Trying Indian food for the first time can feel overwhelming. With hundreds of dishes, different spice levels and regional cooking styles, choosing what to order is not always easy.
Many people start with familiar options such as chicken tikka masala or butter chicken, but Indian cuisine offers a wide range of flavours, textures and ingredients that suit different preferences.
Whether you prefer mild and creamy dishes, rich tomato-based curries, grilled flavours or vegetarian options, there is an Indian dish that can suit your taste.
This guide will help you understand some of the best Indian dishes for beginners, what they taste like and how to choose your first curry with confidence.
Understanding Indian Food Before Your First Order
Indian cuisine is shaped by different regions, traditions and cooking methods. A curry from Northern India can taste very different from a dish commonly served in Southern India, even when both use similar ingredients.
Restaurants and takeaways across the UK often serve popular dishes from different regions, making it easier for customers to try a variety of flavours.
Before ordering, it helps to understand three key areas:
Spice level does not always mean heat
Many people assume Indian food is always very spicy, but spice can mean different things. Indian cooking uses spices to create aroma, depth and flavour, not only heat.
For beginners, dishes described as mild or medium are usually a comfortable starting point. You can also ask restaurants about spice levels if you prefer a gentler flavour.
Indian dishes are designed around variety
A traditional Indian meal often combines several elements:
- A main curry or grilled dish
- Rice or bread
- Side dishes
- Starters
This makes Indian food ideal for sharing, letting you try different flavours in one meal.
Ingredients create different flavour profiles
Some dishes are creamy and mild, while others have stronger tomato, spice or grilled notes. Understanding these differences makes choosing your first order much easier.
Best Indian Dishes for Beginners
If you are new to Indian cuisine, starting with popular dishes can help you understand the flavours you enjoy most.
The following dishes are widely available at Indian restaurants and takeaways across the UK.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala is one of the most popular Indian-inspired dishes in the UK and is often recommended for first-time curry lovers.
The dish combines grilled pieces of chicken with a creamy tomato-based sauce. It usually has a mild to medium spice level, making it a comfortable choice for people who are new to Indian flavours.
The sauce is rich, slightly sweet and aromatic, with spices adding depth without creating overwhelming heat.
Chicken tikka masala works well with:
- Pilau rice
- Plain naan
- Garlic naan
Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is another excellent choice for beginners who prefer a smoother and creamier curry.
Originally associated with North Indian cuisine, this dish combines tender chicken with a buttery tomato sauce and warming spices.
Compared with some stronger curries, butter chicken usually has a softer flavour profile. It is a good option if you enjoy creamy sauces and want to try Indian food without choosing a spicy dish.
Chicken Korma
Chicken korma is often chosen by people who prefer mild flavours.
The dish typically contains chicken cooked in a creamy sauce made with ingredients such as yoghurt, nuts, coconut, and aromatic spices.
Its gentle flavour makes it popular with families and first-time Indian food customers. It also pairs well with naan bread or rice.
Chicken Tikka
Chicken tikka is a great introduction to Indian grilled dishes.
Unlike a curry with sauce, chicken tikka consists of marinated chicken pieces cooked using high heat, often in a tandoor oven. The result is a smoky, spiced dish with a grilled flavour. It can be enjoyed as a starter or as part of a larger meal.
Lamb Rogan Josh
For customers who enjoy richer flavours, lamb rogan josh is a popular option.
This Kashmiri-style curry usually features tender lamb cooked slowly with aromatic spices and a rich sauce.
It has more depth than many beginner-friendly curries but is still approachable for someone trying Indian food for the first time.
Vegetable Biryani
Indian cuisine offers many vegetarian dishes, and vegetable biryani is a popular choice.
Biryani is a rice-based dish cooked with vegetables, spices and herbs. Unlike a standard curry, it combines the rice and ingredients together, creating a complete meal.
It is suitable for vegetarians and works well for people who want to try Indian flavours without ordering a meat dish.
Paneer Tikka
Paneer tikka is a popular vegetarian alternative to chicken tikka.
Paneer is a type of Indian cheese with a firm texture. It is marinated with spices and grilled, creating a dish with smoky flavours and a satisfying texture.
It is a good choice for vegetarians or anyone wanting to try something different.
How to Choose Your First Indian Takeaway Order
Choosing your first Indian meal does not need to be complicated. Start by thinking about the flavours you already enjoy.
If you prefer mild flavours
Try:
- Butter chicken
- Chicken korma
- Vegetable biryani
These dishes usually have softer flavours and are suitable for beginners.
If you enjoy grilled food
Try:
- Chicken tikka
- Tandoori chicken
- Paneer tikka
These dishes focus on smoky flavours from traditional grilling methods.
If you enjoy richer flavours
Try:
- Lamb rogan josh
- Chicken tikka masala
- Balti dishes
These options provide deeper spice combinations without necessarily being very hot.
If you enjoy spicy food
Try:
- Madras curry
- Jalfrezi
- Vindaloo
These dishes usually have stronger heat levels and are better suited for customers who already enjoy spicy meals.
Popular Indian Side Dishes for Beginners
The right side dishes can make your first Indian meal more enjoyable.
Naan Bread
Naan is a soft flatbread traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven. Popular varieties include:
- Plain naan
- Garlic naan
- Cheese naan
It is commonly used to enjoy sauces from curries.
Pilau Rice
Pilau rice is cooked with aromatic spices, giving it more flavour than plain rice while remaining mild.
Onion Bhaji
Onion bhaji is a popular starter made with sliced onions, spices and gram flour.
It provides a crispy introduction to Indian flavours and is often served with chutney.
Samosa
Samosas are pastry snacks filled with ingredients such as spiced potatoes, vegetables or meat.
They are commonly ordered as starters or sharing items.
Ordering Indian Food Online for the First Time
Ordering online makes it easier to compare dishes, read menus and choose restaurants that suit your preferences.
ChefOnline helps customers browse participating restaurants, view menus and order Indian food online from local restaurants and takeaways.
If you are unsure what to choose, compare different menus and consider ordering a combination of a main dish, rice or bread and a starter. This gives you the chance to experience different flavours in one meal.
For groups, sharing several dishes can also be a great way to try different parts of Indian cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Indian dish for beginners?
Chicken tikka masala, butter chicken and chicken korma are popular choices for first-time curry lovers because they usually have mild and approachable flavours.
Is Indian food always spicy?
No. Indian food includes many mild dishes. Spices are used to create flavour and aroma, and many restaurants allow customers to choose different spice levels.
What Indian curry should I try first?
Creamy dishes such as butter chicken, chicken korma or chicken tikka masala are often suitable starting points for beginners.
What should I order with an Indian curry?
Popular combinations include rice, naan bread, onion bhaji and samosas. The choice depends on your preferred flavours and how much variety you want.
What is a good vegetarian Indian dish for beginners?
Vegetable biryani and paneer tikka are popular vegetarian choices for people trying Indian cuisine for the first time.
How can I find Indian restaurants near me?
Online food ordering platforms such as ChefOnline allow customers to browse local restaurants, compare menus and order food online.
Final Thoughts
Indian cuisine offers a wide range of dishes for every type of food preference. If you are ordering for the first time, start with familiar flavours and gradually try different dishes as you discover what you enjoy.
Creamy curries, grilled dishes, biryanis and vegetarian options all provide different ways to experience Indian food.
With online ordering platforms such as ChefOnline, finding local Indian restaurants and choosing your next meal is simple. Browse menus, compare dishes and start your Indian food journey with a dish that suits your taste.
