Indian Vegetarian Restaurant in Edmonton: Aanchal

Aanchal keeps complimentary pita chips coming while you browse the menu, and if you order a combo, mango custard lands on the table at the end. The kitchen in Griesbach runs dedicated vegetarian sections across appetizers, entrees, and a separate vegan menu, so vegetarian diners aren't stuck choosing between two token dishes.

Why vegetarian diners choose Aanchal in North Edmonton

Most Indian restaurants claim to be vegetarian-friendly. At Aanchal, it goes deeper. The kitchen keeps separate vegetarian prep—that's the difference between "we have options" and "we take you seriously."

North Edmonton—Griesbach, Castle Downs, Caernarvon—is thin on Indian restaurants that take vegetarian seriously. Aanchal's lineup spans appetizers, mains, and dessert, so you're not hunting for a third dish to cobble together a meal. Regulars from Beaumaris and Belle Rive order regularly too.

The menu includes vegan choices too. See our full vegetarian and vegan menu before ordering.

Vegetarian appetizers: crispy starters worth ordering

Start with Veg Samosa. Crispy triangular shells, hot potato and green pea filling, best with a side of mint chutney or tamarind. It's simple and done right—the shell shatters, the filling stays warm.

Next: Veg Pakora. Chopped vegetables mixed with chickpea batter and spices, then fried until golden. It's heavier than samosa but less greasy than most places make it. Comes as a pile of irregular fritters; eat them straight or dip them in any sauce on the table.

Want something less fried? Cauliflower 65: florets fried first, tossed in sweet-garlic sauce, crispy outside, tender inside. Most vegetarian appetizer sections stop here—Aanchal doesn't.

Veg entrees: paneer, chickpeas, and slow-cooked curries

The centrepiece is Shahi Paneer. Paneer is a fresh cheese cooked in a velvety creamy tomato sauce. "Shahi" means royal—it's the North Indian comfort curry. Rich without being heavy, tomato without being acidic. Order it with naan or rice.

Kadhai Paneer goes the other direction: paneer with diced bell peppers and onions, finished in kadhai spices. It's dryer than Shahi Paneer, spicier, with texture from the peppers. If you want to taste the individual spices—cumin, coriander, fenugreek—this is the dish.

Chana Masala rounds out the paneer pair. Chickpeas cooked with dried ginger and fenugreek. It's earthy, warming, and pairs perfectly with Shahi Paneer in a combo order. Chickpeas are lighter than paneer, so many vegetarians order both—one rich, one grounded.

Order with naan, roti, or rice. Lunch combos come with both rice and naan. North Edmonton regulars don't order anything else.

Vegan options at Aanchal

Aanchal's vegan menu exists. It's separate from the main menu, and it's substantial. The kitchen uses vegetable oil and skips dairy to accommodate the restriction. You won't feel like you're ordering off a stripped-down alternative list—it's built from the ground up.

Check the full menu for vegan dishes before ordering. Most combos can be adapted vegan on request. Contact us if you have questions about specific prep methods.

Order online or visit us in Griesbach

Aanchal is at 6875 Ad Astra Blvd NW, in Griesbach, Edmonton, AB T5E 4G6. We're open Sunday through Thursday 11 am–10 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am–12 am. Call us at +1 780-761-8001 to order ahead or ask about catering.

We deliver to Castle Downs, Edmonton, AB, Caernarvon, Edmonton, AB, and Beaumaris, Edmonton, AB. Pickup available. Customers from Belle Rive and across north Edmonton order regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Aanchal have a vegetarian menu?

Yes. We have dedicated vegetarian appetizers, veg entrees, and a separate vegan menu. The kitchen maintains separate prep areas for vegetarian dishes, so you can order with full confidence.

What are the best vegetarian dishes at Aanchal?

Shahi Paneer is our most popular veg entree—homestyle paneer in velvety creamy tomato sauce. Kadhai Paneer (paneer with diced peppers and onions in kadhai spices) and Chana Masala (chickpeas with dried ginger and fenugreek) are close seconds. For appetizers, Veg Samosa and Veg Pakora are crispy standards.

Does Aanchal deliver to Castle Downs and Caernarvon?

Yes. We deliver and offer takeout to Griesbach, Castle Downs, Caernarvon, and surrounding neighborhoods. Order online at www.aanchalyeg.ca or call +1 780-761-8001.

What are Aanchal's hours?

We're open Sunday through Thursday 11 am–10 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am–12 am. Call ahead if you're ordering for a group.