First Time at an Indian Restaurant? Here’s What You Really Need to Know

Walking into an Indian restaurant for the first time can be a little overwhelming. The aromas are rich and unfamiliar, the menu is full of dishes you’ve never heard of, and suddenly, you’re second-guessing whether you should’ve just played it safe with a sandwich. But hold that thought. Indian cuisine is one of the most flavour-packed, satisfying food experiences out there — and knowing just a few basics can make your first visit way more enjoyable.

Start With the Style of Dining

Not all Indian restaurants operate the same way, so take a minute to suss out the vibe. Is it a casual spot with a buffet? Then it’s probably self-serve — pile up your plate with whatever catches your eye, go back for seconds, and enjoy exploring. Just don’t overload the first round. Some dishes are richer than they look.

If it’s a sit-down meal with a proper menu, you’ll usually order a few different dishes to share. Indian meals are often served family-style, with a mix of mains, sides, rice, and bread brought out to the table. It’s not the kind of food where everyone orders their own plate and sticks to it — and that’s part of the fun.

Don’t Worry About Pronouncing Everything Perfectly

Nobody expects you to be fluent in Hindi, Punjabi, or Tamil. Menus can be filled with unfamiliar names, but you don’t need to get tongue-tied trying to say “murgh makhani” with a perfect accent. Just point, ask questions if you’re unsure, and feel free to describe what you’re in the mood for.

Restaurant staff are usually more than happy to guide you through the options. If you like creamy, spicy, or vegetarian meals, say so. It’ll make things easier, and you might discover something you wouldn’t have picked otherwise.

Spices Aren’t Always About Heat

One of the biggest misconceptions about Indian food is that it’s always spicy in a chilli-hot kind of way. It’s really not. Indian cooking uses layers of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, and cloves, and most of those aren’t hot at all.

The result? Dishes that are full of depth, warmth, and complexity, without necessarily setting your mouth on fire.

When you take the time to find the best Indian restaurant in London, you can expect staff who know their stuff. They’ll guide you through the menu, ask about your preferences, and help you pick something you’ll actually enjoy. Whether you want mild and creamy or bold and fiery, they’ll steer you in the right direction.

Sharing Is the Norm

Indian food is meant to be shared. You don’t need to each get a main, a side, and a bread. In fact, that’s not the best way to experience it.

Instead, choose a mix of dishes for the table. One meat curry, one veg, a couple of breads, a portion of rice, maybe a side or two — then everyone gets a bit of everything. The variety of textures and flavours is what makes the meal so good.

Curry Isn’t Just One Thing

“Curry” doesn’t refer to a single dish or style — it’s a whole category. You’ll find dozens of different types, from creamy to dry, from coconut-based to tomato-rich. Some are slow-cooked with meat until it’s falling apart, others are quick-fried and punchy with vegetables or lentils.

That’s why it helps to describe what kind of taste or texture you’re after rather than just saying “I’ll have a curry.”

It’s Fine to Eat With Your Hands (But You Don’t Have To)

In many Indian cultures, eating with your hands — specifically, your right hand — is traditional. And yes, tearing a piece of naan and using it to scoop up curry is completely acceptable.

That said, you’re not expected to do this if you’re not comfortable. Cutlery is always provided. No one’s going to judge you for using a fork.

If you do give hand-eating a go, just remember the basic etiquette: use only your right hand, don’t lick your fingers, and wash your hands before and after.

Drinks Can Make a Big Difference

Indian meals tend to be rich and spiced, so the right drink helps balance things out.

A lassi — a yoghurt-based drink — is cooling and slightly sweet, perfect if your mouth needs a break from the heat. Water is usually offered freely, and sometimes fizzy drinks pair surprisingly well, cutting through heavy sauces.

Don’t Skip the Extras

There’s often a little tray of condiments brought to the table — chutneys, pickles, maybe some sliced onions or a mint sauce. These aren’t just for decoration.

Try a little with your meal. The contrast between sweet chutney and a spicy curry or the tang of pickle with a bite of naan adds a whole new layer to the experience.

Desserts can be hit or miss depending on your taste, but if you’ve got room, try one. Indian sweets are usually rich, milky, and flavoured with cardamom, rosewater, or saffron. Small but intense.

It’s Meant to Be Enjoyed

Don’t stress about doing everything “right.” The best Indian meals are slow, shared, and full of flavour. You don’t need to know every spice, understand every region, or pronounce every word. You just need to be open to the experience.

Ask questions. Try something new. And remember, if you end up liking your first dish, there’s a whole world of Indian food still waiting for you.