So I'm having a girl's dinner at this swanky Indian place next week. I'm trying to figure out the best meal from the Menu. I know that Tandoori Chicken Tikka is safe (not masala, no sauce). But I don't know what sides! Some of them are tricky ... I googled the one with spinach to find out it is made with heavy whipped creme! Anyone know more about Indian cuisine? Point me in the right direction!
I find eggplant dishes tend to be oily. Cucumber raita is yogurt, cucumber, and spices. Kind of a more watery tzatziki, with slightly different spices. Dals are wonderful. Mix vegetable curries often seem less oily/creamy than others. The cauliflower/pea dish is probably a better choice too.
You may feel shy about this, but you can also notify the server of your desire to eat something less oily/starchy. If anything, the chef might be happy to accommodate you. Often times I find they are willing to help
Thanks for the advice! I don't think that I want to ask in front of my girlfriends, but I think I'll go with the mixed vegetable rassa or the cauliflower.
Ha! I feel for you. Indian veggies are all so delicious, but yeah, mostly very bad for you. I don't know how comfortable you are asking for things off menu (your last reply seemed to indicate not very? Or is it just asking for 'diet' food in front of your gf's? Which I understand completely) but there are two great veggie side options all Indian restaurants can readily make - grilled tandoori vegetables (think indian flavored fajita veggies), and also, salad (again, nothing fancy, but 'indianed' up with cilantro, chillies, onion, etc. - love to eat this with chutney and raita as dressing). FWIW I've never had a problem ordering either at any restaurant. Good luck!
Hmmm maybe I'll try asking for grilled tandoori veggies ... I just didn't want to be like "What is the healthy option?" because one of my girlfriends is likely to roll her eyes haha.
Oh man...good luck. I sadly almost can't go to indian restaurants because it's a trigger for me. I will eat the tablecloth if they put sauce on it!
I'd stay away from anything with paneer in it unless you're going for that as your main. It's described on that menu as cottage cheese, but it's not, it's more like bricks of spongy cheese . It's also usually prepared fried. And soooo delicious.
Naan is also craaaaaaazy high in calories. I'd definitely try to split dishes with other girls. An order of tandoori chicken to share, an order of rice, an order of grilled veggies or dal and then go easy on the dal and rice.
since I never have indian food, I'd get the saag paneer - butter, cream and all, and love every freaking bite of it. I'd scoop it up with naan, and have a little chicken and then just shut the book on the day and move forward.
oh, man, i love indian food. Might trek into Cambridge for the buffet next week for the first time in ages.
Dal is usually one of the better dishes, especially if you can get one with as little oil as possible. Its made with lentils, so is packed with protein and fiber to help fill you up quickly. I often eat about 200 cals of dal for a whole, filling meal.
Indian Food Advice Needed!
