Food & Drink
Best Indian Food in Kelowna
Kelowna Team
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Summary
The best Indian food in Kelowna, from Rutland strip-mall spots to downtown's top butter chicken, with what to order at each.
In this article:
The best Indian food in Kelowna is at Pakwaan in Glenmore, Dawett downtown and New Punjab Sweets & Restaurant in Rutland. This guide covers eight spots with the address, price range, what to order and the catch at each. Most of the best are in strip malls in Rutland or up in Glenmore; downtown has a few strong options, but the suburbs have the widest choice.
| Restaurant | Area | Price | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakwaan | Glenmore | $$ | Tandoor garlic chicken tikka |
| Dawett | Downtown | $$$ | Butter chicken |
| Chutney Cuisine of India | The Mission | $$ | Shahi paneer |
| Dosa Crepe Cafe | Rutland, Downtown | $ | Dosas |
| Made in India | Commerce Ave, KLO Rd | $$ | Lunch buffet |
| New Punjab Sweets & Restaurant | Rutland | $ | Peshwari naan, Indian sweets |
| Everest Indian & Nepalese Restaurant | West Kelowna | $$ | Momos |
| Veerji Fish 'n' Grill | Rutland | $$ | Fish pakora |
Pakwaan
Pakwaan Restaurant
538 Yates Rd, Glenmore | Price: $$
Pakwaan, in North Glenmore, is the top pick on this list, known for its tandoor garlic chicken tikka. Portions are large; over-ordering means leftovers for three days. The naan is big and fluffy and best eaten in the restaurant; it doesn't travel well in a takeout box.
Caveat: Check the hours before you go, so a drive up for paneer masala doesn't end at a dark storefront.
Dawett
1435 Ellis St, Downtown | Price: $$$
Dawett is the original Indian restaurant name in town, a sit-down restaurant on Ellis Street known for what's probably the best butter chicken in the city. Residents of more than a decade tend to recommend it first. The sauce is very rich.
Caveat: Prices are higher than at the others, and downtown parking is difficult in summer. It suits a proper sit-down dinner, with white tablecloths and heavy silverware.
Chutney Cuisine of India
3011 Pandosy St, The Mission | Price: $$
Chutney sits in the middle of Pandosy village and is known for its shahi paneer, which is very rich. The dimmed, cozy dining room makes it a good choice for a date night. In the Mission, it's the strongest Indian option.
Caveat: Parking in Pandosy is limited, and you'll likely park a couple of blocks away near the hospital. The dining room can be very quiet on a Tuesday night in midwinter.
Dosa Crepe Cafe
110 Gray Rd, Rutland & 523 Bernard Ave, Downtown | Price: $
Dosa Crepe Cafe serves South Indian dosas and French crepes under one roof. The dosas are very large, crispy and golden, filled with options like spicy potatoes or butter chicken, and they're completely gluten-free.
Caveat: Everything is made to order, so expect a wait. At the busy Bernard location it can be a half hour before food arrives, which rules it out for a 30-minute lunch break.
Made in India
1677 Commerce Ave & 1790 KLO Rd | Price: $$
Made in India is a local chain with a few locations. The Commerce Ave restaurant by Highway 97 is the lunch pick, with a lunch buffet worth the stop; check its site for current pricing. The kitchen is visible through a large glass window. The KLO location in the Mission is better for a late dinner.
Caveat: As a chain, it lacks a mom-and-pop feel. The food is consistent, but delivery can be slow on Friday nights. Pickup is faster.
New Punjab Sweets & Restaurant
120B Dougall Rd N, Rutland | Price: $
New Punjab is a no-frills Rutland restaurant and sweet shop serving the most authentic Indian food in the Okanagan. Rutland has the city's best international food, and it's a short drive down Highway 33 from Black Mountain. The Peshwari naan is the order to get, and a large glass counter holds traditional Indian sweets.
Caveat: The decor is basic and the lighting is harsh. The draw is food that's cheap, fast and full of flavour.
Everest Indian & Nepalese Restaurant
2430 Main St, West Kelowna | Price: $$
Everest serves Nepalese-style dishes alongside the Indian classics. The momos are the signature order, and the veggie korma is excellent. It's worth the drive to the Westside.
Caveat: The bridge crossing. Avoid driving over from Kelowna at 4:30 PM on a Friday in July; a quiet Sunday afternoon is easier.
Veerji Fish 'n' Grill
301 Hwy 33 W #42, Rutland | Price: $$
Veerji is a meat-focused Indian grill in a Rutland plaza on Highway 33, known for its crispy, well-spiced fish pakora. It suits groups who want large meat platters. The goat biryani is spicy; the highest spice level is very hot.
Caveat: The vegetarian menu is limited. Vegetarians are better served at Chutney.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Indian restaurant for vegans in Kelowna?
Dosa Crepe Cafe is the best pick for vegans in Kelowna, since its dosas are vegan and gluten-free. It has locations at 110 Gray Rd in Rutland and 523 Bernard Ave downtown.
Is there any good Indian food in West Kelowna?
Yes. Everest Indian & Nepalese Restaurant on Main Street serves traditional Indian curries plus Nepalese momos. It saves West Kelowna residents a trip across the bridge.
Where can I get an Indian lunch buffet in Kelowna?
Made in India runs a lunch buffet at its Commerce Avenue location. Check with the restaurant for current buffet hours and pricing.
Which Kelowna neighborhood has the most authentic Indian food?
Rutland has the most authentic Indian food in Kelowna. New Punjab Sweets & Restaurant on Dougall Road is the leading example, with no-frills, traditional cooking.
Do Indian restaurants in Kelowna deliver to the Mission?
Yes. Chutney Cuisine of India is located right in the Mission on Pandosy Street. Made in India also has a KLO Road location that delivers to the surrounding area.
