New to Indian Cuisine? Try These Popular Dishes First

SUHEL AHMED • 20 January 2022

Within traditional Indian spices, there is a whole universe of cuisine waiting to be discovered. Many people are scared to try it because they believe it is all "curry" and "spicy." The fact is that all palates are represented, including spicy, sweet, hot, and sour.


Before you go out and tour all the Indian restaurants near you, let us show you some of the most sumptuous meals to attempt if you're new to Indian cooking. Continue reading!


The Samosa


There is a portable snack food in every culture. That's focaccia to the Italians. Takoyaki may be Takoyaki for the Japanese and empanadas for Mexico. Samosas are a popular snack in India, and they may be filled with almost anything.


This finger meal is constructed with a flour shell and is typically filled with potatoes, onions, peas, or lentils. The filling is wrapped in a cone, triangular, or dome form before being deep-fried in oil. It is served hot, with chutney on the side. This can be either savoury (the more common option) or sweet.


Because the tastes are likely to be more recognizable to the diner, samosas make an ideal starting option. These snacks are spiced with more basic spices that will not push the diner too far out of their comfort zone.


Dhaba Gosht


Dhaba gosht is sometimes known as "Dhaba style meat curry." In India, mobile eateries called "dhabas" are super popular. Historically, they have been a stopover for those travelling long distances by car, bike, and foot.


Dhaba is an Indian word, while gosht is meat in Hindi. This dish is typically eaten with roti, naan, or rice.


This dish is a combination of large chunks of tender meat (lamb or goat) cooked in a spicy sauce containing onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables.


The Chicken Tikka Masala


This dish is a little more familiar to many. You'll find this one on the menu at many Indian restaurants. It is a tomato and cream-based dish in which chicken cubes are simmered and sauteed in a sauce. It often has a tikka flavour added to it.


The tikka is more of a spice blend than a specific blend of spices. It often has ginger, cumin, and black pepper.


This is another dish that is served with rice and flatbread. Play with the sauce you add to your chicken tikka masala. Depending on how brave you feel, you can order the dish mild, medium or spicy.


Kadhai Paneer


Kadhai Paneer is a dish that is a little more hardcore than the other dishes on this list. It is made with paneer, a form of cheese, crumbled up and added to a mixture of spinach and bell peppers. The paneer is then cooked in a tomato-based sauce flavoured with various spices, including garam masala.


Paneer is an attractive option for vegetarians who enjoy a hearty meal. It is also an excellent choice for anyone who loves a little bit of cheese with their meal. This is one of the dishes that can be mild or spicy.


Gulab Jamun


You can't talk about Indian food without getting into dessert. Gulab Jamun might be one of the most beloved desserts. This sweet dish is often seen around the world. It is a little like a doughnut hole but not as dense. It is made from phyllo dough that has been fried in oil.


Inside the doughnut hole is a ball of ice cream soaked in saffron, rosewater, and cardamom. This dessert is thicker than a doughnut hole but has a lighter texture.


Conclusion


If you're new to Indian cuisine, this is the best way to get started without feeling like you're going to get lost in a different world. You'll be able to find something that you know and love, but with a unique twist.


While learning about Indian cuisine is excellent, the best way to appreciate Indian cuisine is to experience it. If you're looking for an Indian restaurant near Tower Hill, then Tower Tandoori is the place for you. It's one of the
best Indian restaurants near London Bridge and offers a wide array of dishes that ensures that everyone has something. Check out our menu and book a reservation today! 

Indian Restaurant
26 July 2026
Discover a family-run spot by Tower Bridge offering charcoal tandoor classics and all-day dining at an Indian restaurant in London near the riverbank
Tandoori
19 July 2026
Discover what charcoal tandoori really changes in flavour, texture and cook time at an Indian restaurant near Tower Bridge, with side by side dish comparisons.
Charcoal Tandoori
12 July 2026
Follow a chef’s Friday-night tandoori timeline near Tower Bridge: heat control, skewer sequence, and service rhythm inside a busy Indian kitchen.
Curry Night
5 July 2026
Upgrade your Tower Bridge curry night with Tower Tandoori’s charcoal tandoor flavours, hot naan, smoky grills, and warm vibes. Book your table today!
Curry Heritage
28 June 2026
Follow a mapped curry heritage walk to discover the best Tower Bridge Indian restaurant roots, migration stories, historic curry houses and dishes.
Indian Dining
25 June 2026
Find an affordable Indian restaurant in London near Tower Bridge, with charcoal tandoor classics and modern dishes from a family-run kitchen since 1978.
Curry
18 June 2026
Explore a tasty curry crawl along Tower Bridge Road and discover Indian restaurants near Tower Bridge with tandoori classics and warm curry house hospitality.
Charcoal Tandoori
11 June 2026
Recreate smoky tandoori at home with easy marinade swaps, skewer setup and timing, inspired by a Tandoori Indian restaurant style near London Bridge.
Indian Dishes
4 June 2026
Discover authentic Indian dishes near Tower Bridge, from charcoal tandoor classics to curry-house favourites, with local tips for dining in London.
Indian Food Stop
28 May 2026
Short on time by Tower Bridge? Enjoy traditional Indian food in 60 minutes with walkable directions, quick menu picks, and timing tips for theatre or cruises.