Tender chickpeas simmered in a deeply spiced tomato and onion gravy until the sauce clings to every chana. It is one of the most popular vegan dishes on our menu and a Banff Avenue favourite with roti, rice or a dosa on the side.
Chana masala is North Indian comfort food at its most honest: chickpeas, tomato, onion, ginger and garlic, brought together with cumin, coriander and a finishing lift of garam masala. There is no cream and no butter in it, which is exactly why it works so well for vegan and dairy-free guests looking for something substantial rather than a side salad.
At Indian Curry House-Banff we cook the gravy slowly so the spices lose their raw edge and the chickpeas take on the flavour of the sauce rather than sitting in it. Served with roti or jeera rice, it is a filling, protein-rich plate — and one of the reasons vegetarian and vegan travellers single us out among Banff restaurants.
Plant-based guests often get one token dish on an Indian menu. Here, chana masala sits alongside tadka dal, vegan mango curry and a vegan take on chicken tikka masala, so a whole table can eat well without compromise. Everything is cooked to order, so we can keep dishes dairy-free and adjust the heat to suit you.
Our dining room is on the upper level at 225 Banff Avenue, right in the heart of downtown Banff. Guests walking in from Downtown Banff, Tunnel Mountain, Middle Springs, the Upper Hot Springs and the Banff Springs Hotel area find us easy to reach, and takeout travels well if you are heading back to a hotel, a lodge or a campsite at Tunnel Mountain.
“A vegetarian’s recommendation”
“If you are craving Indian food and taste, I recommend this place. The dishes — especially the dosas — are excellent. I can’t recommend it enough for vegetarian diners.”
Verified Tripadvisor review
“Best Indian food in Banff”
“The best Indian food in Banff. The flavours are authentic and really satisfying, and I would strongly recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting town.”
Verified Tripadvisor review
“Fantastisk mat, god service!”
“Fantastic food and good service. One of the highest rated places we tried in Banff — both the dishes and the whole experience were excellent.”
Verified Tripadvisor review
Find us upstairs at 225 Banff Avenue, a short stroll from Banff Avenue hotels, the Bow River and Central Park. Chana masala is ready for dine-in, takeout or a catering tray.
Monday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Dine-in · Takeout · Phone orders · Online ordering · Catering