Are you tired of looking for open takeaway restaurants, only to end up ordering the same dishes over and over again? Why not bring some excitement and variety to your lunch and dinner? We recommend Indian Food for a meal that is truly bursting with flavour and lights up all your senses!
When we mention Indian food, most people simply think of chicken tikka masala. But this delectable cuisine has so much more to offer, and you’re missing out by not indulging in it all! Here are some excellent tips to help you dive into the world of authentic Indian food and feel confident as you place your order in the best Indian restaurants in London. Let’s have a look!
Tips to Order Like a Pro at an Indian Restaurant
Know Your Spice Tolerance Level
The very first thing to understand, before you order off a menu or search for ‘take out restaurants near me’ at ChefOnline, is your spice tolerance. You probably already know that Indian food has a reputation for incorporating all sorts of spices and chillies to add a special ‘zing’ to the dishes. But, when you haven’t grown up eating spicy food, it might be too much for you to take in.
That is why it is important to be aware of your spice tolerance and compare it to the ingredients in the dish. If you notice a dish topped with green chillies and a sprinkle of masala, you should be a little wary of it! You can also ask the server to suggest you some milder, yoghurt-based curries to ease your way into the truly flavourful world of Indian food.
P.S. Some of the best Indian restaurants, London actually customize the spice level of the dish to your liking! When you’re looking for open takeaway restaurants or ordering online, be sure to mention your desired spice level for the dish, and the chef will make adjustments accordingly!
Ask How Many Servings You’ll Need
One of the most heart-warming things about eating at an Indian restaurant (besides the dishes, of course!) is that it is meant to be enjoyed as a group. Indian food isn’t plated in individual portions, and you won’t be ordering a main dish and a side for each person. Instead, you order a particular dish and spoon it out into your individual plates.
Indian meals are served in large silver platters and have numerous components that you’ll be served in smaller bowls. Since the main dishes are meant to serve groups of people, it is best to ask your server how many dishes you should order based on the number of people eating together. Your server will guide you on whether you should order a half dish or a full dish based on the quantity of food they contain. It is the best way to ensure nothing goes to waste, which is a rather important value in Indian cuisine!
Understand the Flow of Food
Now that you know what and how much to order, let’s go over the right flow of food in Indian cuisines. You should start by looking for places to eat near me and then booking a table online to make the dining experience smooth and convenient. Indian restaurants tend to be quite busy, and you don’t want to be stuck waiting for hours to get a table!
Once you’re seated, start by ordering an appetizer that comes paired with different chutneys and sauces to further enhance the flavour. Next, you should order your drink which can either be a lassi or any soda that you prefer. We recommend having the masala chai after the meal!
Then comes the main course, which is usually meat, vegetables, or lentils-based curry paired with white rice or flatbread. You can have loads of accompaniments with your main course, including more chutneys, sauces, salad, raw onion, curd, and pickles. Feel free to pick your favourite options from the variety!
After the main course, you’ll be served the dessert followed by a round of tea (or chai) for the complete Indian dining experience!
Try Eating With Your Hands!
Yes, we realize how strange that may sound if you aren’t a regular at Indian restaurants. But, eating with your hands is actually a tradition followed in Indian communities across the world. You will see lots of people eating with their hands in the best Indian restaurants, London, and they say it makes the dining experience much more elevated and enjoyable!
The basic rule of thumb when you book a table at an Indian restaurant for lunch or dinner is to eat everything that isn’t wet or messy with your hands. As long as something isn’t of a soup-like thickness (for example, daals or lentils), you can enjoy it with your hands for a truly sensual dining affair. It allows you to make the most of all your senses, including taste, smell, sight, and touch, for a cohesive eating experience like no other! Simply break the bread or section off a bite of rice, dip in the condiments or curries and enjoy a mouthful of deliciousness.
Enjoy the After-Meal Snack
You probably think the meal is done once you’ve wiped off the dessert bowl and sat back with a happy smile on your face. After all, good food does wonders to improve our mood!
But not so fast, there’s just one more little surprise the Indian restaurant has in store for you! Once you’ve finished your food and asked for the check, the servers will bring in a small tray or bowl of shiny, coloured grains that resemble rice. These are actually candy-coated and roasted fennel seeds that you can chew on after your meal. These seeds do wonders for your digestion, ensure that you don’t feel heavy or lethargic after the hefty meal, and also keep you from having ‘dragon breath.’ So many benefits of such a small snack!
Our Top Recommendations for Indian Dishes
You can now order like an absolute pro whenever you head out to an Indian restaurant or order from an open takeaway restaurant! But, if the different dishes and food variety still have you overwhelmed, read on for our top recommendations to order for your next meal!
The Appetizers
Before you even think of diving into the main course, you absolutely have to try some Indian starters. These goodies are mostly a part of Indian street food and make quite the treat. They’re crisp, flavourful, and unlike anything you’ve eaten before!
- Bhajji
- Samosas
- Vada Pav
The Main Course Dishes
Now onto the entree. Indian meals are known to be dense, thick, and extremely fulfilling. Less is probably more when it comes to scooping out some of that curry from the serving platter and onto your plate. These dishes are hearty, rich and will have you craving for more! You will also find vegetarian and vegan options in an Indian restaurant, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Tandoori Chicken
- Daal Makhni
- Biryani
- Chana Masala
- Palak Paneer
A Sweet Finish
Finally, onto our favourite part of dining out – the dessert. Indian cuisine has such a massive variety of different sweet dishes that it can be difficult to stick with a few favourites. However, we have mentioned the most-loved and enjoyed ones below so you can try them out and see why Indian cuisine is held beloved across the globe.
- Gajar Ka Halwa (Carrot-based dessert)
- Barfi
- Gulab Jamun
