Indian Food for Dummies

[paintnolish]

What's good? I am not picky and will eat just about anything. Dh is picky (no onion or tomato) but loves spicy stuff.We've thought about going to some Indian places but don't know where to begin with the menu!

 

[Mrs. Charming]

DH is an Indian food beginner. He likes Chicken Tikka Masala. It's chicken in a spicy red yogurt sauce. I'm also a big fan of Chana Masala, he's not so wild about the chickpeas, but its a good starting point!

Oh! Edited to add, if possible, try a buffet first. That way he can sample everything!

 

[eeyore65]

I love saag paneer. It is spinach with cheese. Yummy. Also love chicken vindaloo - it is the spiciest thing on the menu and probably not for begineers. All the bread is also yummy - naan dipped in chutney! If your place has a buffet that is a great way to try different things.

 

[Katieinwonderland]

I LOVE Indian food! The mildest things are Tikka Masala and Korma; the Tikka Masala is a tomato and cream dish, and the Korma is made with almonds, it has a very mild flavor. These two aren't spicy at all really. DH is very picky and the only thing he'll eat is Tandori chicken, which is pretty mild too.

Vindaloo is very spicy, maybe not for beginners but if your DH likes spicy food, he'll probably love this. I agree with a PP who suggested a buffet first to sample a little of everything.

 

[bumbershoot]

I love a potato and spinach dish...saag aloo? Maybe that's what it's called. Combine with their rice, yum.

Also adore raitta, which is a yogurt/herb/cucumber dip that I could pretty much just spoon up and eat, LOL.

 

[pearlieq]

Samosas! Who doesn't love things in deep fried pockets? Every culture has a version.

After that, I wouldn't get too caught up in what exactly it is you're having. The spices and flavors are so different that it's really hard to understand until you've tried it.

I agree with the others that a buffet is a great idea. That way you can try everything. If you like it, eat more. If you don't, move along and try the next thing.

ETA: I see you're in IL. I don't know exactly where you are, but Viceroy of India in Lombard has a great daily lunch buffet.