Discover the Best North Indian Food: Flavours, Dishes & What to Order in the UK
For many people across the UK, Indian cuisine is already a firm favourite - yet the unique richness of North Indian food often goes unnoticed.
Characterised by bold spices, creamy textures and slow-cooked curries, North Indian cuisine is one of the most influential regional food cultures in restaurants and takeaways across Britain.
Below, the ChefOnline team introduces you to the essential dishes, flavours and cooking styles that define this region - and the North Indian classics you simply have to try.
What Defines North Indian Cuisine?
North Indian cuisine is known for its comforting, aromatic dishes built around wheat breads, tandoori cooking, ghee, yoghurt and whole spices. Compared with the lighter, rice-based dishes of South India, North Indian meals tend to be richer, creamier and often cooked slowly to deepen flavour.
Key characteristics include:
- Use of dairy: paneer, yoghurt, ghee and cream
- Tandoor cooking: smoky, charred flavours from clay ovens
- Aromatic spices: cardamom, cumin, coriander, cloves, cinnamon
- Hearty curries: lamb, chicken and paneer-based dishes
- Wheat breads: naan, roti, kulcha and paratha
This combination creates the flavour profile many UK diners instantly recognise - the comforting curries served in restaurants and takeaways nationwide.
Popular North Indian Dishes You Simply Have to Try
1. Aloo Samosa
Samosas have long been a favourite starter in Britain’s curry houses; however, Aloo Samosas offer a distinct North Indian twist that many diners are yet to discover.
Aside from the potatoes tucked inside the crisp, golden pastry, this North Indian version includes peas, spices and sometimes crushed coriander seeds, creating a smoother, more flavourful filling.
If you enjoy light, savoury starters, this is one you’ll want to order again and again.
2. Rogan Josh
Easily the most celebrated North Indian curry in the UK, Rogan Josh originates from Kashmir and is known for its deep colour and warming heat.
While the dried chillies bring warmth, the slow-cooked lamb adds a natural sweetness that balances the spice beautifully.
If you’re someone who enjoys a bold, aromatic curry without extreme heat, Rogan Josh is a perfect choice.
3. Kadhai Paneer
Kadhai Paneer is an excellent option for anyone who prefers vegetarian dishes.
Paneer, a traditional North Indian cheese, absorbs flavour incredibly well, especially when cooked with fried onions, tomatoes and freshly crushed spices in a traditional kadhai (a round, deep cooking pot).
Pair this dish with naan or roti, and you’ll enjoy one of North India’s most comforting and flavour-packed vegetarian meals.
4. Rampuri Korma
When many people hear “korma”, they imagine a mild and creamy curry - but the Rampuri Korma is a North Indian speciality that breaks this stereotype.
Traditionally made with lamb, this version uses black pepper, whole spices and coriander seeds, offering an aromatic depth rather than sweetness.
If you’re looking to explore dishes beyond your usual order, Rampuri Korma is a flavourful place to start.
Popular North Indian Breads (A Must for Every Meal)
North India is also known for its exceptional variety of breads - many of which have become staples in UK's Indian restaurants.
These breads complement curries, tandoori dishes and vegetarian meals perfectly.
1. Naan
Soft, slightly chewy and cooked in the tandoor, naan is the most popular North Indian bread in the UK.
Garlic naan and plain naan remain all-time favourites.
2. Roti / Chapati
A lighter alternative to naan, roti is made with whole wheat flour and cooked on a flat pan, ideal for scooping up curries like Kadhai Paneer.
3. Kulcha
Kulcha is a richer, fluffier bread often stuffed with spiced onions or potatoes.
It pairs especially well with creamy and aromatic curries.
Tandoori Influence in North Indian Food
One of the defining features of North Indian cuisine is the tandoor - a clay oven that gives dishes their smoky, char-grilled flavour.
Many of the UK’s most popular Indian starters and mains come directly from this cooking tradition.
Classic North Indian Tandoori Dishes Include:
- Tandoori Chicken – marinated in yoghurt and spices, cooked until perfectly charred
- Chicken Tikka – succulent boneless pieces, ideal as a starter or main
- Seekh Kebabs – minced meat spiced and shaped into skewers
- Tandoori Paneer Tikka – a vegetarian favourite with bold, smoky flavour
These dishes are especially popular among takeaway customers looking for something flavourful yet not too saucy.
Need to Get in Touch?
When the time comes to explore North Indian cuisine or order authentic North Indian food online, you’ll find countless platforms available - but ChefOnline offers one of the simplest, fastest and most reliable ordering experiences in the UK.
Based in the heart of London, we help you connect with the best Indian restaurants near you through a smooth and convenient ordering system.
With a vast range of dishes and restaurant options available, you can easily find North Indian starters, curries, breads and tandoori dishes to suit your preferences.
If you need a little help choosing what to order, visit our Contact Page and speak with a member of our friendly support team - available 24/7.
