New to Indian Cuisine? Try These Popular Dishes First
Within traditional Indian spices, there is a whole universe of cuisine waiting to be discovered. Many people are scared to try it because they believe it is all "curry" and "spicy." The fact is that all palates are represented, including spicy, sweet, hot, and sour.
Before you go out and tour all the Indian restaurants near you, let us show you some of the most sumptuous meals to attempt if you're new to Indian cooking. Continue reading!
The Samosa
There is a portable snack food in every culture. That's focaccia to the Italians. Takoyaki may be Takoyaki for the Japanese and empanadas for Mexico. Samosas are a popular snack in India, and they may be filled with almost anything.
This finger meal is constructed with a flour shell and is typically filled with potatoes, onions, peas, or lentils. The filling is wrapped in a cone, triangular, or dome form before being deep-fried in oil. It is served hot, with chutney on the side. This can be either savoury (the more common option) or sweet.
Because the tastes are likely to be more recognizable to the diner, samosas make an ideal starting option. These snacks are spiced with more basic spices that will not push the diner too far out of their comfort zone.
Dhaba Gosht
Dhaba gosht is sometimes known as "Dhaba style meat curry." In India, mobile eateries called "dhabas" are super popular. Historically, they have been a stopover for those travelling long distances by car, bike, and foot.
Dhaba is an Indian word, while gosht is meat in Hindi. This dish is typically eaten with roti, naan, or rice.
This dish is a combination of large chunks of tender meat (lamb or goat) cooked in a spicy sauce containing onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables.
The Chicken Tikka Masala
This dish is a little more familiar to many. You'll find this one on the menu at many Indian restaurants. It is a tomato and cream-based dish in which chicken cubes are simmered and sauteed in a sauce. It often has a tikka flavour added to it.
The tikka is more of a spice blend than a specific blend of spices. It often has ginger, cumin, and black pepper.
This is another dish that is served with rice and flatbread. Play with the sauce you add to your chicken tikka masala. Depending on how brave you feel, you can order the dish mild, medium or spicy.
Kadhai Paneer
Kadhai Paneer is a dish that is a little more hardcore than the other dishes on this list. It is made with paneer, a form of cheese, crumbled up and added to a mixture of spinach and bell peppers. The paneer is then cooked in a tomato-based sauce flavoured with various spices, including garam masala.
Paneer is an attractive option for vegetarians who enjoy a hearty meal. It is also an excellent choice for anyone who loves a little bit of cheese with their meal. This is one of the dishes that can be mild or spicy.
Gulab Jamun
You can't talk about Indian food without getting into dessert. Gulab Jamun might be one of the most beloved desserts. This sweet dish is often seen around the world. It is a little like a doughnut hole but not as dense. It is made from phyllo dough that has been fried in oil.
Inside the doughnut hole is a ball of ice cream soaked in saffron, rosewater, and cardamom. This dessert is thicker than a doughnut hole but has a lighter texture.
Conclusion
If you're new to Indian cuisine, this is the best way to get started without feeling like you're going to get lost in a different world. You'll be able to find something that you know and love, but with a unique twist.
While learning about Indian cuisine is excellent, the best way to appreciate Indian cuisine is to experience it. If you're looking for an Indian restaurant near Tower Hill, then Tower Tandoori is the place for you. It's one of the
best Indian restaurants near London Bridge and offers a wide array of dishes that ensures that everyone has something. Check out our menu and book a reservation today!
