What is Good to Order at an Indian Restaurant?

Indian food is a treasure full of flavours, aromas, and textures, wherein everybody finds something. Whether a beginner to Indian food or a food enthusiast, the best "What to order from an Indian restaurant" will only make the experience more excessive. NH47 Restaurant in Abu Dhabi has much to offer when it comes to Indian delicacies.

Understanding Indian Cuisine

Indian cuisine is influenced by all regional variations, each with its signature flavours and preparations. Then there are North India's creamy gravies, South India's spicy fare, and not to forget vegetarian, seafood, or meat-based fare; something for every palate that has a lot of variety.

Appetizers: Opening up the Play

Appetizers or starters can be the right words if you are in a dilemma as to what to order from an Indian restaurant. The following are some very popular options which can increase your appetite for more:

• Paneer Finger

Paneer finger is a must for vegetarian foodies. A lightly battered Indian appetizer made of paneer cut into fingers, usually made of breadcrumbs or chickpea flour, with spices seasoning and fried or baked for a low-fat version, these crispy golden finger pieces of Paneer Finger chutneys or dips create this snazzy delight of fusion flavours and textures, so it's really nicely placed almost in any snacks dish or party platters.

• Gobi 65

It is a widely preferred Indian starter made from cauliflower florets which have been marinated in a mix of spices coated with chickpea flour and deep-fried until crispy. Flavoured with great contrast, this dish normally gets a boost of ginger, garlic, and red chilli powder. It is quite appetizing as served hot with a side of chutney or yoghurt. Gobi 65 is an excellent vegetarian choice that can be enjoyed at parties or as a snack.

• Stir Fried Chicken

It is a mouth-watering dish prepared over a fiery flame by using chunks of chicken and a combination of fresh vegetables accompanied with aromatic spices. Such preparation cooks the chicken in a moist manner retaining its tenderness yet infusing flavours from ingredients such as soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

• Dynamite Prawn

A very savoury dish with crispy battered prawns tossed in a spicy creamy sauce; common constituents include mayonnaise, Sriracha, and chilli sauce. There is hardly any resistance to an appetizer as deep-fried, usually to a crispy texture. Served with lettuce leaves or as presented in a bowl, Dynamite Prawn offers a perfect symphony of hot and flavours, making it very popular in Asian fusion cuisine.

Main Courses: The Heart of Indian Dining

Now that you've tasted all your starters, it's time for you to indulge in your main courses. Here now, I'll give you a list of dishes that represent what you should order from an Indian restaurant.

• Butter Chicken

It is one of the world's most popular Indian dishes, where tender pieces of chicken simmered in rich, creamy tomato sauce are served with naan or rice to make this comfort food a platter on its own.

• Mutton Rogan Josh

This is one of the most delicious dishes from Kashmir that tends to be deep red because of the spice and slow-cooked preparation. A recipe is full of flavour and richness, it forms tender lamb mixed with spices that have a sweet smell.

• Kadai Paneer

This is a classic vegetarian dish with a delicious spicy coriander, onion, and tomato gravy seasoned with spices and cubes of capsicum and paneer cooked in it. It is a good way of bringing leafy greens into your meal besides enjoying its taste.

• Chicken Fried Rice

It is a fragrant rice dish that's often layered with fried chicken, crisp vegetables and aromatic spices. A one-pot meal that's just ideal for sharing.  At NH47, our chicken fried rice is prepared using traditional methods to ensure the flavours are locked in.

• Dal Tadka

This lentil dish rich and creamy is a staple in almost every Indian house. It consists of black lentils and kidney beans; after that, all the spices with butter cook slowly into one salivating dish which is the epitome of comfort and flavours.

Breads and Accompaniments

No Indian meal is complete without bread and accompaniments. Here are some staples to consider ordering alongside your main dishes:

• Nool Paratha

Nool Paratha, or String Hoppers in common terms, is a South Indian and Sri Lankan staple made from ground rice flour. Fine strands of noodle-like texture set before a fine taste make it presentable. Often used is with coconut milk curries or sambols.

• Naan

Naan is soft, fluffy bread leavened. It is popularly used to serve with curries and gravies. Naan is usually plain but various ingredients such as garlic, cheese, etc. can be stuffed inside for variation.

• Kashmiri Naan

It is a stuffed Indian flatbread, flavorful and filled with the rich treasures of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, quite often followed by a topping of sesame seeds, which gives it a wonderful sweetness, and when traditionally baked in a tandoor, it soft texture along with the aromatic filling make it a perfect accompaniment to savoury dishes like curries.

• Rice

Plain basmati rice or flavoured rice dishes, such as fried rice, biryani or pulao, form a basic accompaniment to mop up great curries. They are an excellent backdrop to your main dishes.

Desserts: Sweet End

Never fail to end your meal with a true Indian dessert. These are the most sought-after:

• Ney Payasam

Ney Payasam is one of the mouthwatering traditional South Indian sweets, highly demanding and used mainly in Kerala. This is a sweet rice pudding prepared mainly from rice, jaggery, coconut milk, ghee, cardamom, cashews, and raisins.

• Shahi Tukda

Shahi Tukda is one of the Indian desserts which falls under the Mughlai category. The sweet delight is opulently rich and prepared primarily with bread, milk, sugar, saffron, cardamom, and nuts.

• Choco Beach

It's one kind of special dessert made by combining chocolate and cookie crumbs.

• Banana Crepe

It's one kind of special dessert prepared using malai cream containing sliced bananas in it. This dessert is normally served with orange sauce.

Beverages: Thirst-Quenching Options

Selecting the right beverage while dining at an Indian restaurant can make or break your experience. Here are some popular drinks to consider:

• Different Kinds of Juices & Shakes

You'll find a variety of tasty shakes and juices at NH47 in the UAE. Here are some of the common options you can expect including, mango, orange, panchmanga, kulukki sharbath, Sharjah, jackfruit, tender coconut etc.

• Arimani Chai

It is a tea known for its rich flavours and premium quality. Often it displays blends that reflect traditional Middle Eastern tastes including spices and herbs. Many people enjoy this during their daily routine or even at parties.

• Fresh Mocktails and Mojitos

NH47 restaurant in the UAE is known for its colourful ambience and variety of different dishes prepared with varied mocktails and mojitos. Some of the most popular ones are passion fruit, mint, strawberry, blue lagoon, chill out, berry blast, etc.

How to Order at NH47

Knowing what to order from an Indian restaurant is no longer a problem, but here are some tips to make your experience of dining at NH47 worthwhile:

• Share Dishes: Indian food is enjoyed better family style. So, it is always best to consider ordering a few dishes to be shared by everyone at the table so that everyone gets a little bit of everything.

• Ask for Recommendations: If you are still unclear about which option to consider, feel free to ask your server for some recommendations or signature dishes. That can give you an idea of what the popular dishes are and can help you out.

• Think about Your Diet: NH47 serves vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free food. Make sure to inform your waiter as they can help you order the right stuff.

• Dine Leisurely: Indian people usually take their own sweet time while dining with Indian food. Do so. Soak in the air, absorb the flavours, and savour your time while dining.

• Experiment: Be adventurous and try something new! Indian cuisine is very long and there's always something new in terms of flavours and dishes.

FAQs

Q: Should One Have a Variety of Dishes or Just One Main Course?

A: Having a variety lets you taste different flavours and dishes, which is more worthwhile.

Q: Are Indian Dishes Usually Spicy or Not?

A: Spiciness varies by dish and region; if you don't like hot dishes, just ask for mild.

Q: What Kind of Bread Should I Order?

A: Naan or roti are great choices that go with most curries and dishes.

Q: How Should the Meal Be Ended?

A: Dessert or traditional chai completes the meal

Conclusion

As you walk into an Indian restaurant, it is a cacophony of so many options, yet at NH47 we celebrate this tapestry by bringing out something that represents both the original recipes and modern versions thereof.

Butter chicken for comfort, fragrant biryani, and refreshing mango lassi are in abundance. Our menu has something for every palate.

Well, the next time you are at NH47 in Abu Dhabi, do recall this guide for the best dining experience. Flavours, sharing with loved ones, and on the journey to taste Indian cuisine: happy dining!