Food is the fastest ticket to a happy mood. And, takeaway culture has made it easier to indulge in delicious dishes and experience tempting flavours and textures, without stepping into a crowded dining room.
The ever-popular Samosa, crisp and golden, is a snack everyone loves. Egg Kothu Parotta is a delectable and filling street-style dish you would not regret adding to your takeaway list. And of course, Biryani remains the ultimate choice every single time.
Tempted already? Hold on, because the following dishes are even harder to resist.
The Most Loved Indian Takeaway Dishes You Should Order
Tandoori Chicken
Some dishes make you pause and then there is Tandoori Chicken. This lip-smacking delicacy has been winning hearts for decades.
Marinated in yoghurt, garlic, ginger and a handful of robust spices, the chicken is slow-cooked in a clay oven known as the tandoor. This technique leaves it smoky, charred at the edges, yet tender and juicy inside.
For someone trying Indian food for the first time, it is approachable yet exciting. For seasoned lovers of Indian cuisine, it is happiness on a plate. Pair it with mint chutney and a wedge of lemon and you will see why it is a top takeaway pick.
Samosa
Few snacks are as universally loved as Samosas. These triangular pastries stuffed with spiced potatoes, peas or sometimes minced meat, are fried until golden and crisp.
Bite into one and you are rewarded with a burst of flavours. They travel well, stay crunchy for a long time and taste just as good with ketchup as they do with mint chutney.
They are also versatile, you can serve them as starters, snacks with tea or even a quick bite. They are simple, portable and loved across age groups. It is hard to find anyone who does not light up at the sight of a hot Samosa.
Idli
Breakfast or dinner, Idlis never feel out of place. And, when it comes to comfort food, Idli and Medu Vadai hold a special place. Idlis are soft, fluffy steamed rice cakes, while Medu Vadai are crispy, savoury doughnuts made from lentils.
They are usually served together with Coconut Chutney and piping-hot Sambar. As a takeaway dish, this combo works wonders.
It is the kind of meal that is light on the stomach but big on joy. They showcase the genius of South Indian cooking with minimal ingredients and maximum satisfaction.
Dosa
Dosas are South India’s gift to the world. They are thin, crisp pancakes made from fermented rice and lentil batter. At first bite, you hear the crunch.
Then, depending on what is inside, be it masala potatoes, paneer or just plain, you go on a flavourful rollercoaster ride. For takeaway, dosa may not retain its crispness entirely, but that does not take away its charm.
Many people enjoy it even when it softens, as the flavours seep in beautifully. It is also a relatively healthy choice for those who want something light yet filling. Eating one is like holding a slice of South India in your hands.
Naan
Though not a main dish, Naan is the heart of every Indian takeaway experience. This soft, fluffy bread baked in a traditional tandoor oven is the perfect companion to curries, gravies and even dry dishes like Kebabs.
From Butter Naan that melts in your mouth to Garlic Naan that adds a punch, there are countless versions to enjoy. Often wrapped in foil to keep it warm, Naan arrives ready to be torn apart and savoured.
The moment you rip into it, the tempting aroma and pillowy texture make you smile before you even take a bite.
Egg Kothu Parotta
Straight from the bustling streets of Tamil Nadu, Egg Kothu Parotta is a dish that combines drama with taste. The flaky parottas are chopped into bits and tossed on a hot iron griddle with eggs, onions, chillies and spices.
They are chopped rhythmically with two steel spatulas until they turn into a scramble of flavours. The sound of the spatulas hitting the griddle is as iconic as the dish itself. Pair it with Salna and enjoy the street-food experience.
As a takeaway option, the Kothu Parotta is hearty, comforting and perfect for late-night cravings. It is spicy enough to wake up your taste buds but filling enough to be an entire meal on its own.
Biryani
When people say ‘let’s order Indian tonight,’ more often than not, they are talking about Biryani. This wonderful dish has so many versions. Hyderabadis swear by their spicy biryani, while Lucknow offers a subtler, fragrant version.
Regardless of the style, Biryani is a dish that can bring a whole household to the table. Kids love the rice, adults appreciate the spice and everyone ends up with full, happy bellies.
Accompaniments like Raita (yoghurt dip) or gravy make it even more irresistible. This delicious dish is basically comfort, celebration and nostalgia packed in a single container.
Paneer Butter Masala
Paneer Butter Masala has a way of making every meal feel warm, comforting and complete.
With its velvety, tomato-based gravy simmered to perfection and cubes of soft, fresh paneer (Indian cottage cheese) soaking up all that goodness, it is no surprise that it has captured the hearts of both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
The mild balance of tangy tomatoes, creamy butter and gentle spices makes it approachable even for those who shy away from overly spicy food. Pair it with Naan or Roti and you have got yourself a dish that feels rich yet beautifully familiar.
Gosht Rogan Josh
If there is one dish that embodies the richness of Kashmiri cuisine, it is Gosht Rogan Josh. Prepared with tender lamb simmered in a gravy of yoghurt, tomatoes and aromatic spices, this delectable curry is complex and flavorful.
Its vibrant red colour comes from Kashmiri chillies, which lend flavour without overwhelming heat. It pairs beautifully with Naan, Rice or Jeera Pulao.
The longer it sits, the better it tastes, as the spices deepen and the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft. Rogan Josh is perfect for those evenings when you want something indulgent and soul-satisfying.
Gulab Jamun
If savoury food leaves you craving balance, Gulab Jamun is the perfect way to end your meal. These soft, golden-brown dumplings made from milk solids are fried gently and soaked in warm sugar syrup flavoured with cardamom and rose water.
The first spoonful feels like velvet. Warm, sticky and utterly indulgent. Gulab jamuns typically arrive in small containers for takeaways, still soaking in syrup, so they stay moist until the very last bite.
And yes, if you eat them chilled straight from the fridge the next day, you are still doing it right. Trust us, you do not want to miss this toothsome dessert.
The Madras Diaries: Your Stop For Authentic Indian Takeaway
If you are hunting for Indian food that makes you go ‘wow’ with every single bite, The Madras Diaries is where you need to order from.
We are all about authentic flavours, generous portions and food that feels like it came out of a family kitchen. Our menu features all the favourites and each dish is made with care, using quality ingredients and recipes that honour the real essence of Indian cooking.
With us, every order feels like a feast and they show you why Indian food is cherished worldwide!
