The thought of Indian cuisine conjures up plenty of tantalising tastes and complex aromas. Imagine plates of bright yellow curries and bowls of deep red masalas. Think of the heat of the spices awakening your senses, with each bite allowing you to sample different notes at the same time. Part of the joy of eating Indian food isn’t just what you eat, but how you eat it as well. 

If you haven’t had the pleasure of an Indian meal, here are some interesting things you need to know so that you can have a thoroughly enjoyable experience:

You can and should use your bare hands to eat Indian food. It is proper manners, however, to wash your hands before you come to the table. In Indian culture, you should use your right hand to eat, as the left is traditionally believed to be dirty. Slowly scoop up small portions of rice and meat with your four fingers, bring your hand to your face, and push them into your waiting mouth using your thumb. It might take some practice, but you will enjoy a delicious journey while learning.

Meat and vegetable dishes are traditionally eaten with rice or flatbreads called naan. You can use the bread as a boat to scoop up your curry, tikka masala, or any stew on your plate. Many dishes are quite soupy in texture, so tear off a piece of bread and dip them in to enjoy. You may also be served a plate of daal, which is a spiced, soupy split lentil dish which you can mix with your rice. Be sure to spoon some daal over your rice before you take another bite.

Each dish in Indian cooking uses several spices. Sometimes there is a minimum of ten herbs and spices to make just one dish. At an Indian restaurant, you might encounter different portions of Chicken Makhani, Dhaba Gosht, or Chicken Kurma. To be able to appreciate the medley of flavours, taste each viand on its own before following it with some rice or bread. 

Indian food isn’t for the faint of heart. Onions, peppers and chilis are a staple in their cooking. You can temper some of the heat with side dishes like yoghurt or salad. When you order, inquire with the host about which items on the menu are suitable for beginners. Keep an open mind, however, because once you become accustomed to the heat, you will definitely be coming back for more.

Goan Jhinga Balchao and Lemon Rice can fill you up very quickly, but be sure to leave room for dessert. For special occasions and festivals, your Indian meals will have a sweet ending with a Gulabjamun. These are sweet milk balls, fried and dipped in saffron-infused sugar syrup.

While the food may look simple, the best-tasting dishes take hours of preparation and stewing. Take your time to appreciate the mouthwatering scents and savour each dish’s texture. Each bite will undoubtedly transform your taste buds and leave you wanting more. 

Visit one of the oldest Indian restaurants around London bridge and get a taste of authentic Indian cuisine. Tower Tandoori will delight your senses and whet your taste buds with delicious food. Call us today to reserve your table or order takeaway.