Some date nights are better spent at home on the sofa, eating takeout, rather than dressing up and going out. And that is precisely the case where Indian takeaway makes a splendid entrance.
Good food makes cuddling on the sofa way more enjoyable, and Indian food does an excellent job of filling the heart and soul. The comfort of savoury, spicy dishes is so inviting that you would want it any day of the week, even on a regular Tuesday.
So, it is no wonder that when we search up “Indian takeaway near me”, we are greeted with so many options, especially for those relaxed evenings when all you want is something warm, spicy, and comforting.
Why Indian Food Takeaway Works So Well On a Date Night
Indulging in Indian cuisine has a certain warmth that sets it apart. The food itself is rich and vibrant, meant to be enjoyed in a communal setting, and its very character encourages interaction. Unlike the scenarios when each person sits at the table with their own plate of food and consumes it in silence, Indian food is conversation-friendly—“try this!”, “Give me the naan!”, “This sauce is fantastic!”
Do not forget the sheer pleasure associated with ordering a few curries with rice, some naans, and a starter or two. Suddenly, you have a bountiful feast to enjoy together.
Let’s not kid ourselves; placing an order with the Indian takeaway is less of a hassle than preparing a gourmet meal from scratch. No recipe is required, as plenty of dishes won’t need to be washed, and definitely no garlic bread will be burned.
Dishes That Make the Evening Feel Extra Special
If you're planning to stay in for a date night and are already searching for takeaways, this list of dishes might help you narrow down options. For these dishes, the savoury nature makes them feel more indulgent as they are meant to be shared:
Butter Chicken or Paneer Butter Masala: Known for its buttery thickness, it is mild and flavourful, smooth, soothing, and not screaming spicy. Perfect if both of you enjoy curries, but on the gentle side.
Lamb Rogan Josh: Succulent and slow-cooked lamb, truly tender, bathed in a rich sauce. Profound, deep bold flavours that feel proper restaurant-y.
Biryani: Aromatic rice with its spices, layered with meat or even vegetables. Great for mingling with sauces, scooping, and of course, sharing.
Tandoori Platters: Imagine grilled chicken tikka or even Lamb kebabs, sizzling hot paneer. All are perfect for dipping into chutneys.
Dal Makhani: A Creamy lentil dish that goes best with either naan or rice. It is exceedingly comforting.
Peshwari Naan: It is a heavenly, sweet and coconut-stuffed naan. Perfect for ending the night on high sugar.
You can order online, and many places offer two-person platters that are perfect for a romantic date night.
Bringing the Restaurant Atmosphere to Your Home
There is absolutely no reason to go out to eat when you can enjoy food from one of the best Indian restaurants London has to offer right from your home. With a few helpful tips, you can absolutely recreate that restaurant ambience at home.
When you set the mood in the house, remember to dim the lights and light a few candles. Bollywood instrumentals work perfectly as background music. You can and should try to use proper utensils. While some may prefer to eat out of containers, putting food onto plates adds a touch of elegance. Wines, especially nice bottles, will go excellently with this meal, but feel free to use your favourite crafted beer. Indian food pairs well with light and slightly fruity drinks, so selection will not be the issue.
Choosing the Right Indian Takeaway Near You
Not all takeaways have the same quality. Some are known for serving others substandard cuisine. If you're planning on binge-watching and having a proper date night feast, be sure to research where to order from. Going for the first Indian takeaway near me is not a wise choice.
Restaurants that have won a local award or received great reviews from locals are a good start. One of the awards which is given seems to go to places that take their food and services seriously. This is good for the customer, meaning serious flavour, a decent portion size, and even reliable delivery.
Keep an eye out for specialised menus that contain:
- Clear instruction that contains a description (that includes levels of spice)
- Good reviews and ratings from other customers
- Delivery windows that are reasonable
- Bonus points if they use sustainable ingredients
Food Sharing = Bond Sharing
There is something truly amazing about sharing a meal with someone on a date. While reaching for the same naan or fighting for the last bite of the biriyani, people often connect on a whole different level. Instead of looking at eating as a task, it’s shown as the reason for connections. This is the whole motive of date night, don’t you think?
Looking for warmth, whether it's two months into a relationship or ten years down the line, Indian food has got you. The spices, the love for comfort and eating together provide a whole different kind of experience.
Don’t Forget to Support Local Indian Restaurants
An added advantage of ordering Indian takeaway is the fact that you are supporting a local business. Many Indian restaurants are family-owned and have been operating in their community for years.
The next time you order food online, we recommend trying out local stores instead of the big names. They not only provide you with a fantastic meal, but also ensure their business flourishes, which, trust us, is a testament to the fact that those local gems with their aged recipes and traditional cooking styles do taste better than the commercial places.
FAQs: Indian Takeaway Date Night Edition
1. What’s the best Indian platter to indulge with your partner and share?
You will be delighted to share Biryani, Butter Chicken, Dal Makhani, and Tandoori Platter. You can pair them and share different flavours together.
2. How do I find the best Indian restaurant closest to me?
You can search for places that have won a restaurant award or those with good reviews. Searching for “best Indian restaurant London” or “Indian takeaway near me” would also work as helpful starting points.
3. Can I still make a date night feel special with takeaway?
Definitely, put on some music, light candles, and prepare nice drinks with proper plates. It’s all in the vibe.
So next time you’re stuck on ideas for date night, don’t overthink the planning. Simply type your postcode into a delivery app, check out a highly-rated Indian restaurant, and order a feast you both will remember. Indian takeaway adds flavour and excitement to the evening and the cosy energy makes date nights feel a little more special.
All you need is delicious food, your favourite person, skin in the game, and as many naans as you can handle.
