Dishes Worth Trying at an Indian Restaurant

When someone mentions Indian food, I imagine butter chicken, biryani, and naan. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with ordering my three favorites, but the world of South Asian cuisine goes far beyond those.

Indian and Himalayan cooking is a comforting abundance of curries, specialty grilled dishes, specialty rice dishes, dumplings, breads, and, of course, vegetarian friendly options. Below I present a few human friendly options to get you started if you find yourself ordering at a restaurant that incorporates these elements of cooking.

Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is easily one of the most appreciated Indian dishes and has gained international fame. Chunks of chicken are braised in a yogurt-based sauce, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. The result is a mouth-watering, sauce based dish that's sure to delight even the most discerning of palates.

Spicer Take on Butter Chicken: Chicken Tikka Masala

Not to be outdone, Chicken Tikka Masala offers a spicier version of the dish. Grilled chicken is cooked in a tomato based sauce alongside aromatic masala spices. This dish offers a smoky, savory, and satisfying dish.

Biryani

More than meets the eye, Biryani piles fragrant spiced aromatic rice alongside meat and spices, making this dish so much more than rice and meat.

Rice is a true delight.

Chicken, mutton, vegetable, and other variations, depending on the restaurant. Why order several dishes when you can just order something that is both filling and flavorful?

Momos: A Himalayan Favorite

Momos are a staple of Himalayan and Nepali cuisine and have become extremely popular among foodies everywhere.

Momos can be steamed, fried, or served with sauces. They can be mild, or extremely spicy, depending on the preparation. For those who are new to Himalayan food, momos are an excellent first dish.

Vegetarian Dishes Deserve a Spot on the Table

Vegetarian Indian cuisine is extensive. Paneer or other cheeses, vegetables, lentils, and chickpeas make for amazing meals when complemented by the right herbs and spices.

One or two vegetable or paneer meals sets the stage for a great shared meal. There is no need to be vegetarian to appreciate the abundance of spice and flavors in these meals.

Do Not Forget the Naan

Naan may look simple, but it can be a game changer to have freshly baked naan at your meal. Naan becomes a great compliment to every curry as it absorbs all the remaining, delicious sauce on your plate.

A Culinary Adventure in Indian and Himalayan Cuisine

Indian restaurants contain a plethora of new tastes for you to try. You can build a meal around your tried and true favorites, or build it around something different.

Try a curry with some naan, chomp on a plate of momos, put a biryani on the table, or take the vegetarian route. With either route, every visit has the possibility to be a new experience.

Food does not have to be convoluted to be enjoyable. Food can be as simple as a new dish that adds a new favorite to the collection.