Trying Indian food?

Question

Okay, I really like indian food and basically every other kind of food, but I can never go with anyone because I don't know anyone who likes it. My boyfriend has never tried it, but I want to go take him.

ANYWAYS, I'm scared he won't like it if I take him because he's a VERY picky eater. He loves pepperoni pizza, chicken parmesan, hotdogs, cheeseburgers.. basically anything plain. He hates trying new stuff, but he's willing to try. he also hates seafood (or anything that smells like it), and does not like anything spicy.

I really like this guy and I am going to be with him awhile as far as I'm concerned. I don't want to go my life without enjoying a nice Indian meal with someone every once in awhile.

What dish would you suggest him to try out, considering everything I've mentioned? I really want him to not run away from it!! I was thinking chicken curry but idk if it would be too spicy or if he would like the flavor. Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Tandoori chicken

Answer 2

Get him hooked on the breads.   Puri (sometimes spelled Poori), Paratha are great plain breads.   I also like the stuffed breads (Keema Paratha (meat stuffed) and Aloo Paratha(potato stuffed)

Samosa are also great.  Those are the deep fried pastries stuffed with meat and/or veggies

Chicken Tiki Masala is a safe  mild dish

Tandoori Chicken  is always safe

Korma is a creamy sauced dish that is mild

Stay away from anything Vindaloo if he does not like spices.

Saag means spinach so if he is picky, stay away from that (I happen to like it myself)

The most recognizable (and very good) Indian soup is called Mulligatawny.   I recommend it.

Answer 3

Tandoori chicken and potato nan he couldn't possibly not like that unless he is just bent on not liking things. A lot of people are afraid of spicy food until they grow accustomed to it.  Order what you like and let him taste some.........keep doing this....you will break him in, lol.......if not, it should NOT be a deal breaker....just go with your friends.....or find a group who likes to eat indian foods and go with them.....heck, start a group.

Answer 4

Definitely the breads and pakoras (deep-fried vegetables).  Stay away from vindaloo and curries.  When most people say they hate Indian food, they're thinking of curry.  Stick with tandoori chicken or chicken tikka masala.

Answer 5

most idian places i been to you can request how spicey you want something to be on a scale of 1 to 10. try asking :)

Answer 6

Have him try Chicken Curry and ask the Waiter to not make it too spicy.  At our Indian Restaurant they give you levels on how spicy you want it from 1-5.

Answer 7

Chicken tikka massala is a good choice for begginers. It's spicy sweet and u can always request for a hottness adjustment.  My bf use to be like that, i think u can start off even slower- have him try sushi first, since most are not spicy and most people like it. Indian food should be second choice.

Answer 8

I'm a huge korma fan, it's pretty much the only thing I get at an Indian place. Can't go wrong, it's mild and creamy and I'm hungry.

Anything Tandoori would be ideal too since it's just grilled meat. Add some naan bread and a mango lassi and you've got a safe Indian meal for the most white-bread of people!

Answer 9

I love Indian food too!  Luckily my boyfriend like it too.  I do travel to India twice a year and usually with coworkers that like plain non-spicy food.  They are usually ok with the following dishes:

Biryani (rice dish)

Dal Makhani (rich flavourful lentils dish)

Naan or roti

Tandoori chicken

To reward him for trying something be willing to return the favor by trying something he likes but you aren't sure of.

Best wishes...

Answer 10

Tandoori Chicken is one that he may like. It's a simple, roasted dish. It tastes good when a little spicy.

Chicken Tikka Masala is good too. Chicken with a rich gravy.

Chicken Biryani when made well is great. Chicken with rice, other vegetables, nuts. It can be described as a casserole without the many layers.

Paneer Tikka Masala is similar to Chicken Tikka Masala but vegetarian.

Also the breads. Naans and kulchas are usually quite good.

And the snack items like Samosas, Pakoras (mixed vegetable and paneer) and papad are great too.

And he may like the desserts. The Kheer rice pudding and Burfi are amazing.

Answer 11

Look, I don't know why I'm even bothering to answer because so many others have given such good advice (except that I LOVE Indian food, its very late and I'm very hungry)

Anyway - The best suggestion is Tandoori chicken. Start with some samosas, everybody loves samosas, maybe some pakora. With the chicken perhaps a simple side of plain basmati rice and naan. If the restaurant has some mild mint chutney that will probably go down too. Most newcomers really like keema and aloo parathas as someone else mentioned.

Those are things which any person can eat. If he wants to sample something a little more adventurous let him go at his own speed. (Make sure that he doesn't eat anything too spicy, that will turn him right off. When you are not accustomed to chili, and you eat it, you can't taste anything else, just the burning.)

Years ago I had three friends in Vancouver who were quite racist, they really disliked "East Indians" and anything connected with them like the "horrible stink" of their curries. As I had just returned from India with a terrible addiction for Indian food this was a problem for me. One evening when they were pretty drunk I got them down to my favorite restaurant. I just started them on the samosas, keema parathas, tandoori chicken and naan. They were instantly hooked. For several years we went there for dinner every Friday or Saturday night. And we all still eat Indian every chance we get to this day..........

Answer 12

chicken korma is the safest option. some people find chicken tikka masala too sweet or spicy. everyone likes a good korma (except us total chili freaks!). get some naan bread with it and some appetizers - he's bound to lap it up. good luck - hope you manage to convert him!

Answer 13

He should start with butter chicken...its not spicy and kinda seems like comfort food to me. And he's sure to like naan bread!