Indian food has taken the western world by storm in recent years, making particularly great strides in the United Kingdom and Australia. For first-timers, it can often be daunting to choose an Indian dish appropriate for you, with the potential of the dish being very spicy. Below are four of the most popular and well-known Indian dishes.

1. Butter Chicken

Also known as Murg Makhani, butter chicken is one of the most well-known and popular Indian dishes out there, created in the 1950s in a Delhi kitchen. Famous for its thick and creamy gravy, butter chicken is packed with a variety of different ingredients from tomatoes, garlic and cardamom spice and can be prepared in a multitude of different ways. It can be grilled, roasted or pan-fried, but it's traditionally cooked in a special Tandoor oven. Butter chicken is considered to be rather mild, and as such, is a great dish for those not so familiar with Indian cuisine, or those scared of trying something a bit too spicy to handle.

2. Rogan Josh

Rogan Josh hails from Kashmir and is a great example of fusion food. Typically, Rogan Josh is made using lamb, but could theoretically be made with any other meat with little to no problems. The meats are then laden with a gravy typically consisting of shallots, garlic, ginger and browned onions. As another mild dish, the Rogan Josh is a great option for Indian cuisine first-timers, particularly if you enjoy lamb.

3. Vindaloo

Taking a break from mild dishes, the Vindaloo fits the bill as a great spicier curry. Vindaloo has been made popular in the western world, often a staple at Indian restaurants globally, and in particular, the United Kingdom. Vindaloo is made from a blend of different chilis and spices in a tomato-gravy base. Vindaloo is typically served quite spicy, but as with many Asian dishes in general, the spiciness can be alleviated by reducing the number of chilis used in cooking. Vindaloo is a versatile dish and can be served with almost any kind of meat. Sometimes, a Vindaloo is also served with potatoes, but this varies depending on the regional variety. Traditionally, it is thought that Vindaloo hails from Goa, India.

4. Tandoori Chicken

Hailing from North India, Tandoori chicken is one of the most well-known Indian dishes available. Cooked and marinated in a tasteful blend of yoghurt and spices, the tandoori chicken is then cooked in a tandoori oven. Tandoori chicken often can be found in various different dishes and curries but can be eaten on its own and still taste great. Tandoori chicken without curry often goes well with dipping sauces, naan bread and basmati rice.

To learn more, check out your local restaurants today.

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