Going out for a curry is a great way to spend time with your friends. Offering a relaxed experience, delicious food and a chance to catch up, it checks all the boxes for a fun night out. But how do you make sure the outing goes smoothly from start to finish? Here are our top tips.
Find the perfect Indian place
Once you have set a date for your evening out, the first thing to do is choose a place to eat. This often means searching ‘recommended Indian restaurants near me’ and checking out the menus and reviews of the places that come up. Choosing a restaurant that offers a variety of dishes – from traditional favourites like balti and tikka masala to specials such as naga chicken and Sylhet fish curry – means all tastes, preferences and dietary requirements can be catered to.
Reserve and confirm
Decide who will make the reservation and ensure they confirm the date and time to the group. This will avoid any confusion, especially if you’ve booked several weeks in advance. Making a reservation is particularly important on busy evenings such as weekends, or if you are a large party. Don’t assume you can simply walk in and get a table.
Share
In many cultures, meals are a social occasion and sharing food is seen as a way of strengthening bonds. In fact, research indicates that sharing from the same platters increases cooperative behaviour and brings people closer together. Why not start the meal by sharing a range of starters such as vegetable samosas, aloo chat and fish pakoora? You may even discover a new favourite by trying some of the dishes your friends choose. Alternatively, you could share rice or breads and choose your own meat or vegetable dish for mains.
Let the conversation flow
Most adults will admit they spend too much time on their phones. Dining out with your friends works best when everyone is engaged in the conversation and phones are safely tucked away in pockets or bags. If you haven’t seen each other in a while you’re sure to have plenty to chat about, so ditch the screens and enjoy each others’ company. We’re not saying there’s no room for grabbing a quick selfie or sharing photos of your holiday or your kids – but the social media updates can wait until later.
Splitting the bill
Agreeing beforehand how to split the bill can prevent tension later in the evening. It’s important to be mindful of each other’s budgets, so make a decision before ordering and if you’re each paying for your own food, ask for separate tabs at the beginning of the meal. Most Indian places in London can accommodate this, and it will make things easier for everyone when the bill comes.
If you’re looking for places to eat in Kensington, London with your friends, why not book a table at Little India? Our restaurant serves authentic dishes in a relaxed setting with old-fashioned hospitality, making for a unique and memorable night out.
