If you thought Indian food is all about rice and curry, you are sorely mistaken! There are a myriad of Indian appetizers that make for a great snack, whether it’s with your tea or drinks or just to satisfy your good ‘ol munchies! Plus, very few other cuisines include such incredible spices that don’t just taste great but do wonders to your digestive and overall health. You can never have just one of anything Indian!!
Is your mouth watering yet? Well, we've created a list of the best Indian appetizers that you simply must try. The best part: They are super easy to make at home too!
Crispy Chili Baby Corn
Crispy, crunchy, and wonderfully flavorful baby chili corn is a delicious vegetarian snack or appetizer that everyone will love. This Asian-influenced dish is made by tossing baby corn in a dry mix of corn flour and spices and deep-frying it. This fried baby corn is then tossed in a spicy, sweet, and umami-flavored sauce to create a snack you can never have enough of.
Vegetable Samosa
Whenever we think of Indian snack or starter, you can’t help but picture the three-pointed beauty that is the hot and crispy samosa. This heavenly treat is made by packing a savory filling usually made with potatoes and peas in a flour based spiced dough. The filling is very versatile and can be made with different vegetables and spices.
Serve this delicacy fresh and hot with some chai to perk up a gloomy day!
Chicken Samosa
Chicken Samosa is a variation on the vegetable samosa. The filling here is a delicious chicken masala cooked slowly and seasoned meticulously. The spiced chicken mince filling inside will tickle your taste buds and leave you wanting.
Lamb Samosa
Another popular and slightly more luxurious version of the samosa features a spicy lamb filling (keema) usually with sweet peas. Lamb samosas are usually served with spicy coriander and mint chutney.
Vegetable Pakora
Pakoras are a popular fried snack in India and are usually made with vegetables, usually onions and potatoes. The vegetables are tossed in a dry or very thin batter made with gram flour and water, flavored with spices, and then deep fried. Vegetable pakora is extremely addictive and makes the perfect appetizer for drinks or tea!
Paneer Pakora
A fancy variation on the the vegetable pakora us the paneer pakora. The delightfully crunchy texture with moist, soft paneer inside takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and will definitely be a staple in your kitchen!
Fish Pakora
For the pescatarians, this variation of the traditional Pakora will be an irresistible treat! These fish pakoras are served with lemon wedges and mint-coriander chutney.
A delicious appetizer to try next time you visit an Indian restaurant!
Chicken 65
Chicken 65 is a spicy, deep-fried appetizer snack, or full meal served with naan! It is made after marinating the chicken for 24 hours in yogurt, spices, and curry leaves, and then deep fried. This crowd pleaser has a top spot on most Indian restaurant menus.
You can also find vegetarian variations of this dish made with Paneer or cauliflower.
Chili Chicken
This sweet, spicy, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside appetizer is a popular Asian flavor-inspired starter. The preparation is very similar to the chili baby corn and is cooked in a flavorful sweet and spicy sauce.
Gobi Manchurian
Gobi Manchurian gravy is a delectable combination of deep-fried cauliflower florets tossed in a spicy corn flour-based batter. This fried cauliflower is then tossed in a lightly spiced mix or aromatics like garlic, ginger, onions (Greens and shoot), and chili with a touch of soy and red chili sauce.
If you are carving a dish that is crunchy, fried, and delicious, then Gobi Manchurian is the appetizer for you.
Chicken Manchurian
A spin on the Gobi Manchurian is the chicken Manchurian where Crispy pieces of fried chicken are tossed in a sweet and savory sauce.
This dish is definitely a must-try!
Chili Paneer
Similar to chili baby corn and chili chicken, chili Paneer is another popular Asian-inspired Indian appetizer that’s made by combining cubes of fried crispy paneer with a spicy sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili sauce.
Can be eaten as is or served with rice or noodles!
Veg Manchurian Dry
Veg Manchurian is a delicious appetizer made with finely diced or grated vegetables bound by adding some four spices, rolled into a ball, and deep fried. These balls are then cooked in a deliciously sweet, sour, and umami-flavored sauce.
This dish simply has a zesty charm that enchants anyone who takes a bite.
Chicken Fingers
These garlicky buttermilk-marinated chicken fingers are lightly breaded and deep-fried until golden. This appetizer is ideal for special occasions due to the tender chicken and a medley of spices.
These tenderized chicken fingers will have you salivating.
Veg Spring Roll
Veg Spring Roll is an Asian favorite and that’s just as popular in modern Indian cuisine. This flaky crispy roll is filled with lightly seasoned vegetables and deep fried or baked till crispy on the outside.
Chicken Spring Roll
A spin on the veg spring rolls, these Chicken Spring Rolls have a light, crispy skin and are small enough to eat in 2 quick bites. The filling is light and full of tender slow-cooked chicken, and occasionally some vegetables too. This delicious snack goes perfectly with evening drinks!
If you haven’t tried any of these, then you definitely must try our restaurant before you try to make it home! We’ll even share some of our chef’s secrets!
