17 Dishes You Should Order In An Indian Restaurant

Craving something bold, fragrant, and downright unforgettable? Indian restaurants serve a treasure map of flavors, but choosing can feel overwhelming when everything looks tempting.

This guide highlights must order dishes that deliver comforting textures, spice balanced depth, and crowd pleasing charm. Read on, and you will know exactly what to try next time you open that menu.

1. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

Butter chicken is your gateway to rich, cozy comfort. Tender tandoori grilled chicken simmers in a velvety tomato butter sauce balanced with mild spices and a whisper of sweetness.

Scoop it up with naan, and you will understand why it wins over spice shy diners.

The magic lies in smoky charred chicken meeting silky cream and fenugreek. It is indulgent without being heavy, aromatic without burning.

If you are uncertain where to start, this dish makes every bite feel like a hug.

2. Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken tikka masala brings bright tomato tang and smoky grill notes together. Marinated chicken is cooked in a tandoor, then swirled into a creamy spiced gravy that clings to every bite.

It is slightly bolder than butter chicken, with a vibrant, crowd pleasing personality.

You get sweetness, acidity, and gentle heat in perfect balance. Mop up the sauce with naan or spoon it over rice for ultimate comfort.

When you want something familiar yet exciting, this is the reliable choice.

3. Palak Paneer

Palak paneer offers creamy spinach with gentle warmth from cumin, garlic, and green chilies. Cubes of paneer float like pillows in a silky, emerald sauce.

It feels nourishing yet indulgent, a perfect pick for someone craving vegetables without sacrificing flavor.

Ask for it medium spice to let the greens shine. The earthy spinach pairs beautifully with roti or jeera rice.

If you are exploring vegetarian options, this one proves comfort and nutrition can taste luxurious.

4. Rogan Josh

Rogan josh is a robust lamb curry from Kashmir, stained red with mild Kashmiri chilies. The gravy is aromatic rather than fiery, layered with cardamom, fennel, and ginger.

Each bite of lamb turns buttery tender after long simmering.

Order it when you want hearty depth without overwhelming heat. Pair it with basmati or buttery naan to catch the glossy sauce.

It is the kind of dish that lingers, warming you from the inside out.

5. Chana Masala

Chana masala is chickpeas cooked in a tangy, spiced tomato gravy that feels bright and satisfying. The sauce has citrusy amchoor and warming garam masala, making each spoonful lively.

It is naturally hearty and completely plant based.

Enjoy it with rice, roti, or puffed bhatura for a street food style experience. The texture of tender chickpeas and chunky gravy hits a perfect balance.

When you want something filling yet vibrant, this is a winner.

6. Biryani (Hyderabadi)

Hyderabadi biryani is fragrant rice layered with marinated meat and fried onions, sealed and slow cooked. Each grain stays separate, perfumed with saffron, mint, and warming spices.

Break the crust, and steam carries the aroma straight to your heart.

Ask for raita and salan on the side to balance richness. Whether chicken, mutton, or vegetable, the experience is celebratory.

If you order one showstopper, make it this layered beauty.

7. Masala Dosa

Masala dosa brings South Indian crunch and comfort together. A fermented rice lentil crepe turns wafer crispy, wrapped around spiced mashed potatoes.

Dip into coconut chutney and sambar for layered flavor and texture.

It is naturally gluten friendly and feels light yet satisfying. The tangy batter and savory filling make an addictive combination.

Order it when you crave crisp edges and gentle spice without heaviness.

8. Dal Makhani

Dal makhani is slow cooked black lentils and kidney beans finished with butter and cream. The texture becomes luxuriously silky, with smoky notes from long simmering.

It feels like a gentle, savory blanket on a cool evening.

Pair it with naan or roti to appreciate the richness. The flavors are mellow, making it perfect for sharing across spice preferences.

When comfort is the mission, this dal delivers every time.

9. Goan Prawn Curry

Goan prawn curry marries coastal sweetness with coconut cream and tangy tamarind. The sauce is bright and gently spicy, letting juicy prawns shine.

It tastes sunny and tropical, like a seaside afternoon in a bowl.

Order it with plain rice to savor the fragrant gravy. The balance of heat, sour, and creamy comfort stays refreshing from first bite to last.

If you love seafood, this curry will become a repeat choice.

10. Paneer Tikka

Paneer tikka brings smoky edges and soft, milky centers. Cubes of paneer get marinated in yogurt and spices, then roasted until lightly charred.

The peppers and onions add sweetness and crunch beside a zippy mint chutney.

It is a terrific vegetarian starter when you want tandoor flavors without meat. Squeeze lemon and dust with chaat masala for brightness.

Share it at the table, then order more when it disappears too fast.

11. Lamb Seekh Kebab

Lamb seekh kebabs are minced lamb mixed with herbs, chilies, and warming spices, then grilled on skewers. They are juicy, smoky, and satisfyingly meaty.

A dip in mint chutney and a bite of pickled onions lifts the richness.

Order them as an appetizer or alongside naan for a hearty meal. The spice level can be adjusted, but medium heat sings.

If you like bold, savory flavors, this is your move.

12. Aloo Gobi

Aloo gobi is a dry style stir fry of cauliflower and potatoes kissed with turmeric and cumin. It is simple, earthy, and incredibly comforting.

The vegetables stay tender with a pleasant bite, perfect with roti.

Ask for it when you want something lighter than a curry but still satisfying. A squeeze of lemon brightens everything.

This dish shows how Indian cooking turns humble ingredients into pure joy.

13. Pani Puri (Golgappa)

Pani puri is a playful starter that bursts with flavor. Crack a hollow puri, tuck in potato chickpea filling, then dunk into tangy mint water.

Pop it whole, and you get crunch, spice, sweetness, and sour in a split second.

It is messy fun, so lean in and enjoy. Ask for both spicy and sweet pani to customize each bite.

When you want excitement before the mains, this is it.

14. Malai Kofta

Malai kofta feels like celebration food. Soft paneer potato dumplings soak in a luxurious cashew tomato gravy that is mildly spiced.

Each kofta is delicate, so spoon gently and savor the creamy sweetness.

It pairs beautifully with naan or pulao. The richness makes it a shareable centerpiece for vegetarians and omnivores alike.

If you are in the mood for something indulgent and elegant, this dish delivers.

15. Fish Tikka

Fish tikka gives you flaky, juicy pieces marinated in yogurt, turmeric, and spices, then seared in the tandoor. The smoky edges and citrusy finish feel clean and bright.

It is lighter than many curries but still deeply satisfying.

Great as a starter or a protein topping for salads and rice. Ask for firm fish like salmon or halibut for best texture.

When seafood cravings hit, this is a smart order.

16. Chicken Chettinad

Chicken Chettinad is bold, peppery, and intensely aromatic. The masala leans on roasted spices, coconut, and curry leaves, creating a dark, complex gravy.

Heat builds steadily, so sip water or raita between bites if needed.

Pair it with flaky parotta or steamed rice. You will taste smokiness, nuttiness, and citrusy notes from the spice blend.

When you are ready for serious flavor, this South Indian classic brings it.