{"id":6476,"date":"2023-08-26T10:08:36","date_gmt":"2023-08-26T08:08:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/miviajealaindia.com\/?page_id=6476"},"modified":"2025-04-11T18:17:22","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T16:17:22","slug":"what-to-order-in-an-indian-restaurant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/miviajealaindia.com\/en\/what-to-order-in-an-indian-restaurant\/","title":{"rendered":"What to order in an Indian restaurant"},"content":{"rendered":"

Indian cuisine is famous around the world for its rich variety of flavors, spices and unique dishes. However, for those who are unfamiliar with this delicious culinary tradition, it can be overwhelming to know what to order in an Indian restaurant<\/strong> because of the diversity of choices available. But fear not, because today I'm going to guide you through the maze of Indian food at the restaurant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get ready to tell him \"namaste<\/a>\" to an epic and balanced culinary experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For starters, In India they don't have the concept of starter, main course and dessert in the same way as we do in the West.<\/strong> In India, small portions of various dishes are eaten in combination to provide all the nutrients and flavors needed for a balanced diet (this originates from the Ayurveda<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And before continuing, please note that eating with your hands in India<\/a> in India is not frowned upon and it is accepted by the standards of table etiquette and protocol<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Types of service in an Indian restaurant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Indian restaurant experience goes beyond the food, involving the presentation of the dishes and how they are served. Here are the most common types of service in an Indian restaurant<\/strong>, each offering a unique experience for diners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Buffet: abundance and variety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The buffet<\/strong> is a style of service in which diners serve themselves from a variety of dishes laid out on a station or table<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an Indian restaurant, a buffet may offer a wide range of dishes, from appetizers<\/strong> to main dishes<\/strong>, harnesses<\/strong> and desserts<\/strong> in addition to live stations<\/strong> of some dishes. This allows diners to sample a wide variety of flavors and dishes in a single meal. Buffets are popular in Indian restaurants because of the rich diversity of the cuisine and the opportunity to experience a true culinary feast<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thali: A complete sample<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The thali<\/strong> <\/em><\/a>is a complete and balanced dining experience that features a selection of dishes served in small portions on a platter<\/strong>. This format allows diners to taste a variety of flavors and textures in one dish<\/strong>. A thali<\/em> typical includes rice, bread, various vegetarian dishes, appetizers, side dishes, legumes and dessert. Each component is placed in small compartments on the tray. The thali<\/em> is an excellent choice for those who want to experience a traditional Indian meal in a complete way. Each region has its own <\/b>thali<\/em> with different dishes.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tasting Menu: a culinary experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The tasting menu is a refined experience in which diners enjoy a series of dishes selected by the chef. Each dish is a small portion that highlights unique flavors and culinary techniques. In an Indian restaurant, a tasting menu can present a combination of emblematic dishes and creative interpretations of traditional cuisine.<\/strong> This option is ideal for food lovers who wish to explore a wide range of authentic flavors in total balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A la Carte: to your liking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The \"a la carte\" service allows diners to choose individual dishes from the menu<\/strong>. This option provides flexibility to customize your dining experience according to your preferences but in an Indian restaurant it can be a bit chaotic if you are not familiar with the typology of the dishes and are not sure what to order in an Indian restaurant. I will give you my tips later in the article to make your choices a success.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Each type of service at an Indian restaurant offers a unique experience for diners, from the convenience and variety of the buffet to the sophistication of the tasting menu. Consider your preferences and the style of food you wish to enjoy when choosing the type of service that best suits your occasion and taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A la carte: What to order in an Indian restaurant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I will take you on a tour through the different categories of an Indian menu to familiarize you with their preparations and types of typical dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appetizers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Start your Indian dining experience with some tasty appetizers or snacks. Here are some popular choices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Papadum:<\/strong> Very thin (wafer) and crispy bread. It is usually eaten as an appetizer with a selection of sauces and chutneys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Samosas:<\/strong> Triangles of dough filled with potatoes, peas and spices, although an infinite number of ingredients can be added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pakoras<\/a>:<\/strong> Vegetable pieces (or even paneer, chicken, fish)<\/em> fried in chickpea flour batter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paneer Tikka:<\/strong> Cheese cubes paneer<\/em> marinated and roasted in the tandoor oven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Indian breads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Indian breads are an essential part of Indian food<\/strong>, they complement and absorb the rich flavors of the main dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Naan:<\/strong><\/em> This flatbread baking in the tandoor<\/strong> is fluffy on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.<\/strong> You can enjoy it on its own or use it to accompany your favorite curries. There is Naan with butter, garlic naan, with cheese, with mint, with dried fruits...<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roti:<\/strong><\/em> A thinner and softer whole wheat bread that is cooked in a frying pan.<\/strong> It is a healthier option that perfectly complements legume dishes and any stew or curry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paratha<\/em>:<\/strong> Similar to roti, but richer in calories (and flavor) and often filled with spices, potatoes, vegetables or paneer.<\/strong> It is a more complete bread that is also eaten for breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Laccha Paratha<\/em>: <\/strong>is a bread with many layers (like puff pastry) that is made in the pan and is juicy and crunchy at the same time. The best ones are the ones from Kerala :)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RECOMMENDATION: the<\/strong> breads<\/strong> do not order all of them at the beginning or at once<\/strong>. In India, you order them throughout the meal as they are much better freshly made and also in India they are ordered as you eat them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Garnishes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Side dishes are the ideal companion to your main dishes. Don't forget to try the following options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raita:<\/strong><\/em> A refreshing yogurt mixed with cucumber, tomato, cilantro and spices. Its mild flavor counteracts spicy flavors and soothes the palate.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Achar (pickles)<\/em>:<\/strong> Condiments and pickles that vary in flavor and spiciness. Add a touch of bold and somewhat astringent flavor<\/strong> to your food. The most popular ones are mango and lime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chutneys<\/a><\/em>:<\/strong> Spicy and sweet and sour sauces made from fruits, herbs and spices. They can be made with a variety of ingredients such as mango, tomato, even cilantro or tamarind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rice Basmati:<\/em><\/strong> A very light and fragrant steamed rice ideal to accompany any Indian preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legumes and Stews<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Legumes are an important pillar in the Indian diet<\/strong> due to its nutritional value and versatility. Discover some of these options and stop doubting what to order in an Indian restaurant:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dal<\/em> yellow:<\/strong> Lentil stew is a comforting blend of lentils cooked with spices. Can be simple or enriched<\/strong> with additional flavors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dal Makhani<\/em>:<\/strong> A stew of black lentils and red beans<\/strong> cooked in a sauce of tomato, onion, spices and fresh cream. This dish is a spectacle of flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chana Masala<\/em>:<\/strong> A plate of chickpeas <\/strong>in a thick tomato and spice sauce. It is a tasty dish full of protein.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rajma<\/em>:<\/strong> A curry of red beans<\/strong> cooked in a tomato and spice sauce. It is an iconic North Indian dish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Main Dishes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Main dishes in an Indian restaurant often served with rice or bread<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some options to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meat, fish or seafood curry<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

These iconic dishes are a burst of flavors<\/strong>, thanks to the combination of spices and herbs that are mixed in its rich sauce. You can adjust the level of spiciness according to your preference. The most popular are chicken curry<\/strong>of lamb, shrimp curry<\/strong> and fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vegetable curry<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Vegetable preparations in India are fun and full of flavor. The most popular vegetable curries (vegetables in sauce) are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n