How to find a good Indian restaurant

Indian food includes different cuisines from India and its neighboring places. They use different spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruits to create unique dishes. Many popular Indian restaurants today are family or first generation establishments. When you are new to this kitchen, it is important to know what type of food to order. Here are some reminders about what to buy at an Indian restaurant:

Know what to eat

Indian food has different spices, sauces, and marinated meat and vegetables. Its influence came from different countries, such as China, Persia, Portugal, and England. The Indian religion, which is Buddhism, also affects food choices, which is why most of them prefer to eat vegetables than meat.

- Appetizers: Most Indian appetizers are fried pastries with cream soups and raw vegetable salads. They often serve it with sauces, such as chutney or yogurt, to balance out the spicy flavor. The most famous appetizer is samosa, a fried dough with vegetables, meat, and spices mixed into a dough. Another popular cake is a pakora, which is similar to the samosa. The only difference is that people fry it without filling the ingredients inside the dough.

- Drinks: Indian drinks are sweet to complement the spicy flavor of your food. Most people prefer to order a lassi, a sweet yogurt-based smoothie. A sweet drink, like panakam, with water, sugar, ginger, and lime juice is also a favorite among foodies. If you are looking for alcoholic beverages, you can order an India Pale Ales or IPA.

- Main dishes: there are restaurants that offer a totally vegetarian meal for people who do not eat meat. There are cases when chefs convert their meat dishes with a vegetable alternative to satisfy the customer's taste. The best main course to order is a curry. It is made from meat or vegetables soaked in a yogurt or coconut-based marinade. When you go to an Indian restaurant, most dishes consist of lamb, chicken, rice, or spinach.

- Desserts: Indians love desserts based on sugar and milk with fresh fruits. Most restaurants sweeten their desserts and ice creams with fruits, such as pomegranates, mangoes, and bananas. A popular pudding is kheer, which is rice pudding with raisins, cardamom, and cinnamon.

Sauce and spicy food options

People who love spicy foods go to Indian restaurants because they have different levels of spiciness, from mild to very hot. Never choose the spiciest dishes if you are just getting started. Chances are, you give up food and waste your money after eating something. Stick to soft foods and order a spicier dish when you think you can handle it.

There is a general rule in Indian cuisine where you order a plate of sauce with another, drier food. The sauce gives a better flavor to rice dishes. You can also order a Chapati, Paratha and Naan to balance the drier dishes.

The rich flavors, spices and creamy sauces of Indian cuisine are becoming popular with people around the world. Those who love vegetables, sugar, and milk-based foods and spicy dishes visit restaurants frequently. When you are looking for a delicious dish, an Indian restaurant is the best option.