Beginner's Guide to Indian Cuisine: Navigate Tower Tandoori's Menu

SUHEL AHMED • 19 October 2023

Embarking on the vibrant journey of Indian cuisine can be overwhelming at first, given the extensive menu offerings in most Indian establishments. Tower Tandoori, a renowned destination for exceptional Indian dining, boasts a brilliantly curated menu reflecting the diverse flavours of the subcontinent. But for someone new to Indian fare, it may present a delightful challenge to navigate.


That's where this beginner's guide comes in, offering an insight into the essential Indian dishes and culinary terms you need to know, making the Tower Tandoori menu an approachable and enjoyable culinary experience. We'll introduce you to a variety of appetisers, curries, bread and rice, and even desserts that represent the essence of this fascinating cuisine. Whether you're visiting Tower Tandoori for the very first time or want to expand your knowledge of these incredible flavours, this guide will effortlessly lead you through the array of tantalising dishes that await you.


Starter Essentials: Begin with Delicious Indian Appetisers


At Tower Tandoori, your gastronomic adventure begins with a selection of mouth-watering appetisers designed to ignite your taste buds. Some classic Indian starters you can expect to find on the Tower Tandoori menu include:


  • Samosas: Crispy, deep-fried pastry filled with a spiced mixture of vegetables or meat, such as potatoes, peas, and onions, or minced meat.
  • Pakoras: Bite-sized fritters made from a seasoned gram flour batter, featuring ingredients like onions, potatoes, or paneer (Indian cheese).
  • Aloo Tikki: A delicious potato-based snack flavoured with spices, often served with chutneys or yoghurt.
  • Kebabs: Succulent, marinated pieces of meat or vegetables, either skewered and grilled or cooked in the tandoor oven.
  • Chicken Tikka: Chicken pieces marinated in a mixture of yoghurt and spices, then cooked to perfection in the tandoor oven.


Immersing Yourself in Iconic Indian Curries


At the heart of Indian cuisine lies an incredible array of curries, featuring rich and diverse flavour profiles that cater to every palate. At Tower Tandoori, you'll discover a wide variety of curry options, from mild and creamy to aromatic and spicy. Explore some of these popular choices:


  • Butter Chicken: Succulent pieces of chicken cooked in a velvety tomato-based sauce, enriched with butter and cream.
  • Rogan Josh: A hearty, slow-cooked curry made with tender pieces of meat, usually lamb, cooked in an aromatic gravy of onions, tomatoes, and spices.
  • Saag Paneer: Cubes of Indian cheese (paneer) cooked in a thick and flavoursome spinach-based sauce, spiced with aromatic Indian herbs and spices.
  • Chana Masala: A comforting chickpea curry made with a delicious combination of onions, tomatoes, and spices.
  • Dal Makhani: A creamy, slow-cooked black lentil dish, featuring a rich and buttery sauce made from tomatoes, cream, and spices.


Breads and Rice: The Quintessential Indian Accompaniments


Indian cuisine is incomplete without its famous breads and rice dishes, which serve as perfect vehicles for mopping up the incredible flavours of curries and other dishes. Make sure you indulge in these popular accompaniments at Tower Tandoori:


  • Naan: Soft, slightly leavened bread cooked in the tandoor oven, available in a variety of delicious variations like plain, garlic, or Peshwari (stuffed with nuts and dried fruits).
  • Roti: A traditional, unleavened wholemeal bread cooked on a griddle, ideal for a healthier option.
  • Paratha: A layered, flaky flatbread prepared with ghee, often served plain or stuffed with a variety of fillings.
  • Basmati Rice: Aromatic, long-grain rice primarily from the Indian subcontinent, offered as a simple steamed option or in more elaborate dishes like pilau or biryani.


Vegetarian Delights: Celebrating India's Veggie Abundance


India is home to a vast array of vegetarian dishes that celebrate the country's diverse produce and culinary innovation. At Tower Tandoori, you'll find an extensive vegetarian menu section, featuring options to satisfy both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Discover some must-try meatless marvels:


  • Baingan Bharta: A smoky, flavourful dish made with roasted and mashed aubergine, cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices.
  • Aloo Gobi: A delightful combination of potatoes and cauliflower, cooked in a fragrant sauce infused with Indian spices.
  • Paneer Tikka: Skewered and grilled Indian cheese, marinated in a yoghurt and spice mixture, imparting deep, tantalising flavours.
  • Vegetable Biryani: Aromatic basmati rice cooked with a blend of vegetables, spices, and nuts, resulting in a beautifully layered and flavourful dish.


Sweet Endings: Concluding Your Meal with Delectable Indian Desserts


No Indian culinary journey is complete without indulging in the rich and decadent world of Indian sweets. From creamy puddings to sugar-laden treats, Tower Tandoori presents an enticing dessert menu to round off your dining experience. Be sure to try the following delights:


  • Gulab Jamun: Soft and spongy deep-fried dough balls, soaked in a sweet, fragrant sugar syrup, served warm.
  • Kheer: A creamy, rice-based pudding flavoured with cardamom, saffron, and topped with nuts and dried fruits.
  • Rasmalai: Delicate cheese dumplings immersed in a creamy, cardamom-infused milk sauce, topped with fragrant strands of saffron.


Whether you're an Indian food novice or simply looking to explore the vast world of India's vibrant flavours, this beginner's guide will provide you with the essential knowledge required to confidently navigate the Tower Tandoori menu. Immerse yourself in the tantalising aroma, rich colours, and delectable taste profiles of Indian cuisine for a dining experience that will leave you eager for more.


Embark on Your Tower Tandoori Culinary Adventure


Now that you're equipped with a better understanding of Indian cuisine essentials, it's time to put your newfound knowledge to the test. Discover the unique and mesmerising flavours of India in every dish as you confidently navigate the Tower Tandoori menu during your next visit. Whatever your preferences and dietary requirements, you're bound to find a treasure trove of delightful dishes crafted with the utmost attention and passion.


Make your reservation at Tower Tandoori today and embark on a culinary adventure through the delicious world of Indian cuisine. Savour each course, from tantalising appetisers to decadent desserts, and let Tower Tandoori's culinary mastery transport you to the very heart of the Indian subcontinent. Take a bite out of the
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