Indian cuisine offers a unique sensory experience thanks to the wide range of aromatic spices it uses. As well as deliciously creamy curries and flavoursome rice dishes, finger foods are also popular across India. So, with this in mind, here are seven foods you can pick up and enjoy next time you’re at an Indian curry restaurant.
1. Samosas
Samosas are crispy pastry triangles filled with seasoned meat, fish or vegetables such as potatoes, peas, onions and garlic. Spices in a samosa can include coriander, cumin, cloves, pepper, cardamon, cinnamon and bay leaves. Often, all of these spices are found in garam masala.
2. Onion Bhajis
Onion bhajis are a popular starter for lovers of Indian food but they can also be enjoyed with a main meal. As bhajis are made from onion mixed with spices and herbs then deep fried, they’re wonderfully crispy and can be picked up and dipped into yoghurt or mint sauces. Bhajis come in all different shapes and sizes but tend to be moulded into ball shapes.
3. Naan Breads
There’s nothing quite like a warm naan bread straight from the oven. These are soft, delicious and can be used to scoop up sauces or pieces of spicy meat. Naan breads come in many different flavours from Peshwari and keema to garlic and cheese. Or, you can keep things plain if you plan to dip your bread into a main meal.
4. Tandoori Roti
Tandoori roti is similar to naan bread, but it’s unleavened (made without yeast or other raising agents) and made from whole wheat flour rather than all-purpose flour. It’s also cooked in a tandoor – a clay oven which gives it both its name and its unique taste. It’s traditionally served with a variety of dishes including curries, stews and lentil dals. It can also be eaten as a finger food with dips and chutneys.
5. Chicken Kebab
Served on skewers, chicken kebabs make for a great snack or can be bulked up as part of a main meal. They’re easy to eat with your hands and are delicious when served with yoghurt or chutneys. Kebab meat can also be placed inside an Indian bread of your choice.
6. King Prawn Butterfly
Add some seafood to your finger buffet with a king prawn butterfly dish. This features succulent king prawns in breadcrumbs with mild spices that are great dipped in chutneys and yoghurt. You can make these yourself or Google ‘Indian curry near me’ or a quality takeaway option.
7. Fish pakora
Great as a finger food starter or a side, fish pakora is often made with codfish fillets coated in a gram flour batter. They are deep fried, making them crispy and light, and seasoned with chilli powder, garam masala and turmeric.
If you’re looking for London’s best curry house, visit Little India in the heart of South Kensington. We offer authentic cuisine from across the Indian subcontinent, as well as a variety of finger foods all prepared and served fresh.
