New To Indian Food? Here Are Some Best Indian Dishes to Order
Indian cuisine, with its vibrant flavours, diverse spices, and rich history, has not only captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide but also offers a sense of comfort and familiarity. If you’re new to Indian food, the array of choices might seem overwhelming. But don’t worry! This guide will introduce you to some of the best Indian dishes to order, perfect for beginners exploring this flavourful and comforting cuisine.
1. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Butter chicken is often the gateway to Indian cuisine for many people. This dish is made from tender chicken pieces marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, then cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. The mild spiciness of the dish, balanced by the cream and butter, makes it an excellent choice for those new to Indian food. Pair it with naan or basmati rice, and you’re in for a treat!
2. Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori chicken is another popular dish that’s perfect for beginners. This dish features chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked in a tandoor, a traditional clay oven, which gives it a smoky flavour. The vibrant red colour comes from the herbs used in the marinade, such as turmeric, chilli powder, and garam masala. It’s usually served with a side of mint chutney, which provides a refreshing contrast to the spiced chicken. To enjoy the dish, take a bite of the tandoori chicken and a small amount of mint chutney for a fresh flavour.
3. Biryani
Biryani is a fragrant rice dish that combines basmati rice with spices, vegetables, and meat (usually chicken, lamb, or goat). The dish is cooked slowly, allowing the flavours to meld together. Each region in India has its own variation of Biryani, with Hyderabad’s Biryani being one of the most famous. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, vegetable biryani is equally flavorful, with a medley of vegetables taking the place of meat.
4. Palak Paneer
For a taste of vegetarian Indian cuisine, palak paneer is an excellent dish to try. This dish features paneer (a type of Indian cheese) cooked in a creamy spinach sauce. The spices are mild, and the dish is incredibly comforting, especially when served with warm naan or roti. The vibrant green colour of the spinach combined with the soft paneer cubes makes it a visually appealing and delicious option.
5. Chole Bhature
Chole bhature is a popular dish from Northern India that consists of spicy chickpeas (chole) served with deep-fried bread (bhature). The chickpeas are cooked in a tangy tomato-based sauce with a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Bhature is soft and fluffy, perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce. This dish is often a hearty breakfast or lunch and a must-try for those who love bold flavours.
6. Masala Dosa
If you’re in the mood for something light yet satisfying, masala dosa is the way to go. This South Indian dish features a thin, crispy pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter, filled with a spiced potato mixture. It’s typically served with coconut chutney and sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew). The combination of the crispy dosa, creamy potato filling, and tangy chutneys creates a symphony of flavours that’s hard to resist.
7. Rogan Josh
Rogan Josh is a dish from Kashmir known for its aromatic and richly flavoured meat curries. This dish is made with tender pieces of lamb or goat slow-cooked in a gravy made from yogurt, garlic, and a blend of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. The result is a profoundly flavorful curry best enjoyed with steamed rice or naan.
8. Aloo Gobi
Aloo gobi is a simple yet delicious vegetarian dish made from potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi). The vegetables are cooked with a blend of spices, including turmeric, cumin, and coriander, giving the dish a vibrant yellow colour. Aloo gobi is typically dry, meaning it doesn’t have a lot of sauce, making it an excellent option for those who prefer less spicy dishes. It’s often served with roti or paratha (a type of Indian flatbread).
9. Gulab Jamun
No Indian meal is complete without dessert; gulab jamun is a favourite among many. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings are made from khoya (reduced milk solids) and soaked in sweet syrup with cardamom and rose water. The result is a lovely, aromatic, and utterly indulgent dessert. Gulab jamun is often served warm and is the perfect way to end your Indian meal.
10. Biryani: The Fragrant Feast
No exploration of Indian cuisine is complete without tasting Biryani—a dish as fragrant as it is flavorful. Imagine layers of basmati rice, tender meat (or vegetables), and a symphony of spices like saffron, cardamom, and cloves; all slow-cooked to perfection. As you lift the lid off the pot, aromatic steam teases your senses. Every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes—each grain of rice soaked with the essence of the spices, the meat tender and juicy, and the occasional burst of fried onions adding a delightful crunch. Whether you choose a Hyderabadi biryani or a Lucknowi version, this dish will surely transport you straight to the bustling streets of India.
Conclusion
Indian cuisine offers a delicate balance of flavours, textures, and aromas that can be both exciting and comforting. If you’re new to this cuisine, starting with the dishes mentioned above will give you an excellent introduction to the variety and richness that Indian food has to offer. Whether you’re enjoying the creamy goodness of butter chicken, the aromatic spices of biryani, or the refreshing taste of mango lassi, you’ll soon discover why these are considered some of the best Indian dishes to order.
As you explore further, you’ll find Indian food incredibly diverse, with each region offering unique and exciting specialties. So, don’t hesitate to try something new—your taste buds will thank you for the adventure!
