Indian cuisine has become a beloved choice for many Canadians, especially in Toronto. Moreover, people are more curious than ever to try different regional Indian dishes—such as Gujarati, Marathi, and North Indian cuisine.
Among these, North Indian food is particularly popular. Known for its bold spices and rich flavors, North Indian dishes bring together influences from Mughlai and Persian cooking styles.
Known for its bold spices and rich flavors, North Indian dishes bring together influences from Mughlai and Persian cooking styles.
One of the best places to enjoy North Indian food in Toronto is Leela Indian Food Bar. This well-loved restaurant serves a wide variety of dishes—from classic street food to royal-style curries. Here are some of their most popular menu items:
⭐ Charcoal Butter Chicken – Most Loved North Indian Dish in Toronto
Butter chicken is a North Indian classic that, interestingly, originated in Delhi during the 1950s. Created by combining leftover tandoori chicken with a creamy tomato-based sauce, this dish quickly gained global fame.
At Leela Indian Food Bar, they’ve added their own twist—charcoal-smoked tandoori chicken in a rich tomato-butter gravy, enhanced with dry fenugreek. According to a 2023 SkipTheDishes report, butter chicken was the most-ordered dish in Canada. Leela’s version is a must-try.
⭐ Garlic Naan – The Perfect Companion to Curries
Garlic naan is more than just bread. In fact, it’s the perfect sidekick to rich North Indian gravies. Made in a traditional clay oven, naan is soft, fluffy, and brushed with garlic-infused ghee for added flavor.
Leela offers two types: Garlic Naan and Chilli Garlic Naan. The same SkipTheDishes report ranked garlic naan as the second most-ordered dish in Canada, proving its popularity.
⭐ Paneer Tikka – Vegetarian Delight from the Tandoor
Paneer tikka is a grilled appetizer made with cubes of paneer marinated in yogurt and spices. Grilled to perfection, it’s served with mint chutney and salad.
This smoky, spicy dish is loved by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. At Leela, it’s one of the best vegetarian North Indian foods you can try in Toronto.
⭐ Chaat Papri – A Flavor-Packed Snack
If you enjoy street food that’s sweet, spicy, and tangy, then chaat papri is definitely for you. It combines crispy wafers (papri), chickpeas, potatoes, and yogurt—topped with tamarind and mint chutneys, spices, and crunchy sev.
This dish is a star at Leela and a hit at Toronto’s Indian food festivals.
⭐ Pani Puri – A Bite-Sized Burst of Flavor
Pani puri is one of the most iconic Indian snacks. At Leela, these crisp puris are filled with spiced potatoes, chickpeas, chutneys, and tangy water. One bite offers a full burst of flavor and fun.
It’s a top pick for anyone missing the taste of Indian street food in Canada.
⭐ Shahi Soya Chaap – The Royal Vegetarian Treat
RSoya chaap has recently gained popularity in Toronto. Made from soy protein and shaped like skewers, it’s marinated in spices and cooked in rich gravies like tikka masala.
Leela’s Shahi Soya Chaap is a hearty vegetarian option that delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture.
⭐ Samosa – Everyone’s Favorite Street Snack
The samosa needs no introduction. This crispy pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas is served with chutney and makes for a perfect appetizer.
Whether you enjoy it as a snack or part of samosa chaat, Leela consistently delivers a flavorful experience.
⭐ Chicken Tikka Masala – A Classic You Can’t Miss
Chicken tikka masala is a fan favorite in Toronto. With marinated chicken cooked in a smoky tandoor and simmered in a creamy tomato sauce, this dish delivers on flavor every time.
At Leela, it’s one of the best-selling North Indian dishes—ideal with garlic naan or basmati rice.
⭐ Kashmiri Lamb Rogan Josh – A Taste of Heritage
Rogan josh is a slow-cooked lamb curry from Kashmir. Its vibrant red color comes from Kashmiri chilies, not artificial coloring, and the taste is rich yet mild.
This dish represents North Indian culinary heritage and is a hidden gem on Leela’s menu.
Final Thoughts
Toronto loves North Indian cuisine, and dishes like butter chicken, garlic naan, and paneer tikka are proof.Therefore, if you’re looking to explore this rich and flavorful food culture, Leela Indian Food Bar is your go-to spot.
From classic street food to royal curries, their menu has something for everyone. Book a table today and experience the best North Indian food in Toronto—all in one place.
