much room on your plate, deciding what to order can feel overwhelming.

If you are in Calgary or anywhere in Alberta, you are in luck. We have rounded up some of the must-try Punjabi dishes at a Punjabi restaurant Calgary that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.

Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

Food Overview: Butter Chicken is one of the most iconic Punjabi dishes, loved for its rich, creamy texture and perfectly balanced flavors. The chicken is first marinated in yogurt and spices, then roasted to perfection before being simmered in a velvety tomato-based sauce. The result is a dish that is mildly spiced, slightly tangy, and incredibly comforting. Every bite is packed with smoky, buttery goodness that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients: Tender chicken pieces, ripe tomatoes, butter, cream, yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, and dried fenugreek leaves for a hint of smokiness.

Foods to Pair It With: Enjoy it with soft and fluffy naan or a serving of fragrant jeera rice. A side of pickled onions or mint chutney adds a refreshing contrast to balance the richness of the curry.

Amritsari Kulcha

Food Overview: Amritsari Kulcha is more than just a stuffed bread. It is a flaky, crispy, and flavorful delight that is cooked in a tandoor, giving it a perfect golden crust. The inside is stuffed with a spiced potato or paneer filling, making every bite a delicious mix of crispy and soft textures. Brushed with butter and sprinkled with fresh coriander, it is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves Punjabi flavors.

Ingredients: Refined flour, boiled potatoes or paneer, finely chopped onions, green chilies, fresh coriander, butter, and a blend of aromatic spices like cumin and ajwain.

Foods to Pair It With: Traditionally served with a bowl of spicy chole, this combination is a match made in heaven. A side of cooling raita and a glass of sweet lassi take the meal to another level.

Sarson da Saag with Makki di Roti

Food Overview: Sarson da Saag with Makki di Roti is the ultimate comfort food of Punjab, especially during the winter months. The saag is made by slow-cooking mustard greens and spinach with garlic, ginger, and spices until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency. The slight bitterness of the greens blends beautifully with the rustic, slightly crisp makki di roti, a traditional cornmeal flatbread that adds the perfect texture to this wholesome dish.

Ingredients: Fresh mustard greens, spinach, cornmeal, garlic, ginger, green chilies, butter, and ghee for extra richness.

Foods to Pair It With: A dollop of homemade butter on top adds an irresistible creaminess. A side of jaggery and a tall glass of lassi create the perfect balance of earthy, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Tandoori Chicken

Food Overview: Tandoori Chicken is a dish that captures the bold and smoky flavors of Punjabi Indian cuisine Calgary. The chicken is marinated in a blend of yogurt, garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices before being cooked in a tandoor at high heat. This gives it a slightly charred, crispy outer layer while keeping the inside juicy and full of flavor. Every bite has a perfect balance of spice, tanginess, and smokiness, making it a favorite among meat lovers.

Ingredients: Chicken, thick yogurt, garlic, ginger, red chili powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and mustard oil for a deep and smoky flavor.

Foods to Pair It With: It is best enjoyed with fresh mint chutney, pickled onions, and soft roomali roti. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of dal makhani and a refreshing masala soda.

Chole Bhature

Food Overview: Chole Bhature is one of the most loved Punjabi street foods, offering the perfect combination of spicy, tangy chickpea curry and crispy, deep-fried bread. The chole is slow-cooked with tomatoes, onions, and a mix of fragrant spices, creating a rich and flavorful curry. The bhature, golden and puffed up, have a crispy exterior and a soft, airy inside, making every bite a contrast of textures and flavors.

Ingredients: Chickpeas, ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, garam masala, flour, and yogurt to give the bhature its light and fluffy texture.

Foods to Pair It With: A side of pickled onions, green chilies, and a glass of sweet lassi makes this meal even better. For an extra indulgent touch, try it with a drizzle of tamarind chutney or a side of paneer bhurji.

Dal Makhani

Food Overview: Some dishes taste better the longer they cook, and Dal Makhani is the perfect example. This slow-cooked lentil dish is the heart of Punjabi comfort food, bringing together rich, buttery flavors with a velvety texture that only gets better with time. Made with black lentils and kidney beans, it simmers for hours in a creamy tomato-based gravy, allowing every spice to fully infuse into the dish. The result is a deep, smoky, and indulgent flavor that makes you want to savor every bite.

Ingredients: Black lentils, kidney beans, butter, cream, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, garam masala, and dried fenugreek leaves, which add a signature smoky aroma.

Foods to Pair It With: Soft, fluffy naan is the perfect way to scoop up this creamy dish, though jeera rice makes an excellent alternative for those who love a balanced bite. A side of crisp pickled onions or a simple cucumber salad adds freshness, cutting through the richness and making each bite even more enjoyable.

Paneer Tikka

Food Overview: If you think vegetarian dishes cannot be exciting, Paneer Tikka will change your mind. This dish takes thick cubes of paneer, marinates them in a spiced yogurt mix, and grills them to perfection. As the paneer roasts over high heat, it develops a slightly charred crust while staying soft and juicy inside. The blend of cumin, coriander, and a touch of lemon juice adds just the right amount of heat and tang, making it impossible to stop at just one bite.

Ingredients: Paneer cubes, thick yogurt, garlic, ginger, red chili powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and mustard oil, which enhances the smokiness.

Foods to Pair It With: A refreshing mint chutney is a must, balancing the smoky flavors with a cool, herby freshness. Paneer tikka is delicious as a starter, but for a more satisfying meal, pair it with dal makhani and butter naan to create a well-rounded Punjabi feast.

Punjabi Fish Fry (Amritsari Fish)

Food Overview: For seafood lovers, Amritsari Fish is a must-try. This dish is all about bold flavors and irresistible crunch. Fresh fish fillets are coated in a spiced gram flour batter, infused with carom seeds and tangy lemon juice, and then fried until perfectly golden. The result is a crispy exterior with a tender, flaky inside, packed with the smoky, earthy flavors that Punjabi cuisine is known for. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of crunch, spice, and a hint of citrusy tang.

Ingredients: Fresh fish fillets, gram flour, yogurt, garlic, ginger, carom seeds, red chili powder, and lemon juice, which adds a refreshing zing.

Foods to Pair It With: Mint chutney and pickled onions enhance the spice and bring a burst of freshness. Pair it with a cold glass of lassi or masala soda to mellow out the heat and complete the experience.

Lassi (Sweet and Salted)

Food Overview: No Punjabi meal feels complete without a tall glass of lassi. Thick, creamy, and incredibly refreshing, this yogurt-based drink is the perfect way to cool down after a rich, spice-packed meal. The sweet version is smooth, lightly spiced with cardamom, and often topped with a layer of thick cream. The salted version, on the other hand, is tangy, with a subtle earthiness from roasted cumin and black salt. Whether you choose sweet or salty, one thing is certain, you will feel instantly refreshed with every sip.

Ingredients: Fresh yogurt, sugar or salt, cardamom for the sweet version, and roasted cumin for the salted version.

Foods to Pair It With: Sweet lassi pairs beautifully with bold, spicy dishes like chole bhature or Amritsari kulcha, softening the heat and adding a touch of indulgence. Salted lassi works best with heavier meals like butter chicken or dal makhani, helping with digestion and balancing the richness.

Pindi Chole

Food Overview: Pindi Chole is not your typical chickpea curry. Unlike the more common chole dishes that are made with tomatoes and onions, this version relies on bold, earthy spices, black tea, and dried pomegranate powder to create its deep, intense flavor. The chickpeas are slow-cooked until they soak up every bit of the spice mix, resulting in a dry, masala-coated dish that is rich, tangy, and full of character. Every bite packs a punch, making it a must-try for those who love robust flavors.

Ingredients: Chickpeas, black tea leaves, dried pomegranate powder, garlic, ginger, garam masala, and whole spices like bay leaves and cinnamon, which give it a smoky depth.

Foods to Pair It With: Pindi Chole pairs best with crispy Amritsari kulcha or fluffy bhature, creating a combination that is both hearty and satisfying. A side of sliced onions and a squeeze of lemon elevate the flavors, adding just the right amount of crunch and tang to balance the dish’s intensity.

Final Thoughts 

Great food is not just about taste. It’s also about the experience, the warmth, and the stories behind every dish. Punjabi cuisine brings all of that to the table and more. So the next time you find yourself at a Punjabi restaurant in Calgary, step out of your comfort zone, try something new, and let the flavors take you on a journey you will not forget.