Crispy Vegetarian Starter

Onion Bhajia: Crispy Indian Appetizer in Northwest Calgary

Customer favourite at Crowfoot

Onion bhajia (also spelled bhaji, and sometimes called onion pakora) is the starter that lands on almost every table at Green Chili Crowfoot. Sliced onions are tossed in a batter of chickpea flour, cumin, coriander, turmeric and a little chili, then fried to order so they arrive hot and crackling. They are vegetarian, made with gluten-free chickpea flour, and come with chutney for dipping. If you are looking for a vegetarian Indian appetizer in Northwest Calgary, whether near Arbour Lake, Ranchlands or Scenic Acres, this is the one to start with.

Vegetarian Starter

Mild

Halal Kitchen

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Onion Bhajia at Green Chili Crowfoot in NW Calgary - crispy golden onion fritters served with chutney

About Our Onion Bhajia

Bhajia are street-food royalty in India, sold hot from roadside stalls, and they are the natural companion to a cup of chai on a rainy day. At Green Chili – Cuisine of India, ours are made the classic way with besan (chickpea flour) rather than wheat batter, which gives a lighter, crisper shell and a nutty flavour that suits the sweet fried onion inside.

They are one of the best-value items on our menu and one of the easiest to share, so they anchor most of our group orders alongside papadoms and samosas. Because they are vegetarian, they also work for mixed tables where not everyone eats meat.

Why Our Onion Bhajia Stands Out

The secret to good bhajia is a thin batter and hot oil. Too much batter and you get a doughy fritter; too little heat and they turn greasy. We fry them fresh for every order so the edges stay lacy and crunchy, and we keep the spice mild so the onion sweetness comes through. Dip them in mint chutney or tamarind chutney and they disappear fast.

Perfect Pairings

Mint chutney and tamarind chutney
Papadoms and vegetable samosas for a full appetizer platter
Chicken Tikka from the clay oven
Butter Chicken as the main event
Chicken Biryani to share

Customer Reviews

What Guests Say About Green Chili Crowfoot

Tripadvisor Reviewer

Group of five, April 2024

"Good Indian food in Crowfoot. Our group of five shared papadoms, onion bhajia, chicken tikka, chicken korma, chicken biryani, seekh kebab, prawn malai, saffron rice and naan. Both the food and the service were good. Recommended."

April 2024 · via Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor Reviewer

Calgary Local

"A nice food joint for Indian food with a decent layout and menu. Efficient staff with a pleasant demeanor and good value for money. Both the food and the service were excellent. Highly recommended."

via Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor Reviewers

NW Calgary Regulars

"Consistently good Indian restaurant in NW Calgary. Flavourful curries and tandoori dishes. Our go-to place for Indian food in the Crowfoot area."