Foodie Series 101: Takeout Indian or Dine In

Take a trip to the land of spices – without leaving Coquitlam.

It’s these unique spices and flavours that make Indian food so enticing. Whether you prefer rich and creamy sauces or spicy seasonings that crank up the heat, Indian cuisine caters to all tastes – including some taste buds you didn’t even know you had.

Gagan Mannan, owner of Coquitlam’s Lazzez’s Grill, gives the Foodie 101 on Indian food.

Interesting facts about Indian food

“Indian food is so special around the world because of its vibrant spices, fresh herbs and a wide variety of rich flavours,” says Mannan.

Indian dishes are based on ingredients that don’t overtake each other, while providing a unique taste. The spices used for preparing Indian recipes – such as coriander, cumin, chilli, cardamom, ginger, garlic, turmeric, cloves, saffron and cinnamon – may also have many health benefits.

Dishes are prepared from scratch using a traditional method of cooking, which is slow and simmered over a long period of time.

Top 3 dishes

Here are three popular Indian dishes to try, as recommended by Mannan of Lazzez’s Grill. Their master chef, Gurdeep Singh, has over 20 years of experience from India and the U.K.

  • Tandoori Chicken

Chicken leg and thigh is marinated with Indian traditional spices and cooked to perfection in a clay oven so the meat is succulent and full of flavour.

  • Butter Chicken

Chicken breast is marinated with Indian spices and cooked in a clay oven and then cooked with a creamy tomato sauce, creating a golden sauce with aromatic flavours.

  • Lamb Roganjosh

A flavourful curry featuring boneless lamb cooked in onion, tomatoes, ginger and garlic sauce with authentic Indian spices.

How and where to order Indian

Lazzez’s Grill is currently offering dine in, takeout and delivery. Other local options include Tahn Door Indian Eatery, Jamila’s Kitchen and Grill and Pizza Town Indian Grill and Curry House. Also check out Tourism Coquitlam’s growing list of restaurants to choose from throughout the city.

Do you have a favourite restaurant to recommend for our next feature? Or are you a local restaurant with a passion for your specialty cuisine? Tell us about it! Email tourism@coquitlam.ca.

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