The number one takeaway cuisine in the U.K. is Indian food. Yet there are still people who have never tried Indian food. If you have never tried this complex and delicious cuisine but would like to give it a go, here is a guide to what you might want to order.
One thing to help – Indian cuisine is varied, so you can probably find something that fits your needs. Are you a vegetarian? No problem, there are many vegetarian and vegan options. Love grilled meat? Meat cooked in a tandoor is delicious. Afraid of the heat? You can ask the restaurant to make it mild or stick to dishes that are known to be milder such as biryani or korma. If you like spice, however, go for the vindaloo.
So, what are the best Indian dishes for a newbie?
Samosa
This is a delicious appetizer that you should definitely try. It is a small triangular deep-fried pastry. Restaurants offer both a veggie and a meat-filled version. The veggie version has a filling of mildly spiced potatoes and peas. The meat version typically has ground beef or lamb. These savory treats come with dipping sauces. Usually, there are both sweet and spicy sauces to choose from.
Tandoori chicken
For meat-eaters, this main course is the perfect introduction to Indian cuisine. The chicken is marinated in yoghurt and spices overnight. It is then cooked in a tandoor, which is a traditional clay oven. The temperatures are quite high, which seals in the juices. The yoghurt tenderizes the meat. This is the ideal first Indian dish for someone who has never tried Indian food before as it will share some elements with barbecue.
Chole
Also known as channa masala, this is a vegan dish that is bound to please. It consists of chickpeas in a tangy sauce. It is similar to baked beans except it has onions and is spicier. For those who like legumes, this is also a good source of protein, particularly as it is normally served with puffed bread (called puris). The combination of chickpeas with bread makes this a complete protein source.
Biryani
This is India’s favorite rice dish and it comes in many varieties. You can get veggie biryani, meat biryanis, and even biryanis that have nuts and raisins. While savory, these rice dishes are, in general, much less spicy, so they could be a good choice for someone who doesn’t have much heat tolerance.
Raita
Those who enjoy Greek tzatziki sauce will enjoy raita. It is very refreshing. It also is a great condiment to have in case your main meal turns out to be overly spicy, as it has a cooling effect.
Now that we’ve discussed what items you should order, how about where to order from? To find an Indian takeaway nearby, check out places like the ChefOnline website.
This great site lets you order the takeaway dishes of your choice. Or, if you would like to eat in the restaurant, it allows you to book a table at the restaurant of your choice. It’s a great way to try new recipes or find familiar options.