When I was a kid I was scared of curry. I thought every curry dish was tongue-numbingly spicy and I wanted no part of tasting something I thought would make me cry. Boy. Did I miss out!

Curry, a general term that refers to a wide variety of dishes from the Indian subcontinent certainly can be spicy, but heat (from the addition of fresh or dried chilies) is not an essential ingredient.

Mild curries are just as satisfying as their hot counterparts, their delicious flavour coming from spices like coriander, turmeric, and cumin. Curry tree leaves may also be used in certain dishes.

FOODIE FACT: Curries may be wet or dry. Allow most of the liquid to cook away and evaporate and the result is a dry curry where the other ingredients wind up being coated with spices. Wet curries are more saucy and may include ingredients like coconut milk, cream, tomato purée or yogurt. 

In terms of what might else might be included in a curry, the list is long. Meat-lovers can enjoy dishes featuring lamb, goat, beef, chicken, or seafood while vegetarians have plenty of options with curry dishes that may feature all kinds of vegetables, lentils, chickpeas, or tofu.

Currie lovers in Canmore have lots of choices when it comes to finding fine-tasting curry dishes. Try these restaurants for starters:  

Mad Dog Café
The Shops of Canmore

Famous for authentic curries, during the winter months the Mad Dog Café celebrates the first Friday of each month with a curry night. At $30.00 a person, this is a great deal for the curry-lover. Choose from five different curries (three meat and two vegetarian options) served up with samosas, naan bread, chutneys, and a papadums. Arrive hungry and tuck in! 

Want to try preparing fabulous curries at home? Check out the spice kits for sale at the Mad Dog marketplace.

Indian Authentic Cuisine
F-1702 Bow Valley Trail

Walk into Indian Authentic Cuisine and start to salivate - the scent of spices wafting from the kitchen is irresistible!

The word vindaloo is derived from Portuguese words meaning ‘wine’ and ‘garlic’ but has come to be associated with a spicy dish that often features lamb, beef, chicken and potatoes. If you like lamb, try the Lamb Vindaloo at Indian Authentic and savour the hot, sour vinegar gravy flavoured with Goan spices. 

Spice Hut
1310 Bow Valley Trail

Prefer prawns? Try the Coconut Prawn Curry at Spice Hut where your curry options are plentiful. Curious about other Indian dishes? No problem - the extensive menu is perfect for ordering multiple dishes and then sharing family-style. 

Coconut Curry at Spice Hut

For more dining options in Canmore, take a browse through our online menus for Canmore restaurants - just click the ‘Explore’ button on the main page.  Dining out? Don’t forget to tag us (@tastecanmore) and start earning Menu Hunter points!