When it comes to Indian cuisine, presentation is almost as important as flavour. As the saying goes, you eat with your eyes, so the way a dish looks will affect our appetite for it. This is why garnishing prepared food is an important aspect of Indian restaurant cuisine. With this in mind, here’s how to garnish Indian dishes.
Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs such as mint and coriander are used extensively in Asian cuisine and they also make a great garnish. As many Indian dishes are rich in colour, the green of the herbs contrasts beautifully and improves the overall presentation. A bowl of Chicken Tikka Masala, for example, sprinkled with coriander looks delightful.
Spices and Seasonings
Spice blends are at the heart of authentic Indian cuisine, with each family or restaurant typically having their own combination of spices. Some spices, however, can also be used as garnishes with both chilli powder or paprika being a great topping for a dhal. A light sprinkling of the spice of your choice will add a whole new level of flavour.
Fried Onions
Fried onions can completely transform a dish and add a whole new dimension of texture. Not only are they delicious, but they also look good when sprinkled on top of dishes such as Chicken Biryani. Extra fried onions can also be sprinkled on a plate of onion bhajis.
Nuts and Seeds
Like onions, nuts and seeds add a crunchy texture and make certain dishes a lot more interesting to eat. A Chicken Korma, for instance, works really well with toasted cashews or sliced almonds scattered over the top.
Dairy Products
Yoghurt and creme fraiche can be used to tone down the heat of spicy curries. A drizzle of yoghurt on top of a rich dish can also be used as a garnish. Fresh cream on top of Butter Chicken works well or you could add a few cubes of paneer cheese.
Tomato and Cucumber Slices
Pieces of chicken beautifully prepared in the tandoori oven are a real treat when at an Indian restaurant. Many chefs make the dish come to life by decorating the plate with slices of fresh tomato and cucumber, which adds colour and flavour.
Pomegranate Seeds
Pomegranate seeds are fresh, sweet, tangy and add a burst of colour to chaats and salads. Remember, presentation is everything and the beautiful redness of pomegranate will attract the eye and make the dish appealing.
Grated Coconut
If you love coconut then Indian cuisine is sure to tingle your taste buds. Coconut is used in many Indian dishes including chicken Korma, with grated coconut also being used as a sweet, nutty garnish.
Lemon Wedges
Fish and lemon go hand-in-hand with the lemon bringing out the flavour of the fish. So, garnishing a fish curry with lemon wedges is a great idea.
If you’re looking for ‘authentic Indian cuisine near me’ and are in London’s South Kensington region, don’t miss Little India. Nestled close to some of Kensington’s top attractions including the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, we serve authentic cuisine with a modern twist. Search ‘best restaurants near me’ while in the area or book a table directly through our website.
