First time eating indian food, what to order?

Question

I have never eaten Indian food, I am intrigued but at the same time a little reserved because I do not know what to expect. I looked at some menu items at various Indian restaurant and have no clue what any of them? Can someone give me some tips on what to order and explanations of items?

Answer 1

I'm jealous! There isn't an Indian restaurant for at least 2 hours from here, and I used to live within walking distance of 3! I've introduced many people to Indian food.

Rule #0: Read the menu. Hopefully everything will be described. If you're not sure, ask the server.

Rule #1: Don't order too hot. If they ask you, say mild or medium, or on a scale of 1-5, get a 3 at the most. Don't overdo it on the spiciness. If an item says "vindaloo," it's spicy hot.

Rule #2: Get the Nan--the flat bread. It comes in different flavors, I love garlic nan. It's also good to soak up any chutney that you want to try.

Rule #3: If you like chicken, get Chicken Tikka, or Chicken Tandoori. It's very good and is a mild introduction to Indian food.

Rule #4: Ask to try the other peoples' food in our party--don't be afraid. If the restaurant offers a buffet, even better. The only way to know what you like or don't like is to try it.

Rule #5: Finish up with a good Mango Lassi, a yogurt drink. It'll help if there are some lingering spices on your tongue.  

Answer 2

Definitely order Naan and the Barbecue Items are usually the safer bet. I hope you go to a place that has good food otherwise you might have a bad experience. Daal (lentils) or Biryani (rice w/ meat) is good to order too. For an appetizer you should try a samosa.

Answer 3

Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Kalmi Kabaab, Sheekh Kabaab, Mutton do pyaaza, Boti Kabab. Team these with Butter Naan and Raita / Kalli Daal. Yummy.

Answer 4

Indian food is great!

It is very rich and full of spices. If you keep an open taste bud and be willing to try everything then I'm sure you'll have a good time.

I personally love all the breads, curries, and any dishes with chick peas and eggplants. I'm also a fan of lamb or goat dishes. Normally I don't order tandori chicken. They tend to be dry and over cooked.

If they have a buffet you may give that a try so you can sample a good variety of things.

Enjoy!

Answer 5

Everything has curry in it. I went to an Indian restaurant recently and didn't care for it. But the naan bread is delish!

Answer 6

Biryani (rice w/ meat) i just had it yesterday for the first time. its really good but make sure you don't get it too spice because the guy asked me and i said yes but d**n i didn't know it was goonna be that hot i mean FIRE.AND IAM SUFRRING TODAY.. ENJOY  

Answer 7

ooh, you're so lucky, you're going to have a great meal!!!

Order yourself some basmati rice, butter chicken, raita, naan, and a mango lassi.

The rice is self explanatory, butter chicken is boneless chunks of chicken in a mild red curry sauce, raita is a nice side to accompany your meal, it is made up of yogurt, cucumber, tomato, cilantro...dip your naan in it or if you find the butter chicken too hot for your liking, add a bit of raita to it to cool it. Naan is a flat roundish bread which is made in the tandoor (big round clay oven). The mango lassi is a drink made of pureed mango and yogurt, some make it with honey...it's really really good!

Don't be afraid to ask your server questions if you're not sure of something. They will gladly make suggestions! Have a great meal!!!