Hey all,

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!

Here are the sides:

Vegetarian/Side Dishes

Paneer Pepper Fry 12/7
Cottage cheese / onion / tomatoes / black pepper

Bhindi Amchoor 12/7
Sliced okra / dry mango powder

Gobhi Mattar 12/7
Cauliflower / green peas / cumin / ginger

Malai Palak 12/7
Spinach / garlic / green chili / onions

Fava Bean Kut 12/7
Onion seeds / mustard seeds / tomatoes

Baingan Dahiwala 12/7
Indian eggplant / coriander seeds / cumin / yogurt

Khumb Mattar 12/7
Creminis / english peas / cashew nuts

Mix Vegetable Rassa 12/7
Seasonal vegetables / curry leaves / mustard seeds

Dal Makhani 10/5
Lentils / tomato / garlic / fenugreek

Cucumber Raita 6/4
Cucumber / yogurt relish

LUNCHMonday-Friday 11.30AM - 2.30PM
We will be happy to recommend wine pairings to compliment your menu selections.

Tawa-Griddle

Calamari Balchao 9
Red Chilli / malt vinegar / ground spices

Fish Chutneywala 10
Sea bass / cilantro / mint / coconut / jeera aloo

Mussels Moilee 10
P. Edward mussels / curry leaves/ ginger / coconut milk

Lamb Kathi Roll 10
Tandoori lamb / roti / mint chutney

Grilled Zucchini 7
Baby zucchini / mustard oil / corn salad / hung yogurt
Cauliflower Bezule 8
Mustard seeds / green chilies / curry leaves / lemon

Arbi Tikki 7
Colocassia roots/ goat cheese / green chili / pomegranate

Tawa Baingan 8
Eggplant / spiced potato / olive oil / peanut sauce

Ragda Patties 7
Spiced potato / chick peas / tamarind date / mint chutney

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.

Stay away from the naan try to get the healthy vegetables or veggie dishes

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.