Tikka simply means pieces, and the whole dish rests on two things: the marinade and the heat. Ours is a two-stage marinade — first ginger, garlic, lemon and salt to season the meat through, then thick hung yogurt with Kashmiri chilli, roasted cumin, coriander and garam masala to form the crust. The chicken rests overnight before it ever sees a skewer.
The tandoor does the rest. At the temperatures a clay oven reaches, the outside sets and chars in minutes while the inside stays tender, which is why tandoori chicken tastes nothing like chicken grilled on a flat top. It arrives at the table smoking, with sliced onion, salad and mint chutney.
How to Order Chicken Tikka at Dil Tak
Most tables order Classic Chicken Tikka as a starter to share while the curries are being finished. It is also the leanest way to eat well here: high protein, no cream, no thickened gravy, which makes it a regular lunch order from the Financial District and the Bay Street Corridor.
If you like the flavour, it is worth knowing that the same skewers form the base of our Chicken Tikka Masala. Order the tikka dry first, then the masala as a main, and you will taste exactly what the tandoor contributes.
Ways to Enjoy Classic Chicken Tikka at Dil Tak
Perfect Pairings
- Mint chutney and sliced onion with lime
- Garlic naan or tandoori roti
- Paneer Tikka on the same platter
- A crisp lager or a gin and tonic from the bar
Good to Know
- Medium heat with a smoky, tangy finish
- No gravy — a lighter, protein-forward choice
- Popular as a shared starter and as a lunch plate
- Available for dine-in, takeout, delivery and catering
Chicken Tikka in Toronto: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicken Tikka the same as Tandoori Chicken?
They are close cousins. Tandoori Chicken is cooked on the bone in larger pieces, while Chicken Tikka is boneless and cut into cubes before it is skewered, so it takes on more marinade and more char per bite.
Is Chicken Tikka gluten free?
The marinade is yogurt and spice based with no wheat, but our kitchen handles flour for breads daily. Please tell your server about any allergy so the team can advise you properly.
Can I order Chicken Tikka for takeout near Union Station?
Yes. We are at 8 York St, a few minutes from Union Station, and you can order online for pickup or delivery anywhere in downtown Toronto.
