What to Eat at Indian Restaurants

Summary

Indian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, deeply rooted in the country's rich cultural and traditional heritage. With a significant portion of the population adhering to vegetarian diets due to religious beliefs, Indian restaurants offer an extensive array of vegetarian dishes that cater to diverse palates. This guide will help you navigate the menu at Indian restaurants, ensuring you savor the best of what Indian cuisine has to offer.

Appetizers

Vegetable Cutlets

One of the most popular appetizers in Indian restaurants is the vegetable cutlet. This dish typically consists of a mixture of mashed potatoes, peas, and a variety of spices, all rolled into a dough and deep-fried to perfection. It is often served with a sweet and sour chutney, making it a delightful start to your meal.

Other Popular Appetizers

• Samosas: Triangular pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas.
• Pakoras: Vegetables dipped in chickpea flour batter and deep-fried.
• Bhel Puri: A crunchy snack made of puffed rice, onions, potatoes, and tamarind sauce.

Dal (Lentils)

Dal is a staple in Indian cuisine, enjoyed across various states. It consists of lentils cooked with a blend of spices and is typically served with rice or flatbreads. Some popular varieties include:

• Dal Tadka: Lentils tempered with spices.
• Dal Makhani: Creamy lentils cooked with butter and cream.

Vegetable Curries

Indian curries are renowned worldwide for their rich flavors and aromatic spices. A wide variety of vegetables are used to create these delectable dishes. Some popular options include:

• Aloo Gobi: Potatoes and cauliflower cooked with spices.
• Bhindi Masala: Okra cooked with onions and tomatoes.
• Baingan Bharta: Roasted eggplant mashed and cooked with spices.

Special Vegetable Dishes

• Malai Kofta: Cheese and vegetable balls served in a spiced curry made of cashews or almonds.
• Tandoori Vegetables: Vegetables cooked in a traditional Indian clay oven, known as a tandoor.

Cottage Cheese (Paneer)

Paneer, or Indian cottage cheese, is a versatile ingredient used in various dishes. Some must-try paneer dishes include:

• Palak Paneer: Paneer cooked with spinach.
• Matar Paneer: Paneer cooked with green peas in a tomato-based gravy.

Rice and Flatbreads

Rice Dishes

Rice is a staple in Indian cuisine and is prepared in numerous ways. Some popular rice dishes include:

• Biryani: Aromatic rice cooked with spices, vegetables, and sometimes paneer.
• Pulao: Rice cooked with vegetables and spices.

Flatbreads

Indian flatbreads are an essential part of the meal. Some popular types include:

• Naan: Leavened bread cooked in a tandoor.
• Roti: Unleavened whole wheat bread.
• Paratha: Layered bread, sometimes stuffed with vegetables.

Interesting Stats

• Vegetarianism in India: Approximately 31% of Indians are vegetarians, making India the country with the highest percentage of vegetarians in the world (source).
• Spice Production: India is the largest producer of spices globally, contributing to 75% of the world's spice production (source).

Conclusion

Indian restaurants offer a plethora of vegetarian dishes that are rich in flavor and variety. From appetizers like vegetable cutlets and samosas to main courses like dal, vegetable curries, and paneer dishes, there is something for everyone. Don't forget to try the diverse rice dishes and flatbreads that complete the Indian dining experience. Once you taste the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine, you'll undoubtedly crave more.

For more information on Indian cuisine, you can visit BBC Good Food and National Geographic.