Indian cuisine includes many regional food traditions, ingredients and cooking methods. The menu at an Indian restaurant may feel unfamiliar at first, but a few basics can help you choose a meal that suits your taste.
Indian food varies by region
North Indian restaurant menus often include tandoori dishes cooked in a clay oven, breads such as naan and roti, lentils, paneer and sauced dishes. Taste of India describes its own menu as North Indian and lists these formats.
South Indian cuisines include many rice and lentil dishes, along with regional uses of coconut, tamarind, curry leaves and other ingredients. Eastern and western India have their own varied food traditions, too. These broad descriptions are starting points; ingredients and dishes vary within each region.
Spices add aroma as well as heat
Spices do more than make food hot. Cumin, coriander, turmeric, cardamom and garam masala are used for their different aromas and flavors. Chili contributes heat, but the amount varies by dish and recipe. A richly seasoned dish can be mild, and restaurant preparations can differ.
If heat matters to you, ask how spicy a particular menu item is and whether the kitchen can adjust it. Taste of India asks guests to share their spice preference and to mention allergies or dietary restrictions. For a serious allergy, call ahead to ask about ingredients and possible cross-contact.
Common dishes and cooking styles
Curry is a broad English menu term for many sauced dishes; there is no single curry recipe. Taste of India’s menu includes Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala, described as tandoor-cooked chicken served in sauces with tomato, onion and cream. The two dishes are related in style, but their menu descriptions and recipes are distinct.
Tandoori refers to cooking in a tandoor, a high-heat clay oven. The menu lists chicken tandoori, chicken tikka and paneer tikka. Biryani is a seasoned rice dish with different regional and restaurant preparations; the menu lists chicken, lamb, goat, shrimp and vegetable biryani. These are examples from this restaurant’s menu, not a complete list of Indian cuisine.
How to choose your first meal
Start with one dish that sounds familiar, then add a bread or rice if you want an accompaniment. Vegetable samosas make a crisp starter; the menu describes its filling as potatoes and peas. Butter Chicken is one option for a creamy sauce, while tandoori chicken offers a grilled preparation. If you’re dining with others, sharing a starter and ordering different mains makes it easy to compare flavors.
Ask staff about ingredients, heat and portion sizes if you’re unsure. Don’t assume that a dish is vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free or nut-free from its name alone. Check the current menu and confirm dietary needs with the restaurant.
Explore the menu
See the current Taste of India menu in Flanders, New Jersey. For specific comparisons, read our Butter Chicken vs. Chicken Tikka Masala guide and guide to 15 popular Indian dishes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Indian food always spicy?
No. Some dishes are mild and others are hot. Ask about the specific preparation you’re considering.
What is the difference between naan and roti?
Both are Indian breads, but recipes and cooking methods differ. Taste of India’s menu lists naan and tandoori roti as separate items.
What should a first-time diner order?
Choose based on the ingredients, sauce and heat level you prefer. A samosa, one main dish and bread or rice is a simple way to begin.