Vancouver has no shortage of options when it comes to Indian food delivery. But knowing what to order — especially if you’re new to Indian cuisine — is half the battle. The wrong dish can arrive cold, soggy, or just not as satisfying as it would be in the restaurant. The right dish? It tastes just as good out of the container as it does at the table.
At Sula, we’ve been delivering authentic Indian food across Vancouver since 2010. We know exactly which dishes hold up beautifully in transit and which ones are best saved for a dine-in visit. Here’s the definitive guide.
Why Some Indian Dishes Travel Better Than Others
Indian food is actually one of the best cuisines for delivery — the rich gravies and robust spices hold their flavour well, and the packaging keeps heat effectively. The key is knowing which dishes are built for the container and which rely on being served immediately.
Dishes with thick, deeply-spiced gravies — butter chicken, dal makhani, lamb rogan josh — are ideal. The sauce continues to infuse the protein during transit, and often tastes even richer by the time it arrives. Crispy starters like samosas and onion bhajia are best ordered with a dine-in visit, as the crunch doesn’t survive the journey.
Good to know: Sula’s naans are baked fresh in the tandoor and packaged separately to stay soft. They reheat beautifully in a pan for 60 seconds — far better than the microwave.
The Best Indian Dishes to Order for Delivery
These are the dishes our delivery customers order most — and the ones our kitchen team recommends for takeout and delivery specifically.
Butter Chicken
Creamy tomato-based gravy with tender tandoori chicken. The sauce continues to develop during transit — it often tastes even better by the time it arrives. The #1 delivery order at all three Sula locations.
Dal Makhani
Slow-cooked black lentils in a rich, smoky butter sauce. One of the most deeply flavoured dishes on the menu and one of the best for delivery — thick, hearty, and holds beautifully.
Lamb Rogan Josh
Slow-braised lamb in a deeply spiced Kashmiri gravy. One of the most impressive delivery orders — the lamb becomes more tender during transit. Pairs perfectly with basmati rice.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Smoky marinated chicken in a bold, spiced tomato and cream gravy. A Vancouver delivery staple. Rich enough to satisfy, approachable enough for first-timers.
Saag Paneer
Fresh paneer in a lightly spiced spinach and mustard leaf sauce. One of the most versatile dishes for delivery — works as a main or a side alongside a meat curry.
Chicken Biryani
Slow-cooked basmati rice layered with spiced chicken, saffron, and caramelised onions. A complete meal in one container — one of the best value orders for delivery.
What to Add: Breads, Sides & Extras
The right accompaniments make or break an Indian delivery order. Here’s what to add and why:
Build the Perfect Delivery Order
- Garlic Naan — The best bread for delivery. Stays soft in the packaging and reheats perfectly in a dry pan for 60 seconds. Order one per person plus one to share.
- Basmati Rice — Essential for gravy-heavy dishes. Absorbs the sauce beautifully and makes the portion go further. Always add rice to a butter chicken or lamb rogan josh order.
- Mango Chutney — Adds a sweet contrast to rich meat dishes. One container is enough for the whole order.
- Raita — Cooling yogurt sauce that balances spicier dishes. Essential if anyone in the group is sensitive to heat.
- Masala Chai — Sula’s chai travels well and is a perfect way to finish an Indian delivery meal. Add it to any order.
What Not to Order for Delivery
We want your delivery experience to be as good as dining in — so here’s what we’d recommend saving for your next visit to the restaurant:
Crispy starters — Samosas, onion bhajia, and pakoras are exceptional in the restaurant but lose their crunch during transit. If you’re ordering them for delivery, eat them immediately when the bag arrives.
Tandoori items as a standalone — Tandoori chicken and seekh kebabs are best fresh from the clay oven. They’re still delicious in delivery, but pair them with a gravy dish to keep the meal satisfying.
How to Order Indian Food Delivery in Vancouver from Sula
Ordering for a Group? Here’s What We Recommend
Indian food is designed for sharing — it’s one of the few cuisines where ordering multiple dishes and eating family-style is the intended experience. For a group delivery, here’s a simple formula:
For 2–3 people: 2 mains + rice + 2–3 naans + 1 side. Try butter chicken and saag paneer — a classic combination that covers meat and vegetarian bases.
For 4–6 people: 3–4 mains + rice + 4–6 naans + 2 sides. Add a biryani as one of the mains — it works as both a dish and a rice substitute and makes the order go further.
For 6+: Contact us about group catering — we offer proper catering packages for larger gatherings with full setup options.
Sula Indian Restaurant — Vancouver’s Delivery Locations
Sula delivers from three locations across Vancouver, covering most of the city within a $5 flat delivery fee. No minimum order required.
Commercial Drive — covers East Vancouver, Strathcona, Grandview, Kensington, Mount Pleasant, and surrounding areas.
Main Street — covers Riley Park, Mount Pleasant, Fraser, Sunset, and South Vancouver.
Davie Street — covers the West End, Downtown Vancouver, Yaletown, Kitsilano waterfront, and False Creek.
Use our distance calculator to find your nearest location and confirm delivery range before ordering.
