There is no denying that Indian cuisine has become exceptionally popular around the world, especially in the UK and the US. Who doesn’t love going for a curry?
The only problem is that it can be difficult to know what to eat, especially if you are not familiar with the food. You see a list of Indian terms, and you have no idea what is going to arrive on your plate!
Plus, you may be dieting and/or have special considerations. So, with that in mind, let’s reveal what menu items you should try when you go to an Indian restaurant for the first time.
Are you dieting at the moment?
If you are dieting at the moment, you will want to avoid going for anything that is too heavy and filled to the brim with calories. A lot of the curries are made with creams, yet there are plenty of healthy options.
A tandoori or a bhuna dish would be better than going for a korma, for example. Plus, you could switch out the meat and opt for vegetables or prawns instead. If you do want a meat curry, choose white meat, like chicken.
If you want a starter, poppadoms are traditional and a good option. They tend to be served with a number of dips. Raita is a refreshing cucumber dip, which won’t do you too much harm if you are dieting at the moment.
Can you handle the spice?
You may be worried about going to an Indian restaurant because you may not be a big fan of spice. You’re not alone, so don’t worry. The good news is that there are lots of mild dishes.
Often, Indian restaurants will mark their hot dishes with a chili next to the name of the dish on the menu – very helpful! Either way, the likes of a Korma or a Tikka Masala will be good if you don’t like spice.
Do you like a lot of spices?
If you’re the opposite and you like hot food, you will have plenty of options. We’re sure you have heard of the dish vindaloo, which is well known for being a hot curry! It contains Bhut Jolokia, which has the title of being the world’s hottest chili pepper. So, yes, please only choose this one with caution.
What about dessert?
Indian cuisine does not have the most varied range of desserts, so you may want to pre-bake something and invite everyone around for drinks afterward? This is a good way to keep the party going. We recommend this Southern banana pudding poke cake for a recipe that won’t let you down.
So there you have it: an insight into the different meals you can expect when you go to an Indian restaurant, as well as some advice on reading the menu and choosing the best meal for you.
We hope that you enjoy your Indian restaurant experience and that you manage to choose the perfect dish. But hey, half the fun is trying new flavors, right?