The popularity of Indian cuisine is soaring. Across the world Indian food is being hailed for its long tradition and use of fine and fresh ingredients with a focus on health and healing.

Those who are curios, but not yet tasted Indian food need some guidance to partake in the vast universe of Indian cuisine and select their superior items. There is a consensus of sorts that the menus at Indian restaurants can be intimidating by the tempting items both in vegetables as well as meat-based. The blanket belief that Indian food is too spicy is out of place. Today Indian restaurants are very responsive to the sensitivities of diners and have systems to moderate the level of spiciness on demand. Restaurants do maintain a 1-5 spice scale of spiciness ranging from mild to hot and guests can select the level as per their choice. So, a calibrated journey into the Indian food world follows.

Appetizers

• Vegetable Samosas: These fried pastries are filled with mashed potatoes and peas. Those who love meat can go for Keema samosas which are minced beef stacked inside the potatoes.

• Vegetable Pakora: This is lightly fried vegetable fritters with mildly spiced onions, potatoes and spinach.
• Chicken Tikka: This appetizer with chicken cubes is marinated in yogurt and mild spices and then baked in a clay oven and served on a sizzling plate.
• Breads: Roti is basic and traditionally baked as whole wheat bread. It is simple and healthy.
• Garlic Naan: Garlic Naan has a strong flavor and works as an appetizer or to accompany a meal. They come in  a number of flavors, including onion, chicken and garlic.

Vegetarian Entrees

• Saag Paneer: People are in awe of this dish containing homemade cheese cooked in spinach and light cream.
• Shahi Paneer: This popular vegetarian dish has homemade cheese cooked in a tomato sauce with cream, nuts, raisins and spices.

Non-Vegetarian Entrees

• Chicken Tandoori: Tandoori is the clay oven in which dishes are baked. Chicken marinated in yogurt and mild spices is baked in this oven and served deliciously.
• Chicken Tikka Masala: This popular chicken dish is prepared by marinating chicken and cooked in a savory tomato sauce with an adequate number of onions and butter.

Health Freaks

There may be avid vegans who call some of the Indian cuisine as diet landmines pointing to Malai Kofta or Palak Paneer. Some of the ingredients like oil, butter, cream, and high fat cheese do petrify some westerners. The calorie conscious health freaks seek to avoid food items which are high in calories and fat.

Desserts

To conclude your meal, dessert is a must. Indian Kulfi, which is Indian-style pistachio ice cream is the perfect way to end a lovely meal. If the above insights have instilled a desire within you to eat healthy Indian food, plan a dinner at the best Indian restaurant in your city and share the delight with your friends and others.