Indian restaurants are mushrooming at every place I know of due to its celebrity status and cult following by not only migrant Indians but non-Indians too. A short while ago on my trip to Saffron Restaurant, an Indian cuisine restaurant in Orlando, I noticed a group of Americans battling it out with their Naan with knives and forks. That led me to think of an article on the basics of Indian food and what you to expect at an Indian restaurant.
First, you are greeted with poppadoms or papads- a thinner, much thinner and larger version of crackers. They are fried or roasted and served with chutneys of different flavours. Papads also are served with tomatoes and onions garnished over them.
Then there are the appetizers that have a range of mouth-watering food items such as samosa, bhajiya, پک هدیه زعفران aloo patty, etc. I'll recommend you to have samosa as it is my favourite dish- not too spicy yet very succulent.
The main entrees in Saffron restaurant included some delectable recipes that could give you a craving for Indian food for sure. I have listed some of the main entrees that are worth a try.
Biryani:
Biryani is a recipe made from rice and has a lot of vegetables including raisins and meat of your choice. Mutton Biryani is something that can give your senses a savoury treat. Usually, almost any kind of meat would do well with Biryani; sea food such as shrimps and fish may be avoided with Biryani.
Masala:
Masala is a tomato sauce that is creamy and tangy, and one of the most piquant dish one ought to have at an Indian restaurant. Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the most tantalizing masala recipe that is a hot favourite in Orlando as far as I have heard.
Tandoori:
Tandoor is an oven made from clay and platters that serve ingredients that are cooked in tandoor are called Tandoori. Tandoori tastes great and has a peculiar colour, mostly red. One of the dishes made in tandoor is the Chicken Tandoori and is a non-spicy but savoury dish that one ought to have. Saffron Restaurant has a tandoor imported from India especially for this purpose so I highly recommend you to try this entree.
Vindaloo:
Before I begin, I have a warning: this dish is not meant for the weak hearted or the ones with a sensitive palette. Vindaloo or Vindalho is one the hottest, most fiery curry dishes from the kitchen of India. Originated in Goa, Vindaloo is so hot that it won't give the time to even savour its taste. It is extremely spicy and can leave you throwing fire balls from your mouth.
Every dish in the main entree made is incomplete without Indian breads such as Naan, Paratha, Tandoori roti and Kulcha. All these breads come in a variety of preparations.
Now the next time you go to Saffron or any other restaurant, you know the basics. Flaunt it and have your dish with pride. Happy dining!
The Mack Johnson is a connoisseur of Indian food and has been trying to make them at home. His consultations have been of great help at Saffron Orlando - one of the finest Indian cuisines in the city.