The Best Halal Restaurants serving Indian food. Toronto, Ontario

Indian cuisine is considered an art form, its secrets passed on from generation to generation. Mothers and daughters would cook for hours, allowing the aroma of spices and fresh vegetables to waft through the house. Family gatherings provided the perfect opportunity for young adults to practice their cooking and create dishes that would impress aunts, uncles, and friends.

Due to its unique taste and flavour, Indian food has become an international sensation, especially in North America. Despite this fact, there are still some misconceptions surrounding the cuisine. For example, many believe that all Indian food is spicy. While it is true that India is known for its spices and herbs, these garnishes don't always result in piquant dishes. A lot of their meals are also salty and sweet. Commonly used spices include curry, mustard seed, coriander, chili pepper, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon.

Many of the dishes use white-flour, rice, potatoes, lentils, pigeon pea sprouts and fenugreek leaves. Variations of these staple ingredients are used in most traditional meals, including the popular butter chicken. Chicken is marinated in yogurt and a mixture of spices overnight. It is typically served with rice, naan bread, or roti. Vegetarian dishes are also popular among the Hindu and Jain population, as their religious beliefs prohibit them from eating meat. Spiced chickpeas and fried bread make up a lot of vegetarian meals.

Meals are never complete without something to cleanse the palate. Sweets are made with fried foods, sugar, or condensed milk, and are often garnished with saffron, nutmeg, or rose petal essence. Desserts and small snacks are served at evening breakfast, a meal between breakfast and lunch similar to "tea time" in Europe. Black tea infused with cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger often accompanies this meal.

Like most Asian countries, Indian food can vary regionally due to the variations on climate, soil, and local ingredients. Northern India experiences extreme hot and cold climates, making it perfect for growing fruits and vegetables. It is also known for its thick and spicy curries, as well as its breads. Southern India's environment is much more humid. Rice grows abundantly, making it a staple ingredient in most meals. Stewed meats and dried vegetable dishes are popular. It is also one of the few regions that cultivate coffee beans. East and west of this region lies the coast of India, where green vegetables are plentiful and seafood is prominent in dishes.

MenuPalace features a number of authentic Indian restaurants throughout Toronto, including the Indian Tandoori House and Dhaba Indian Cuisine.