Finding a new restaurant or discovering a delicious dish is fun for many diners who look forward to trying something fresh during the work week or on the weekend.

Going out and ordering Italian and Mexican dishes are relatively common. Some, though, are not as familiar with the exotic flavors of India. Here you can learn a bit more information on ordering Indian food and the incredible ingredients in some of the most popular items on the menu.

Choosing the Right Restaurant

Today it is easier than ever to find customer feedback on everything from a tube of toothpaste to upscale vacation destinations. It is always a good first practice to look into Indian restaurants near you on search engines and to check out their social media pages. Diners will usually review their specific order. Seeing many compliments or complaints about a particular dish is a good indication of what to try or avoid.

Platforms like Facebook and especially Instagram will give you an excellent first glimpse of what the restaurant is offering and probably an idea of the entrees they are best at preparing. 

One more tip, check out the delivery partners that the restaurant works with for discounts for first-time customers and a free appetizer or dessert with an order. This way, you not only get to try a new spot but also enjoy savings and try more of the menu at no cost!

Spice Levels

A typical first thought about Indian food is that it is very spicy. While some dishes are spicy hot, many restaurants will allow you to choose the heat level you are comfortable eating. If you are looking for mild Indian cuisine, look for appetizers and entrees that do not include mustard, fresh black pepper, chilis, or ginger. When you are craving some spice, ask your waitperson if they provide a sauce or recommend a drink to relieve your palate. For all the spice lovers out there, try one or two of these dishes the next time you order Indian food:

• Vindaloo – This zesty dish brings the spice level and heats up the appetite with its tangy curry. Some restaurants will let you choose your own protein. Shrimp, lamb, or chicken are all tasty options.
• Chicken 65 – A famous Indian dish to add to your food bucket list, Chicken 65 is known for its genuine flavor and as a spicy treat.
• Madras Curry – Chicken or lamb tomatoes, onions, and shredded coconut add to the blend of herbs and spices that make Madras Curry an Indian food favorite.

Vegetarian Friendly

Ordering Indian food that is vegetable based is easy and delicious. Many restaurants have a wide selection of dishes that diners can choose from based on their preferences. In some cases, Indian restaurant menus even have a dedicated vegetarian section. 

Catering a large event or hosting vegetarian friends and family is also a snap. For a smaller gathering, ask the manager if they have any platters or other deals that can feed ten or more people. Look over the restaurant’s brochure or visit your favorite Indian restaurant’s website to view the catering menu for a corporate lunch or big celebration.

Add some of these famous vegetarian Indian dishes to your next meal:

• Samosa Chat – A yummy way to begin your feast is with a fantastic appetizer. Samosa Chat will do just that! A seasoned yogurt, tamarind, and mint sauce complement the main ingredients of veg samosas, chickpeas, onions, and tomatoes.
• Paneer Tikka Wrap – For a lunch filled with Indian BBQ made to savor, enjoy a Paneer Tikka Wrap. The fresh paneer soaks up every bit of the Tikka spices for a really scrumptious lunch or snack any time of the day.
• Palak – When you are craving something light and mild for dinner, then go with the Palak. This veg menu item is a spinach curry with authentic Indian spices and herbs.

More Tasty Indian Food Options

A one-hour lunch break, dinner after work, or even take-out doesn’t have to be the same old routine. Liven up your meals with a bright taste straight from India. When looking at the menu online or in person at the table, some Indian cuisine will be prepared in a saucy curry, while other dishes are primarily marinated meat or rice dishes. For example, Tikka Masala is prepared with meat or paneer in a tomato sauce, whereas Chicken Tikka is a dish made with marinated chicken baked in a clay oven. Biryani can be vegetarian or have a variety of meats to choose from sitting on a bed of aromatic Basmati rice. Take a look at a few more traditional Indian dishes:

• Seekh Kabob – Tender lamb is made even more enticing with the addition of ginger, garlic, and peppers perfectly cooked on a skewer.
• Peas Pulao – Fresh peas, Basmati rice, and herbs come together in a tasty combination in this Indian cuisine, also referred to as Indian rice pilaf.
• Butter Chicken – This saucy Indian food staple is a great welcoming meal into Indian food. Mildly spiced, with tomatoes, juicy chicken, and creamy, rich butter.

Indian Delight is the best spot in Cleveland to eat excellent Indian food. Visit our website www.idcleveland.com to view our menu today!

So if you are spending the afternoon at the pool, the park, or dining in, here are some great Indian foods to eat this summer.

Cater to your cravings

Summer weekends tend to be jam-packed with events. Be it a sporting event, birthday party, or family reunion, catering can make it easy to cross food off any to-do list. Catering Indian dishes is a fantastic way to add authentic flavor and bright recipes to your celebrations. 

Tastes of bold spices, freshly baked Naan and a vibrant Kheer are a great way to feed your hungry guests. Take some time to learn about the Indian food caterers in your area to pick just the right menu. 

In the meantime, for some delicious inspiration, take a look at these tasty menu items.

Nothing will delight your crowd more than offering crispy Samosas and Samosa Chat for appetizers. And dipping Vegetable Pakora into savory sauces is a great way to start any party.

When it comes to the entrees, any of the following dishes are sure to wow. Biryani has to be one of the most famous Indian dishes in the world. The instantly recognizable sight of Basmati rice and the aroma of rich spices instantly perk up the appetite. A creamy tomato sauce accompanied by green pepper and onion makes Chicken Tikka Masala easy to add to your catering order. Finally, tender boneless chicken perfectly seasoned is what makes Chicken 65 so incredibly irresistible.

Grab and Go

For those summer days when you are out and about, Indian food will stop pesky hunger pains. Pick up these tasty treats the next time you are on the go. 

When only spice and fresh veggies will do, try a Chili Chicken Wrap. Easy to eat at a picnic in the park or on a blanket on the sand. For a yummy meatless Monday option, go with the Paneer Tikka Wrap. You won’t miss a thing with those BBQ flavors and traditional seasonings! For a lunch with all the bells and whistles, choose a Lunch Box. They are served with Naan, two curries, rice, and a dessert.

Order a Bowl

On those hot days when you just are too tired to think and starving, make life easy and scrumptious with a Butter Chicken Bowl. With this dish, outstanding Indian cuisine really shines. When you order a Bowl, you get not only the fabulous Butter Chicken but also rice, Chana Masala, fresh onion, lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, cilantro, and fried chilies. If you are super hungry, order a large one. If not, go with the regular-sized portion.

A Lighter Bite

Order a tasty appetizer or two when you need just a bite to tide you over until dinner time. Indian cuisine has a wide variety of great starters to keep a grumbling belly at bay. From a filling Mulligatawny soup, a mixed veggie-based basket, or a refreshing Kachumber salad, there is something on the menu to make your taste buds happy! Papri Chat, Bhel Puri, and Pan Puri are also great options.

The Main Entrée

Whether you are eating on your back patio, overlooking beautiful Lake Erie, or having dinner with friends, Indian food is always a fantastic choice. 

With so many delectable menu items to choose from, making up your mind on what to order is no easy task! If you are looking for a mildly spicy Indian dish, go with Aloo Gobi. Cauliflower and potatoes are the base, finished delightfully with just the right amount of seasoning. For a more robust flavor, try the tangy curry that is Vindaloo. For something truly unique, consider Shahi Khorma. It has fresh ginger, garlic, yogurt, Garam Marsala, and tender chicken producing a one-of-a-kind taste. 

As you can see, this time of year is terrific to try some Indian cuisine. Make sure you enjoy a meal before the season ends! The flavors and spices of India make any meal a celebration to relish. 

Indian Delight serves up the best Indian food in Cleveland. We invite you to reserve a table in the dining room, take out something delicious, or get it delivered fresh to your door! Check out our Quick Catering services for incredible authentic dishes for your next event. Please see our entire menu by visiting our website, www.idcleveland.com.