FAQs
Plan to tip around 10-15% in Indian restaurants. However, the exact tip amount when eating out in India depends on the place, occasion, and order size. It's customary to give your waiter or waitress a slightly higher tip than you would a bartender, as they are likely sharing their tip with the kitchen staff.
Why is Indian restaurant food so expensive? ›
Indian food is labor intensive and uses expensive ingredients. Restaurants are also low margin businesses that don't scale well and are super risky, not something I'd advise someone to do unless they have a passion for it and ability to fail and carry on with life.
What's the best thing to eat at an Indian restaurant? ›
Some of the Best Cuisines to Try
- Butter Chicken. Butter chicken is mouth-watering, delicate chicken cooked in spiced pureed tomatoes and milk cream over a pan. ...
- Samosas. Samosas are a very famous traditionally made Indian food. ...
- Matar Paneer. ...
- Rogan Josh. ...
- Tandoori Chicken. ...
- Masala Dosa. ...
- Hyderabadi Biriyani.
Why are there so many Indian restaurants in England? ›
When the British people who had lived in India during the 18th and 19th centuries returned home, they missed the food. And many brought their Indian cooks with them to Britain. New recipes, spices and food combinations were therefore introduced to the UK.
Should you eat with your hands at an Indian restaurant? ›
The etiquette of Indian dining and socializing varies with the region in India. Some Indians wash their hands thoroughly prior to dining, then eat with their hands, with the use of minimal cutlery (practice followed in some parts of India, in other parts cutlery use is common).
Is it rude in Indian culture to refuse food? ›
It is customary to share food with anyone who wants it. It is rude for your host to not offer you food multiple times. Similarly, it is expected that one should not leave the table before the host or the eldest person have finished their food.
What is the most expensive ingredient in Indian food? ›
At the top is saffron commonly referred to as “red gold.” It is among the costliest spices globally originating from crocus flowers' stigmas. Kashmir has some best saffron which is known for its strong smell and bright color.
Is Indian restaurant food unhealthy? ›
With tons of vegetarian options and healthy sides such as steamed rice and naan, there are plenty of healthy Indian options. But you'll also find many fried and fat-laden dishes -- just with names you may not recognize. Here are some common items you'll want to avoid and some lighter alternatives.
What city has the best Indian food in the world? ›
Mumbai, the City of Dreams, is a culinary kaleidoscope. From the street-side stalls serving up steaming vada pav and spicy pani puri to the upscale restaurants showcasing fusion creations, Mumbai caters to every palate.
What not to order at an Indian restaurant? ›
Steer clear of rice- and wheat-based offerings.
Biryani, pulao, and khichdi are rice-based dishes, while naan, roti, chapati, poori, and paratha are different types of breads that are usually wheat-based. All are made with refined grains.
1. Chicken Makhani (Butter Chicken) Butter chicken is mouth-watering, tender chicken, cooked in a spiced tomato sauce. It's traditionally cooked in a tandoor (a cylindrical clay or metal oven), but may be grilled, roasted or pan-fried in less authentic preparations.
What to get first time eating Indian food? ›
5 best items to order as a beginner:
- Samosas: Almost every culture has a type of fried dumpling, and in Indian cuisine it's the samosa, a pastry filled with meat or potatoes. ...
- Curry: Curries are a classic part of Indian cooking. ...
- Lamb vindaloo: This is a good choice for those who like spicy, tangy food.
Why do Brits love curry so much? ›
Following World War II, curry became even more popular in Britain owing to the large number of immigrants from South Asia. Curry has become an integral part of British cuisine, so much so that, since the late 1990s, chicken tikka masala has been referred to as "a true British national dish".
Is Chinese or Indian food more popular in the UK? ›
Indian food is the most popular cuisine in the UK. It features comforting bowls of curries, deep layers of spicing, and delicious side plates. In the 24 cities we researched, there are nearly 4,000 restaurants serving Indian food.
What is the British favorite Indian food? ›
Believe it or not, England's national dish was voted to be Indian favorite chicken tikka masala.
Is it rude to not tip in India? ›
Tipping is not a norm that is followed in India. However, it is just a polite gesture that most people adopt to express their gratitude towards the services offered by another person. Therefore, if you are not satisfied with the service, do not give a tip. Refrain from rewarding poor service or bad interaction.
Is it customary to tip in India? ›
It's customary to tip in India. While travelling through India, on a tour or otherwise, travellers are generally expected to tip porters, drivers, restaurant staff and other service workers given the low wages they earn.
Is it rude to not tip at a restaurant? ›
Even if you receive terrible service, it's still nice to be generous and leave something for your waiter or other service provider. You don't have to tip in all dining and service situations, like ordering at a takeout counter or having your internet installed.
Can you tip in US dollars in India? ›
Unless the amount is substantial, say more than $20 USD, it is generally not helpful to tip someone in India in a foreign currency. This is because it is difficult, and often very costly, to exchange foreign currency for local currency. Local currency is much more important and valued by workers in India.