Top 10 Must Try Indian Dishes for First Time Visitors At Jai Hind Indian Restaurant In Norway
A Beginner’s Guide to Popular Indian Dishes at Jai Hind
Trying Indian food for the first time can feel overwhelming. With rich sauces, unfamiliar spices, and a wide variety of cooking styles, many first-time visitors wonder: What should I order at an Indian restaurant?
The good news is that Indian cuisine offers many dishes that are perfect for beginners—balanced, flavorful, and not overly spicy. If you’re new to Indian food and looking for popular Indian dishes that are easy to enjoy, this guide will help you order with confidence.
Below are 10 must-try Indian dishes for first-time visitors, carefully selected from some of the most loved flavors on the menu.
Why Indian Food Is Perfect for Beginners
Indian food is not just about heat, it’s about depth of flavor. Many classic dishes are slow-cooked, mildly spiced, and incredibly comforting. That’s why Indian cuisine has become so popular across Europe and especially in Norway.
If you’re searching for Indian food for beginners, start with creamy sauces, grilled meats, and balanced curries before moving on to spicier regional specialties.
1. Chicken Tikka Masala – The Ultimate Beginner Favorite
One of the most popular Indian dishes in the world, Chicken Tikka Masala is often the first choice for beginners.
Tender chicken fillets are cooked in a homemade, rich tomato-based sauce with gentle spices that create warmth without overpowering heat. It’s creamy, comforting, and pairs perfectly with naan or rice.
Why beginners love it:
✔ Mild spice level
✔ Rich and creamy sauce
✔ Familiar flavors with an Indian twist
2. Butter Masala – Smooth, Creamy & Comforting
If you prefer something even milder, Butter Masala is ideal for first-time visitors.
Cooked with chicken or lamb, this dish features a buttery, slightly sweet sauce that balances tomatoes, cream, and gentle spices. It’s one of the safest and most satisfying options for anyone new to Indian food.
Perfect for:
✔ First-time Indian food eaters
✔ Those who prefer mild curries
✔ Comfort food lovers
3. Murg Malai Tikka – Creamy Grilled Perfection
Not all Indian dishes are curries. Murg Malai Tikka is a great introduction to Indian tandoori cooking.
Tender chicken pieces are marinated in yogurt, creamy cheese, and mild spices, then grilled in a traditional tandoori oven. The result is juicy, smoky, and incredibly flavorful without being spicy.
Why beginners should try it:
✔ No curry sauce
✔ Creamy and soft texture
✔ Ideal for sharing
4. Mix Tandoori – Taste Multiple Flavors at Once
If you’re unsure what to order, Mix Tandoori is an excellent starting point.
It includes chicken and lamb marinated in various Indian spices and herbs, grilled in the tandoori oven, and served with rice, salad, and sauces. This dish allows beginners to explore different flavors in one plate.
Great for:
✔ First-time visitors
✔ Sharing with friends
✔ Exploring Indian grilled dishes
5. Rogan Josh – A Classic Indian Curry Experience
Rogan Josh is a traditional curry known for its deep aroma and rich color rather than intense heat.
Cooked with chicken or lamb, it offers a balanced curry sauce with slow-cooked spices that develop flavor over time. This dish is ideal for those ready to move slightly beyond creamy sauces.
Beginner-friendly because:
✔ Rich but not overpowering
✔ Authentic Indian flavor
✔ Perfect with rice
6. Saag Ghost – Spinach, Garlic & Gentle Spices
For those looking to try something slightly different, Saag Ghost is a wonderful option.
Prepared with spinach, garlic, herbs, and tender meat, this dish is smooth, nutritious, and full of earthy flavors. It’s also a great way to experience how Indian food blends vegetables and spices seamlessly.
Why it works for beginners:
✔ Mild and smooth texture
✔ Healthy and comforting
✔ Not spicy
7. Mango Curry – Sweet Meets Savory
If you enjoy a touch of sweetness in savory dishes, Mango Curry is a must-try.
Made with chicken, beef, or lamb, this curry combines gentle spices with mango for a sweet, creamy flavor profile that’s very approachable for first-time visitors.
Ideal for:
✔ Beginners sensitive to spice
✔ Those who enjoy sweet flavors
✔ A unique Indian experience
8. Jalfreji Rangin – Colorful & Flavorful Without Being Too Hot
Jalfreji Rangin is a slightly thicker curry cooked with fresh vegetables and spices.
While it has more texture and aroma, it can still be enjoyed by beginners who want something flavorful without extreme heat. It’s a good step forward once you’re comfortable with basic curries.
9. Muglai Ghost – Rich & Royal Indian Cooking
Inspired by royal Mughal cuisine, Muglai Ghost features a rich, creamy sauce with deep flavors.
This dish focuses on luxury rather than spice, making it another excellent choice for those exploring Indian food for the first time.
10. Garlic Tikka – Simple, Flavorful & Familiar
Garlic Tikka is perfect for beginners who love garlic-forward dishes.
Marinated chicken fillets grilled in the tandoori oven offer bold flavor without heavy spice, making it easy to enjoy even if you’re new to Indian cuisine.
What Should Beginners Order at an Indian Restaurant?
If you’re new to Indian food, follow these simple tips:
- Start with creamy or grilled dishes
- Pair curries with naan or rice
- Don’t worry—spice levels can be adjusted
- Share dishes to explore more flavors
Indian food is meant to be enjoyed slowly, shared, and experienced.
Final Thoughts: Indian Food for Beginners Made Easy
For first-time visitors, Indian cuisine is welcoming, diverse, and deeply satisfying. From creamy classics like Butter Masala to grilled favorites like Murg Malai Tikka, there are plenty of popular Indian dishes that are perfect for beginners.
If you’ve ever searched “what to order at an Indian restaurant” or “Indian food for beginners”, this list is your perfect starting point.
Ready to explore Indian flavors? Your first experience might just become your favorite.