What To Order From Indian Restaurants During Winter
A warm and spicy meal is exactly what most people need during winters to stay warm. It’s why many people order food from Indian restaurants in New York this season. The variety of warm spicy dishes they have to order will keep you warm during the holidays. Of course, spiciness isn’t all that they have to offer. You can also find sweet, tangy, creamy and other flavors here.
If you aren’t sure what to order this winter, you can go with the most popular choices. If you’re already familiar with the usual menu, then try something unique this holiday. Here are some items you could order:
Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is arguably the most popular Indian dish served at several Indian restaurants in New York. The dish consists of chicken roasted in a tandoor and simmered in a creamy tomato sauce. Though more on the creamy side than the spicy, it’s worth trying to see why everyone recommends it.
Chicken 65
If you want something spicy this holiday, then order some Chicken 65. The spicy chicken chunks are tossed with mustard seeds, spicy curry leaves and red chilies. They make for great appetizers before your main meal.
Biryani
Biryani is arguably the best Indian food in New York that anyone can serve you. It consists of tender meat or vegetables layered between steamy basmati rice. The aromatic spices added are absorbed by the rice and meat during the cooking process. Unlike most Indian dishes, you don’t need to order extra rice, dal or naan on the side. Though people order yogurt to milden the spices.
Amritsari Chole
Not a fan of non-veg? Try the protein-rich dish called Amritsari chana. It consists of large, dark chickpeas cooked with diced onions and tomatoes. It can be served with or without a gravy that can be thick or soupy.
Vindaloo
Vindaloo is known for its spiciness and is the best Indian food in New York for spicy food lovers. It’s a Goan dish that takes inspiration from Portuguese cuisine. It consists of meat marinated with vinegar, red chili and other hot spices. Pork is usually its main ingredient but many chefs also prepare it with lamb, chicken or prawns. A few bites will burn your tongue in a good way.
Yellow Dal Tadka
It’s lentil soup but thicker. It’s prepared with split lentils cooked and tempered with cumin seeds, onions, green chilies, tomatoes and cilantro. Most people have it with rice or roti but you can also have it like regular soup.
Rogan Josh
Originating in Kashmir, the lamb dish is one of the best dishes to order from Indian restaurants in New York. The lamb is marinated with traditional spices and slow-cooked until tender. The curry dish is prepared with tomato, fennel, ginger and onion. The dish will warm you up from the inside when it starts snowing outside.
Kati Roll
If you’re exclusively into rolls, then you should try the kati roll. It comes with stuffing wrapped in a layered flatbread called lachha paratha. The paratha is usually slathered with sauce or cream. The stuffing may include veggies, paneer, chicken or lamb.
Kheer
If you like ending your meals with something sweet, then a bowl of kheer is a must. It’s a simple dish made by boiling rice with milk and sugar. You can eat it cold but it tastes best warm during winter. It can also be prepared with condensed milk and vermicelli. Saffron, nuts, etc. may be added for taste.
Gajar Ka Halwa
Gajar ka halwa is another winter special dessert. The dish turns carrots into something your kids will love. It’s prepared by grating carrots and cooking them with condensed milk, ghee, nuts and sugar. The end result is a sweet orange paste that’s a treat for a sweet tooth.
Chai
A discussion of Indian winter dishes would be incomplete without a cup of warm Indian tea. The chai is prepared with black tea leaves boiled in water. Milk and sugar are usually added to the refreshing drink.
