Even the best Indian restaurant in London can sometimes fail to work up to the customers’ expectations, it’s natural. Daylong takeaway or online orders can slow down operational efficiency, hence, customer experience may decline.
However, with some practical tips and tricks, you can still enjoy your favourite Chicken Tikka Masala, Vindaloo, Paneer Butter Masala, Carrot Halwa, etc., from the Indian takeaway near you.
Care to learn more? Let’s go down to the tips:
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Select the Right Indian Takeaway Near You
When ordering food online, the first thing you must remember is to choose the right takeaways near you. Ordering Indian food is even more critical since there’s a wide range of Indian restaurants in London. Here, ChefOnline can help you find reliable Indian takeaways.
Our suggestions:
- Check Out the Local Reviews: It’s easy to search online with keywords like the ‘best Indian restaurants in London’ and procure a hundred restaurants at once. However, check the top ones’ customer reviews, experiences, ratings, etc. and use your fare judgement.
- Ask Away Someone: A reliable recommendation can make choosing the top Indian restaurants a lot easier. Ask your colleagues or friends to help you out.
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Check If The Menu Offers What You Want
After selecting the desirable Indian takeaway near you, check out the menu. Indian cuisine offers a variety of dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Consider checking the whole menu before ordering.
A comprehensive way to do this is to:
- Scan Section Wise: In the vegetarian section, search for vegetarian dishes like aloo gobi or Paneer Butter masala, while in the non-vegetarian section, look for Beef Kebab or Chicken Curry.
- Search Specials and Sides: Some distinguished Indian restaurants provide ‘Chef’s Specials’ on their menu, from which you may order signature dishes like Palak Paneer, Lamb Korma, Masala Dosa, etc. Besides, side dishes like papadums, chutney, and naans are also craved.
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Is The Spice Level Comfortable Enough?
Indian dishes champion intense spicy aroma, flavour, and taste. However, if your spice tolerance varies, be specific about the spice levels in your food. Order your takeaway while mentioning low, moderate, or high levels of spice in each dish.
The best ways to ensure your comfortable spice levels are by:
- Checking Spice Level Indicator: Make sure you check the spice indicator provided in the menu for each spicy dish before ordering.
- Customise Heat Level: If you’re uncomfortable with the spiciness of certain dishes, you may request the restaurant to adjust the heat to low, medium, or high.
A tip: After eating spicy Indian dishes, order something that will cool your taste buds. Raita, Sweet Lassi, or gulab jamun are good choices.
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Do a Double-Check of Your Takeaway Order
Let’s say you receive the wrong order, such as Veg Biryani instead of Hyderabadi Biryani. Imagine the frustration. To avoid such a mess, double-check your takeaway order before checking out.
Apart from the specific dish, there are other things to recheck while ordering, such as:
- Quantity, Quality, and Customisation: It's not just the specific dish; it’s essential to go through the desired amount, quality, and required customisation while double-checking your takeaway order.
- Beware of Allergen: The Indian dishes you order must contain allergen information on the menu. Check them carefully, as it’s a health issue for you and your family members.
- Extras Are Goodies: Indian dishes include palatable extras such as chutney, papadum, pakoda, hot sauce, raita, and so on. Don’t miss out on adding them to your order.
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Ensure Appropriate Delivery Time
When London is a bustling city with thousands of customers to be served every night, fast deliveries can be an issue even from the nearest Indian takeaways. On busy hours like evenings or days like weekends, a normal 30-minute delivery may turn into 50 minutes or above.
So, you don’t have to wait too long before your favourite Indian takeaway arrives. Check the restaurant's website or ask acquaintances about the average delivery time, including preparation and packaging.
To make things easier,
- Choose Off-Peak Hours: Avoid peak hours, such as Saturday nights, to order and get a fresher, hotter, and satisfying takeaway experience.
- Use a Tracking System: Many Indian takeaways offer real-time delivery tracking systems on their apps. Tracking your order once it is placed will help you prepare for when to expect it.
- Consider Pre-Orders: Pre-ordering can be a smart move to ensure your food is delivered within the optimum time. It is also a good idea for weekend plans or family gatherings.
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Look Out for Good Deals and Discounts
Due to high demand, Indian dishes may be expensive in London. However, deals and discounts can reduce food costs and allow you to enjoy a wholesome meal.
Take The Rajdoot, a reputed Indian restaurant in Hampstead, London, that offers 10% off on collection orders over £15.00. Moreover, various online takeaway platforms offer discounts for new users and some specific restaurants.
Also, check out restaurant websites for special offers and discounts before ordering. Additionally, you may subscribe to top Indian restaurant newsletters to occasionally get offers in your inbox.
Wrapping Up
With the right tips and tricks, you can make your Indian takeaway order enjoyable and successful. Indian dishes are palatable, and you wouldn’t want to blunder due to inefficient food ordering.
Be sure to select the right Indian takeaways near you, check their reviews, be specific about your orders and customisations, and try negotiating some good deals with them. We hope our six practical tips will make your next Indian takeaway experience smoother and richer.
