Picture the scene: you’ve arranged to go out for dinner with a friend, and when the evening rolls around they say, “Let’s go to the new Indian curry restaurant near me”. The problem is, you’ve never tried Indian food and you’re worried about what to expect. How do you choose a dish that you’re going to like? What’s the best option if you’re not keen on lots of heat? The good news is there are lots of choices to suit a variety of tastes. Here, we explore the best dishes to try if you’re new to Indian food.
Starters
1. Samosas
Samosas are a crisp, triangular shaped pastry filled with mildly spiced vegetables and/or meat. They are packed with flavour and can be dipped in mango chutney, which adds a cooling sweetness. The perfect introduction to Indian flavours!
2. Fish pakora
These shallow fried fish bites are seasoned with spices and herbs, and make an ideal starter for seafood lovers. They’re not too filling either, leaving you plenty of room for the main course.
Mains
3. Korma – mild and creamy
Not all Indian food is super spicy. In fact, Korma is a really popular dish that is mild and creamy – just right for those who are visiting an Indian curry restaurant for the first time. It’s made with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander and turmeric, and has nutty notes thanks to the inclusion of almonds or coconut. It’s delicious paired with rice or naan.
4. Butter chicken – delicate and warming
Butter chicken is warming without being too spicy. Succulent chicken is cooked in butter with tomatoes, garlic, mild chilli and cream or milk. There’s plenty of sauce to mop up with a chunky piece of naan, making it the ideal first-time dish for Indian cuisine novices.
5. Chicken, lamb or fish Tandoori – smoky and traditional
Cooked to perfection in a traditional clay oven called a Tandoor, this dish is mild and delicious, with a smoky flavour to the meat or fish. If you’re having it with chicken or lamb, the meat is left on the bone and marinated in yoghurt and traditional spices before being cooked. It’s drier than a korma or butter chicken and goes beautifully with roti and a side of sag aloo.
Sides
6. Sag aloo
Sag aloo combines leafy greens such as spinach with potatoes, and is a mouthwatering side for your chosen curry. It’s lightly flavoured with chilli, cumin seeds, turmeric and fresh ginger, giving it bite without too much heat.
7. Biryani
Biryani is a layered rice dish made with meat, seafood or vegetables. It’s flavoured with a spice blend that differs from restaurant to restaurant, but which might include fennel seeds, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and saffron. It’s a tasty side for a curry, or can be eaten as a main if you want something a little lighter.
As you can see, there are plenty of options for those who are new to Indian food. Whether you’ve been invited out for dinner or you’re inspired to order takeaway from your local Indian curry place, you can’t go wrong with the above choices. To enjoy the best authentic Indian cuisine, visit Little India in Kensington and discover our extensive menu and good old fashioned hospitality.
