Butter chicken with garlic naan and basmati rice at SPICE ROOM Denver
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A table spread with popular Indian dishes like butter chicken, naan, and samosas for beginners to try | SPICE ROOM Denver
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CUISINE-101

A Beginner's Guide to Indian Cuisine: What to Order Your First Time

ByCulinary TeamLast updated

New to Indian food? Here's a friendly guide to navigating the menu, understanding spice levels, and ordering like a pro.

A Beginner’s Guide to Indian Cuisine

Walking into an Indian restaurant for the first time can feel overwhelming — the menu is long, the names are unfamiliar, and you’re not sure how spicy “medium” really is. This guide will help you navigate with confidence.

Start with the Classics

These dishes are universally loved and a great entry point:

  1. Butter Chicken — Tender chicken in a mild, creamy tomato sauce. The #1 most-ordered dish at Spice Room.
  2. Chicken Tikka Masala — Smoky grilled chicken in a rich, spiced tomato-cream sauce. Slightly bolder than butter chicken.
  3. Garlic Naan — Soft, fluffy bread baked in a tandoor oven. Perfect for scooping up sauces.
  4. Mango Lassi — A sweet yogurt-mango smoothie that cools the palate.

Understanding Spice Levels

At Spice Room, we offer five spice levels:

LevelHeatBest For
MildNo heatFirst-timers, kids
Medium-MildGentle warmthMost beginners
MediumNoticeable spiceAdventurous eaters
Medium-HotSignificant heatSpice fans
HotIntenseExperienced only

Pro tip: Start at medium-mild. You can always ask for extra spice, but you can’t take it away!

Vegetarian? You’re in Luck

Indian cuisine is arguably the world’s best for vegetarians. Must-try vegetarian dishes:

  • Palak Paneer — Fresh cheese cubes in creamy spinach
  • Dal Makhani — Slow-cooked black lentils with cream
  • Chana Masala — Chickpea curry with warm spices
  • Vegetable Biryani — Fragrant rice layered with spiced vegetables

Essential Sides and Condiments

  • Raita — Cool yogurt with cucumber; the perfect antidote to spice
  • Mango chutney — Sweet and tangy; great with appetizers
  • Papadum — Crispy lentil wafers; perfect for snacking while you wait

How to Order for a Group

For a table of four, we recommend:

  • 1-2 appetizers to share (samosas or onion bhaji)
  • 2-3 main courses (mix of chicken and vegetarian)
  • An order of naan and rice
  • Individual drinks (try the masala chai!)

Ready to Try?

Browse our full menu, reserve a table at any of our three locations, or order online for your first experience. Our staff is always happy to make recommendations — just ask!

For a deeper dive into regional specialties, check out our Denver Food Guide.

SPICE ROOM Kitchen, Culinary Team at SPICE ROOM Denver

SPICE ROOM Kitchen

Culinary Team

The SPICE ROOM culinary team collaborates on recipes inspired by generations of family cooking traditions from across India and Nepal. Every recipe we share is tested and refined in our Denver kitchens to bring you authentic flavors at home.

Indian Cuisine
Himalayan Cuisine
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West 38th Ave — 3157 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80211East Colfax Ave — 3100 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206Ralston Rd — 7355 Ralston Rd Unit H, Arvada, CO 80002
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