If you are a spice lover in Calgary, Indian food is your best bet for intense, flavor-packed meals. Indian cooking doesn't hold back when it comes to bold spices and deep flavors. Whether you enjoy fiery gravies or chili-loaded meat, there are spicy options waiting for you. Here are seven Indian dishes you should try if you are looking to turn up the spice level.
1. Chicken Vindaloo
One of the spiciest Indian curries around, Chicken Vindaloo comes with a sour twist thanks to vinegar and is packed with red chilies. It's originally from Goa but has become popular everywhere. It’s often cooked with boneless chicken or pork and served with rice or naan.
If you are new to spicy Indian food, this one’s a rite of passage. For a proper taste of this dish, try it at a well-reviewed Indian buffet Calgary spot. Buffets let you test the spice level without committing to a full plate right away.
2. Andhra Chili Chicken
This is a spicier take on your regular chili chicken. Boneless chicken is tossed with hot green chilies, garlic, and soy sauce. It’s often served as an appetizer but can burn like a main course. If you’ve never tried food from the Andhra region, you're missing out on one of India’s spiciest kitchens. It's a street food favorite but also found in many Indian restaurants in Calgary NE.
3. Kolhapuri Mutton
Kolhapuri Mutton is a traditional dish from Maharashtra. It’s cooked with a special spice mix made of dry red chilies, coconut, and roasted spices. The curry is bright red, very spicy, and full of strong flavors. It’s a great choice for those who love hot food. It tastes best with steamed rice or jowar roti.
4. Chettinad Chicken
This dish comes from Tamil Nadu in South India. It’s made with ground spices, black pepper, and dried red chilies. The heat level is high, but it doesn't drown the flavors. You will find this bold dish at any good South Indian restaurant Calgary has to offer. It’s best eaten with rice or dosa to help balance the spice.
5. Laal Maas
This Rajasthani delicacy lives up to its name. Laal means red, and that’s exactly what you get: a deep red, spicy mutton curry made with Mathania red chilies. Cooked slowly to bring out the richness of the spices, Laal Maas is best for those who enjoy deep, smoky flavors along with spice. You will often find it in the menu of Indian restaurants in Calgary, paired with roti or jeera rice.
6. Phaal Curry
This dish is for the truly brave. Phaal is known as one of the hottest Indian curries ever made. Some versions include ghost peppers or habaneros. Most chefs warn diners before serving it. If you can handle the heat, this is the ultimate test. It's not on every menu, but you might find it as a chef’s special at an Indian restaurant that’s open to custom spice levels.
7. Spicy Paneer Tikka Masala
Think paneer is always mild? Think again. When prepared with extra chili, this grilled paneer dish can hold its own against any meat-based curry. The sauce is tomato-based with added green and red chilies. It’s a good pick for vegetarians who want the heat without missing out on flavor. Some Indian restaurants downtown Calgary will let you choose your spice level; don’t be shy to go for the highest one.
Where to Find These Dishes in Calgary
Spicy Indian food is easy to find in Calgary if you know where to look. Whether you are downtown or in the northeast, there are places serving dishes that bring serious heat. You will find great options at any well-rated Indian restaurant Calgary NE with regional dishes from across India.
If you're looking for a place that brings authentic flavor with the right amount of kick, Bombay Tiger is worth a visit. With dishes that range from mildly spiced to fiery hot, it’s a great stop for anyone craving bold Indian food in Calgary.