Savor handcrafted Bengali specialties—like our renowned Chicken Tikka Wrap, Butter Chicken and creamy kormas—made fresh daily with locally sourced ingredients in the heart of Ottawa’s vibrant ByWard Market.
Ottawa’s Authentic Bengali-Style Indian cuisine in ByWard Market
Founded in 1996 by our family matriarch, Shafali brings the fragrant essence of the Himalayas and our authentic Bengali-style Indian cuisine to downtown Ottawa plus Our open-concept bazaar kitchens let you witness fresh Indian dishes prepared before your eyes—blending tradition, innovation, and community spirit.
With two convenient Ottawa locations—ByWard Market and Dalhousie Street—you can:
As a young boy in Bangladesh, Gias (Salim) Uddin dreamed of becoming his own boss—just like his father and grandfather. In 1982, Salim immigrated to Canada, honing his culinary and management skills over 15 years in Montreal at prestigious establishments like The Westin, where he earned his restaurant management degree.
In 1996, Salim’s vision came to life with the grand opening of Shafali Restaurant on Dalhousie Street in Ottawa—one of the city’s first authentic Bengali-style Indian restaurants. Joined by his brothers Ashraf and Shahab, Salim established a warm, open-concept bazaar kitchen where guests could watch fragrant spices and fresh ingredients come to life.
By 1999, the brothers had opened a second Shafali location in Ottawa’s vibrant ByWard Market, solidifying their reputation for handcrafted Indian dishes and genuine family hospitality. Today, Shafali welcomes thousands of diners each month, offering dine-in, take-out, and delivery across two convenient locations.
More than just an Ottawa Indian cuisine, Shafali is dedicated to giving back. Since 1984, Salim has championed Child Haven International, supporting children in need with food, education, and shelter. Through Shafali, many skilled workers have launched their own food-service careers—elevating Ottawa’s culinary community
Easy Indian Recipes at Home: Tikka, Naan, Rogan Josh, Dhansak, Vindaloo
Discover how to cook authentic Indian dishes in your own kitchen! In this tutorial, you’ll learn step-by-step recipes for Tikka, Naan, Rogan Josh, Dhansak, butter chicken and Vindaloo—healthy, flavorful meals perfect for home cooking in Ottawa . We cover spice selection, cooking techniques, and plating tips to bring the taste of India to your table. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home chef, these mouth-watering recipes will elevate your meal prep and delight your family.
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You are at the right place! Shafali’s restaurants offer Indian cooking classes in Ottawa, taught by our experienced chef. You too can learn how to prepare healthy and exotic Indian dishes!
If you can’t resist Safali’s cooking, you will definitely discover a new passion for preparing these meals by yourself! During our Indian cooking classes in Ottawa, you will learn the basics of Indian cuisine: the spices and ingredients that are most commonly used, the methods, as well as a wide range of recipes that you can cook by yourself. Our experienced chef will share with you his passion for Indian cuisine, right here in Ottawa!
After having attended our classes, you will have the tools and the know-how to cook great healthy meals for yourself and your family. Also, once you have mastered the basics, you will be equipped to be creative and perhaps adapt the recipes to your liking!
After attending our cooking class, why not invite friends and family for an Indian-theme evening? You’ll be able to impress them with your new Indian cooking skills!
Hi Salim,
My husband and I enjoyed the cooking class and our meal at Shafali’s. The private group session was great. The introduction to Indian spices and the hands-on activities in the kitchen was well done. I believe everyone in our group had a great time. Although I do not drink, the wine pairing was a very nice touch, especially with the Canadian wines.
Thank you for making our Christmas Event memorable. I think we’re ready to advance to the next spice level…
Regards
You can register and attend our Indian cooking classes in our Ottawa restaurants either by yourself, with your mate, or as a group! This can also be a great opportunity for a workplace team-building activity!
If you’d like to register as a group and you have special requests for specific recipes, we will do everything possible to accommodate your needs and requests for the cooking class.
Give us a call today or email: salim@shafali.com to find out about the available Indian cooking classes in Ottawa through Shafali Restaurants!
Shafali is more than a restaurant in Ottawa that offers delicious, healthy Indian meals. Shafali is also a major supporter of Child Haven International, an organization that assists children in developing countries who are in need of food, education, health care, shelter and clothing, and emotional and moral support. The organization operates nine homes for destitute children – six in India, one in Nepal, Tibet, and Bangladesh. The organization also assists children and elderly people in Afghanistan and Bhutan.
When Salim, the founder and CEO of the Shafali Restaurants arrived in Canada in 1984, he had the opportunity to meet with the founder of Child Haven International. This is when his desire to make the world a better place really took flight.
“The more you give, the more you receive”. This is one life principle to which Salim adheres. Since his involvement in 1984, Salim contributed to raising more than half a million dollars for kids living in developing countries. However, he insists that he receives so much more than he gives. He gets to meet inspired and inspiring people who, like himself, want to make a difference in the world. His reward: seeing kids grow, thrive, and have the same chance as more fortunate children to live a fruitful and plentiful life.
The Shafali Indian Restaurant in Ottawa is a great networking environment that allows Salim and his brothers to engage the community and raise awareness about children in need around the world. For example, in 1998 and for the following 11 years, the Indian Restaurant in Ottawa held the annual Evening Fest, which allowed raising more than $80,000.
Shafali also organises an annual event, the Glebe Soirée. Just last year, the successful event allowed raising approximately $10,000 for children in need. Many of the local businesses generously provided gift certificates for a silent auction – people participating in this activity were able to find great gifts or treat themselves. This activity allows the community to enjoy a beautiful evening while helping children around the world have a better quality of life.
Other fundraising activities include the “Restaurant Sales Giveaway” at the Dalhousie location. Two to three times a year, the owners invite friends and long-standing customers for a nice dinner. All proceeds and donations are given towards Child Haven International, an average of $4,000 per activity.
Salim was also able to see firsthand how his involvement contributes to a better world by traveling to different countries where the organization operates, namely Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Tibet. He was also fortunate to take part in the opening of a home in Bangladesh when he donated Shafali’s ancestral home to Child haven International. Salim worked effortlessly for a couple of years to renovate and rehabilitate the home. In 2002, it was ready to welcome kids in need. 70 kids currently live in that home and receive the nutrition, education, support, and love they need and deserve. Salim is the guardian of the home that is supervised by an amazing team, supported by an extraordinary manager, Jasmin Mahmud.
“I am overwhelmed with joy as four of the kids who we have seen grow up in the Bangladesh home will, this year, graduate and move on to higher education. This is amazing when you think that just a few years ago, these kids were fading from the face of the earth”, said Salim. “The people working for Child haven International are extraordinary people who make a real difference. They give their lives for the sake of children, they work relentlessly, they never take a break or vacations, yet, they never complain that they are tired.”
Child Haven International helps more than 1400 children around the world
