You must keep a few things in mind while ordering Indian takeaways. Well, with Chicken Tikka Masala being the UK's national dish today, this advice might sound odd.
But again, there’s a way to enjoy the Indian dishes to the fullest. A wrong approach may not only reduce the taste before halfway through a delicious Indian meal but also kill the urge for a next time try-out.
If you want to make the most of your Indian takeaway order, our brilliant tips can certainly help. Learn them so each Indian dish you try makes every bite memorable.
5 Essential Things to Keep in Mind
If you are of Indian descent and haven’t lived in India ever, chances are you are at a loss whenever you try to make a takeaway order. The same goes for a Western or European guy in London.
Indian foods come with taste, flavour, and culture. But it also comes with shocks of spice and sharpness. So, to balance flavour and health, you must follow a guideline as stated below:
Select a Proper Restaurant
Your Indian takeaway journey starts with choosing the right restaurant in your locality. Selecting a nice Indian takeaway near you is crucial for getting authentic, tasty foods with top-notch service.
Check out the top delivery platforms for reviews and ratings. This will help you navigate through a number of restaurants that serve popular Indian dishes. Take Mumbai to London Cafe, one of London’s finest Indian restaurants with top reviews and ratings for quality food, delivery, and price.
Besides, take notes of specialised Indian cuisines, such as North Indian or South Indian, from popular restaurant websites. This will cater to your specific choice of Indian foods and other dietary needs.
Strike a Balance Between Taste and Healthiness
One of the vital things to remember before ordering an Indian takeaway is balancing taste and health. Indian foods are undoubtedly flavourful. Yet, you must be careful of the implications of unsupervised eating.
For instance, you may order roti (flat bread) instead of naan with basmati rice and curry to lighten the meal. Similarly, you can order Chicken Tikka Masala, which is less spicy and full of healthy ingredients like yoghurt and spinach.
The bottom line is to order Indian takeaways based on your health condition and taste preference so that the meal makes your day.
Consider Spice Level and Portion Sizes
If you aren’t used to red-hot spiciness, you better be very specific about ordering an Indian takeaway. Intense spiciness is one of the highlights of Indian dishes, especially curries or chicken masala dishes.
However, you can reduce the spice level by mentioning your preference while ordering food online. For example, you can mention whether you want the dishes light-heated, high-heated, or medium-heated.
Another aspect to consider is portion sizes. Be sure of the serving size. Although most Indian foods are shareable, it’s best to know in advance for a proper meal with your loved ones.
Check Delivery Timing and Packaging Options
Since Indian cuisines rule the takeaway orders in London, there will be high traffic in delivery. Hence, order in advance during peak hours, especially during weekends and festivals. Pick the restaurant closer to your locality to avoid unnecessary delays or excuses.
In terms of packaging, see which restaurants provide smart packaging. Check the reviews on delivery apps and websites about the freshness and intactness of food. Look for insulated packaging that maintains the proper food temperature from the kitchen to your door.
Look out for Discounts and Special Offers
Discounts and special offers are always attractive. So, look for restaurants that offer lucrative discounts on Indian foods. For instance, Village Tandoori in East Dulwich often gives out discounts for orders over a particular amount.
You can also use special discount codes provided by some restaurants. Find a nearby restaurant with good offers and discounts to make your Indian culinary experience exciting.
Some Practical Tips You Should Follow
Apart from the basic guidelines, the following are a few practical tips that may help you choose the right Indian dish for a takeaway order:
Choose Your Indian Dish Wisely
Like choosing the right restaurant, choosing the right Indian dish for your takeaway order is equally essential. Remember, not every Indian restaurant in London employs chefs based on their cultural background.
Let’s say a Punjabi chef makes the famous South Indian idli and sambar; there’s a chance of the lack of flavour it’s known for. So, check with the restaurant’s speciality to order authentic Indian dishes you’re craving.
Waiter’s Recommendation May Help
Sometimes, no matter how awkward it feels, you must break the shell and ask the waiter what’s cooking. Many servers or waiters have been working in Indian restaurants for many years. So they might know what’s best for your takeaway.
Make polite inquiries about what’s special for the day in Indian cuisine or what most people love to eat. You may share your diet preference. Once satisfied with the waiter’s information, try some of the dishes the waiter reccomends.
What’s Hot on Social Media?
Checking social media platforms and top food delivery websites or apps can never go wrong when deciding what to eat from an Indian cuisine. In the food universe, trending dishes are always on top of the feeds.
For popular Indian takeaways near you, check their Facebook or Instagram pages to find the trending or most reviewed dishes.
Search by dish names, such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Rogan Josh, Tandoori Grill, etc., and check online which restaurant makes it the best. Besides, you can ask a friend or colleague to know what’s the talk of the town in food hubs.
Use Hands (Mostly) to Enjoy Indian Yumminess
To make the most of your Indian takeaway dishes, eat with your hands. You can’t have a wholesome experience by eating those delicious Indian dishes with utensils. Most Indians don’t use them.
Imagine cutting a piece of butter with a knife, using a fork to dip it into the masala chicken, and putting it in your mouth. It feels good, not great and yummy. Try it with your hand; it’s tastier and more fulfilling.
Wrapping up
To summarise, Indian foods are delectable, but you must know your taste and diet preferences when ordering takeaways. Besides, it’s also important to choose the right restaurant that maintains authentic recipes.
Follow our guidelines and tips to maximise your Indian takeaway orders. If you are already a crazy Indian food lover, you’ll understand what we mean.
