New to Indian food? Don’t worry, here’s your guide to enjoying your first Indian meal in London.
The Indian kitchen is famous for its flavorful dishes and spicy curries. But many Londoners believe that Indian food is too bold for them.
Yes, it’s okay for a person who is not familiar with the richness of masala and a little bit of heat on the tongue to feel so. But, for this reason, we won’t let you miss out on the heavenly dishes from India, and that is why we are introducing you to the Indian food guide London.
In this blog, we are sharing some practical tips for beginners in Indian food so that you can take small steps to get to know the cuisine better before going for something bold. Stay with us for more.
In This Blog
- Mild To Spice- Know Your Heat level
- Tandoori or Curry: Know the Difference
- What to Order: First-Time Friendly Combo
- Plant-Based Options Even Meat Lovers Enjoy
- Practical Tips for First-Time Diners
Mild To Spice- Know Your Heat level
One of the biggest concerns for first-timers is the spice level. Indian food does feature spices, but that doesn’t always mean hot. Spice refers to flavor as much as heat, and there are plenty of dishes that are rich, aromatic, and gentle on the palate.
Listed below are some beginner Indian dishes Soho.
Start Mild (Perfect for First-Timers):
- Butter Chicken: Creamy, lightly spiced, and universally loved.
- Saag Aloo: Spinach and potato cooked in comforting spices.
- Dal Tadka: Yellow lentils tempered with garlic and cumin.
For the Heat Seekers:
- Chicken Xacuti: Rich with toasted spices and ground coconut.
- Lamb Peri Peri: Spicy and tangy, influenced by Portuguese flavors.
- Vindaloo: Famous for its bold spice and vinegar notes.
Pro Tip: Indian food not too spicy, and most of it can be customized to your preference. Just let the staff at the restaurant know your spice tolerance.
Tandoori or Curry: Know the Difference
Indian cuisine follows traditional ways of cooking to lock in the flavors and nutrients. Most of the Indian dishes are prepared in two ways. One is dry, oven-roasted cooking, and the other is simmering in saucy gravies.
Our Indian food guide London will be incomplete without discussing the difference between them.
| Style | Cooking Method | Best-Known Dishes | Texture/Experience |
| Tandoori | Meats and vegetables marinated in spices and grilled in a clay oven | Chicken Tikka, Lamb Chops | Charred, crisp edges |
| Curry | Ingredients simmered in spiced gravies made from tomatoes, cream, or coconut | Butter Chicken, Lamb Rogan Josh | Rich, hearty |
If you enjoy barbecue-style dishes, opt for tandoori. If you prefer something to pair with rice or naan, curry is your best bet.
What to Order: First-Time Friendly Combo
At the Indian restaurants in London, you’ll find such a diverse menu that offers something from different parts of the country, including North Indian, South Indian, Punjabi, and Mughlai dishes.
But, if you’re visiting a first time Indian restaurant, go with a balanced, satisfying meal that gives you a bit of everything:
- Starter: Vegetable Samosas or Chicken Tikka
- Main Course: Butter Chicken or Paneer Makhani
- Side: Garlic Naan or Basmati Rice
- Dessert: Gulab Jamun is a syrup-soaked sweet dumplings
This simple meal will let you experience the range of flavors Indian cuisine offers without overwhelming your palate.
Plant-Based Options Even Meat Lovers Enjoy
Indian cuisine is a heaven for vegetarians and vegans. You don’t have to be a vegetarian to enjoy these meat-free meals. If you’re searching for beginner Indian dishes Soho, vegetarian picks are a great starting point:
- Paneer Makhani: Indian cottage cheese cubes in creamy tomato gravy.
- Chana Masala: Chickpeas stewed in onions, tomatoes, and spices.
- Vegetable Kofta: Soft dumplings in a nutty, spiced curry.
- Aloo Gobi: A dry dish of potatoes and cauliflower with turmeric.
Did you know India is the No.1 country with the most vegetarian population? Yes, according to a report by World Atlas, 38% of people living in India follow a vegetarian diet.
Practical Tips for First-Time Diners
Do you wish to have the best food experience, enjoying authentic Indian dishes? Here are some tips for you to follow.
- Start with a mix of mild and medium-spiced dishes.
- Avoid ordering multiple spicy items to balance everything.
- Ask for small portions or sample platters if available.
- Pair your curry with a cooling side like raita.
- Try naan and rice, but not both unless you’re sharing.
- If you’re unsure, simply ask the staff
Eating Indian food is a social experience. Most dishes are perfect for sharing, and the variety makes it exciting for first-timers. So, go with friends and share a few dishes to sample a wider variety.
Key Points Covered
- London has a lot of Indian restaurants where you can treat yourself to authentic Indian meals.
- Whatever your food preference is, Indian cuisine always has something to offer.
- Several mild dishes are the best for those trying Indian food for the first time.
- The diverse dishes include vegetarian, vegan, non-veg, and gluten-free dishes.
- If you’re unsure about what and how to try, ask the staff at the restaurant for recommendations.
Conclusion
India has one of the best cuisines in the world. Whether it’s the flavors, spices, or cooking methods, everything has a story to tell. But many think that Indian food is too hot for them to even try.
Since most of the Indian dishes are customizable, you can easily adjust their spice levels to make them more appealing to your taste buds. In Indian cuisine, spices mean more flavors. But soon they’ll grow on you, and you’ll start enjoying them in their true form.
In this Indian food guide London, we shared some practical tips to guide beginners in Indian food so that you can understand it and enjoy it better.
Are you looking for Indian food not too spicy?
Delhi Brasserie is one of the best Indian restaurants in London that serves authentic Indian dishes, following traditional cooking methods. We offer complete Indian meals at affordable prices and customize the food according to the preferences of our guests.
Our first time Indian restaurant is an award-winning restaurant that received the recognition of Traveler’s Choice Award from TripAdvisor in 2024.
Craving some Hyderabadi biryani or chicken tikka? Come visit us. Book your table now and let our team guide you through your first Indian food adventure!
