Help with Indian food?!
I don't know anything about Indian food, and therefore never know what to order. I really only ever get the chicken mentioned above, but I'm going out tonight and kind of want to try something new.
I don't like things very spicy. I don't handle hot very well. I like chicken, but it's the only meat I eat other than seafood.
I LOVE sauces. That's probably why I like Indian food so much. The saucier the better. And I love the mild, but bold flavor of curry, if that makes any sense.
Suggestions?
Answers:
Based on what you've said, you've narrowed down your choices a lot!
If the only meat you eat is chicken, and you don't like spicy food, then the best dish is chicken korma. Since you already eat that, some other options are Pasanda or Tikka Masala. Tandoori is also quite mild.
Avoid anything with the words Vindaloo or Madras - they're very spicy!
Most Indian restaurants offer side dishes, which you should get. Once of them is cucumber raita, which takes the heat out of spicy dishes. A mango chutney is also good as well.
If you want to try something else you might want to look at a restaurant from Nepal. Nepal of course is a small country just to the north of India. There food however is quite different. Often much less spicy. Problem is that there are not that many Nepalese restaurants. We did try one recently in the Chicago area. Excellent - If there is one near you, give it a try..
Butterchicken with naan and also any type of paneer
my favorites are
butter chicken
saag paneer
Dal Makhani
naan bread
samosa
go out & try the "daals" (Indian style lentils that are cooked somewhat like chili, but much better & different) & don't forget the chick peas (chholey) & the red kidney beans &rajmah). Some restaurants may have "kadhi" on the menu, another awesome & healthy dish, you have to try it to like it. It is a creamy textured yogurt soup that is thickened with chick pea flour. & try the different vegetables. Ask them to make the food very mild. The lentil dumplings in yogurt sauce (dahi vadas) are delish too. Just go & try & taste out different things, & their appetizers too. Find out what you like in the cuisine. No one in the world does vegetarian cuisine like Indians. Try out their regional cuisines. It is a serious insult to lump Indian cuisine in 1 category. It is a class by itself, & exploring it is like a divine gastronomic experience. They have the most amazing rice dishes & crisp crepes made whit rice & lentils, & cream of wheat, & you name it.
Bon appetite.
I am from India, & lived all over that country, I should know.