Vikram Vij welcomes guests to his Cambie Street restaurant with warmth and hospitality. When he opened his first restaurant in 1994, Indian cuisine in Canada was often reduced to butter chicken and samosas. Today, two Indian restaurants in British Columbia and two in Ontario have earned Bib Gourmand designations from the Michelin Guide. This transformation began with new waves of Indian immigrants bringing regional cooking styles that elevated the cuisine nationally.

Vij’s combined Indian home-style flavours with European service, featuring dishes like lamb “popsicles” in fenugreek curry. “Authentic is if you see passion and love and the utmost care given to the dishes. That’s authentic,” says Vij. The restaurant, now in its third and largest location, attracts high-profile guests and continues to expand its offerings, such as Goan-style halibut and chicken schnitzel with butter chicken sauce. Vij’s cookbooks and new venture, My New Indian Kitchen, share his evolving approach to Indian cuisine.

Karma Indian Bistro in Vancouver’s Kitsilano exemplifies the next generation. Chef Vishal Kumar and his son Rahul blend Northern and Southern Indian dishes with freshly ground spices and refined presentation. “Our goal with all the dishes is to make sure they’re balanced,” says Rahul. Karma’s attentive service and creative bar program earned it a Bib Gourmand less than a year after opening. “Michelin gives a lot of freedom to new chefs and restaurant entrepreneurs to experiment,” he adds.

In Ontario, Guru Lukshmi in Mississauga and Indian Street Food Co. in Toronto have also been recognised. Guru Lukshmi is celebrated for South Indian dosas, while Indian Street Food Co. evokes the nostalgia of Delhi and Mumbai coffeehouses with dishes like pau bhaji and fish potli. These restaurants honour India’s regional diversity while achieving global acclaim.

The past 25 years have seen Indian cuisine in Canada flourish with innovation, authenticity, and recognition. With rising talent and expanding regional influences, chefs like Vij and Kumar predict the next milestone: a Michelin star for Indian dining in Canada. “I’m sure it will happen,” says Rahul.

This story has been edited and condensed for clarity. Read the original version in the Fall/Winter 2025 edition of driver magazine.

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