When looking at an Indian curry house menu, there are several terms you will come across frequently. You may not understand these unless you eat Indian food regularly, as they are derived from Hindi words that are typically only associated with Indian cooking. While restaurant staff will always be happy to provide more details about various dishes and answer any questions you might have, here’s a rundown of six commonly found terms on an Indian menu.
1. Tandoori
Tandoori refers to a cooking style commonly used in India where skewers of marinated meat, paneer (cheese), or vegetables are placed in a hot clay oven, resulting in a charred smoky flavour. A tandoor oven is commonly used in South Asian cuisine and you might see dishes such as tandoori chicken, tandoori roti – a type of Indian flatbread – or tandoori fish on a menu.
2. Masala
The word masala in Hindi means ‘spice mix’ or ‘blend of spices.’ The spice blend can be wet or dry and include a combination of herbs and spices that is then used to season food. One of the most common types of masala is garam masala. This is a warm, aromatic blend which includes cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. There’s also tikka masala, which typically includes ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric and chili powder.
3. Saag
Many people think the word ‘saag’ means spinach. But it actually refers to common leafy green vegetables found in the Indian subcontinent (which includes India, Pakistan and Nepal). When you see saag on a menu it often refers to spinach but it can also include fenugreek, mustard greens, collard greens, basella and dill. Saag paneer and saag aloo are common as dishes or sides.
4. Paneer
Paneer is a non-melting, Indian cottage cheese that has a mild flavour. It’s used in many vegetarian curries and is a popular choice with diners as it absorbs many of the flavours from sauces and spice mixes. Paneer tikka and palak paneer are popular choices. You can even enjoy paneer as a side or a starter.
5. Dal
Check out any Indian food menu and you’ll likely see the word ‘dal.’ This word comes from the Sanskrit ‘to split’ and in Hindi it refers to lentils, pulses or dishes made from these ingredients. Dal dishes are nutritious, filling and high in protein, making them a perfect vegetarian or vegan option. As many Indian people are vegetarian, red, yellow and green lentils are used frequently in Indian cuisine.
6. Biryani
Biryani is derived from the Persian words ‘birinj’ (rice) and ‘birian’ (to fry). It is a fragrant rice dish layered with meat or vegetables and flavoured with saffron, herbs and often a side of raita (yoghurt sauce.) On a menu, you’ll likely see chicken/meat biryani, vegetable biryani or even a king prawn option.
If you’re looking for a great Indian cuisine menu, don’t miss Little India in South Kensington. Our restaurant serves a wide range of authentic dishes with uncompromising taste. Book your table today and enjoy flavoursome food in the heart of London.
