What’s Cooking in Calgary’s Clay Ovens?
Tandoori cooking has become one of the most celebrated styles in South Asian gastronomy. This ancient method of using a cylindrical clay oven infuses food with smoky depth and aromatic richness. In a bustling multicultural city like Calgary, the popularity of this method has found a natural home in the growing number of restaurants offering traditional fare. Among the standouts are the robust grilled options, especially for those who enjoy bold flavours and juicy, fire-kissed meats.
Why Tandoori?
Tandoori dishes bring together an intricate mix of marination, spices, and high-heat roasting, creating meals that are both flavourful and satisfying. They strike a balance between spice and smokiness, often enhanced by yogurt-based marinades that tenderize the meat while preserving moisture. This method isn’t just about taste—it’s about experience. From the sizzle when it hits the tandoor to the aroma that fills the air, it’s no surprise these dishes have become a staple at any Indian cuisine restaurant in Calgary.
Let’s take a look at some of the favourites from the grill, perfect for sharing or savouring solo.
1. Tandoori Non-Veg Platter: A Balanced Medley for Meat Lovers
For those wanting to explore variety without settling on just one dish, the Tandoori Non-Veg Platter offers an ideal starting point. It’s a thoughtful selection of six different tandoori favourites:
- 2 pcs Chicken Tikka: Boneless chicken chunks marinated with yogurt, turmeric, and roasted spices before being charred over hot clay coals.
- 2 pcs Hariyali Fish Tikka: These are marinated in mint, cilantro, garlic, and green chilli paste, giving them a herbal brightness before grilling.
- 2 Lamb Sheek Kebab: Minced lamb mixed with hand-ground spices, skewered and roasted to a perfect smoky crust.
- 2 pcs Tandoori Chicken: A classic, featuring bone-in pieces marinated overnight in a blend of yogurt, crushed garlic, ginger, and spices, then slow-roasted in the tandoor.
Together, these offer textural and flavour variety—from the soft, juicy chicken to the herbal hit of the fish and the earthy richness of lamb. For those dining at an Indian cuisine restaurant in Calgary, this platter acts as a gateway to the broader world of tandoori.
2. Pomfret Fish (Tandoori Fish): Whole and Wholehearted
Whole fish cooked in a tandoor is a culinary event in itself. The Pomfret Fish is marinated with a spice-forward mixture of ground coriander, red chilli, turmeric, and yogurt. The marinade seeps into the skin and flesh, ensuring every bite is infused with flavour.
Unlike filleted fish dishes, cooking a whole fish retains more moisture and allows the spices to work more deeply around the bones. The slight char on the skin gives way to buttery-soft flesh beneath—a treat for seafood fans and a must-try when exploring menus at an Indian cuisine restaurant in Calgary.
3. Hariyali Fish Tikka: Vibrancy in Every Bite
This version of fish tikka uses a green masala made from fresh mint, coriander, green chillies, and garlic. Grilled till just golden and lightly crisp on the outside, the inside remains flaky and moist. Its fresh and herbaceous profile makes it lighter on the palate than its more intensely spiced counterparts, serving as a refreshing contrast in a meat-heavy meal.
It’s one of the go-to choices for those seeking flavour without overwhelming heat and is frequently recommended at any seasoned Indian cuisine restaurant in Calgary.
4. Beef Sheek Kebab: Earthy, Juicy, and Smoky
Prepared with ground beef, finely chopped herbs, and a mixture of warming spices, the Beef Sheek Kebab is formed around a skewer and roasted until beautifully browned. Each piece carries that characteristic tandoori smokiness, and the spice blend leans more towards depth than heat.
This dish delivers a grounded, rustic quality—perfect with a side of green chutney or naan. It's also one of the more substantial items, offering bold satisfaction without any heavy sauces or gravy. If you visit an Indian cuisine restaurant in Calgary, don’t overlook this classic.
5. Lamb Sheek Kebab: A Bold Grilled Favourite
Lamb naturally pairs well with spices, and in this dish, that synergy is fully realized. The Lamb Sheek Kebab uses a similar preparation to its beef counterpart but carries a richer taste profile due to the natural fattiness of lamb.
Whether you eat it with a squeeze of lime or wrap it in naan with onions and mint sauce, it holds its own. These kebabs often have a firmer bite compared to chicken or fish options, which adds textural appeal to any grilled platter at a trusted Indian cuisine restaurant in Calgary.
6. Tandoori Chicken: The Timeless Icon
No grilled menu is complete without Tandoori Chicken. It’s arguably the most recognized tandoor-based dish globally. Bone-in chicken is soaked overnight in a mixture of yogurt, red chilli powder, ginger-garlic paste, and garam masala. The result is both tender and charred, with a distinctive red hue (from Kashmiri chillies, not artificial colour) and that smoky, roasted essence.
Tandoori chicken pairs well with almost anything—roti, naan, rice, or even fresh salad—and remains one of the most frequently ordered items at any Indian cuisine restaurant in Calgary.
Closing Thoughts
Tandoori dishes go beyond just grilling. They represent a tradition that emphasizes careful preparation, balanced flavours, and a cooking process that seals in character without overcomplicating things. Whether you’re sampling a variety from the Tandoori Non-Veg Platter, indulging in the whole Pomfret Fish, or digging into skewered kebabs, each plate showcases a unique identity rooted in time-honoured cooking.
If you’re exploring authentic grilled dishes and looking for where to begin, consider visiting an Indian cuisine restaurant in Calgary to experience the clay oven’s signature offerings—distinct, layered, and undeniably memorable.