What Should I Order From An Indian Takeaway? Complete Guide!

Finding the menu for an Indian takeaway a little bit overwhelming?

With so many dishes available, it’s hardly surprising!

If you’d like a little help with making your choice though, you’ve come to the best place.

Whether you’re a seasoned curry lover who just fancies trying something different, or you’ve never previously ordered an Indian and you just don’t know where to start, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and guidance right here. 

We’ll take a look a look at the classic dishes that are always a safe bet for a delicious meal, we’ll consider options for vegetarians and meat eaters alike, and we’ll walk through the tastiest sides and accompaniments to add to your order. 

Let’s get going! 

What Are The Most Popular Indian Takeaway Dishes? 

One of the most popular dishes to order from an Indian takeaway is chicken tikka masala.

This creamy, tomato-based dish is made with marinated chicken and a blend of aromatic spices, and is often served with fluffy rice and naan bread.

Other popular dishes include lamb rogan josh, which is a rich and fragrant curry made with tender lamb, and vegetable samosas, which are crispy, triangular pastries filled with spiced vegetables.

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of other dishes to try as well. From fiery vindaloo to creamy korma, there’s something for everyone on an Indian takeaway menu. 

Non-Vegetarian Options

If you’re a meat-lover and looking for non-vegetarian options, Indian cuisine has plenty to offer.

From succulent chicken dishes to spicy lamb curries, here are some popular non-vegetarian options that you can order from an Indian takeaway:

• Butter Chicken: A creamy tomato-based curry with tender chunks of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices. It’s one of the most popular Indian dishes worldwide.
• Rogan Josh: A spicy lamb curry cooked with aromatic spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. It’s a staple in Kashmiri cuisine.
• Chicken Korma: A mild and creamy curry made with chicken cooked in a yogurt and nut-based sauce. It’s a great option for those who prefer less spicy dishes.
• Chicken Biryani: A flavourful rice and chicken dish cooked with aromatic spices and herbs.
• Tandoori Chicken: Marinated chicken cooked in a tandoor oven and served with mint chutney.
• Chicken Vindaloo: A seriously spicy and tangy curry made with chicken and vinegar.
• Lamb Bhuna: A dry lamb curry cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices.

Side Dishes and Accompaniments

Side dishes and accompaniments are a crucial part of the Indian takeaway experience! 

One of the most popular side dishes in Indian cuisine is rice. Basmati rice, in particular, is a beautifully fragrant variety that pairs well with a wide range of curries and other dishes. 

Many takeaways will also offer additional options such as garlic rice, mushroom rice, and onion rice. These are especially delicious if you love sampling bold flavours and textures! 

Bread is another staple in Indian cuisine and is often served alongside the main course. Popular varieties of bread include chapati, which is a thin, unleavened bread made from wheat flour, and naan, which is a leavened bread made from white flour and typically cooked in a tandoor oven. Puri, which is a deep-fried bread, is another popular option.

Indian cuisine also features a variety of lentil-based dishes, such as dal, which is a soup-like dish made from lentils and spices, and often served as a side or part of a banquet meal. 

Other popular side dishes and accompaniments in Indian cuisine include salads, such as kachumber, which is a salad made from chopped tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers, and raita, which is a yogurt-based dish typically flavoured with cucumber, mint, or other herbs. Papadum, which is a crispy, thin cracker made from lentil flour, is another popular accompaniment.

When ordering from an Indian takeaway, I love to share a rice dish and a bread with my friends or family. Curry portions tend to be very generous so this is more than enough food, but if you’re feeling particularly hungry, you can also add some extra sides or go for papadums with salad and raita to start!