Demonstrating Your Cooking Expertise

If you have never ordered Indian takeout or delivery food before, you may not know what to get when you browse the menu. The names of dishes are not very recognizable and don't tell you a lot about the dish itself. That's where this guide comes in! These are five classic Indian dishes that you must try as you are just getting acquainted with the cuisine. Try all of these, and you'll have a decent introductory understanding of Indian food's flavors and textures.

Biryani

If you are a bit uncomfortable trying unfamiliar foods, then start with Biryani. It's a rice dish made with met (usually chicken), saffron, and various herbs. It has a rich flavor and is easy to eat without a lot of messy sauces.

Chole Bhature

This is a good dish to order as an appetizer. It comes with naan bread, which is a flat Indian bread made in a tandoori oven. You dip the bread into the dish, which is a spicy chickpea dip similar to hummus but with a stronger curry flavor. Indian people sometimes eat Chole Bhature for breakfast, so if you have any leftovers, just save them for the next day.

Kati Roll

This is a street food favorite that's rather un-intimidating and a good choice if you are in a rush. It's a wrap made with flat bread (either naan or paratha, another Indian flat bread with less leavening), along with eggs, kebab meat, and various veggies. It often comes wrapping in foil, so you can pick it up with your hands and eat it without making a mess.

Rogan Josh

If it's a cold winter night and you're craving something warm and comforting, opt for rogan josh. It's an Indian stew made with tender lamb or goat. The rich, tomato-based sauce features a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, curry, and other spices. You will want to order plenty of white rice to enjoy with the extra sauce. Or you can dip your naan bread into it.

Papri Chat

This dish is another good one to share. It starts with crispy wafers of slightly sweet dough, topped with chunks of potato, chickpeas, chili peppers, and a delicious yogurt sauce. Some versions have a sweet fruit chutney, too. 

You can't go wrong with any of these awesome Indian dishes. You can try these or other options by ordering food through services such as Deccan Spice. They can tell you what the basic ingredients are and describe the dish if you have further questions.