Taking the whole family out, especially your kid for dinner can be a bit of a balancing act, especially when you’re trying to find a menu that works for everyone. And when it comes to Indian food, with its rich and bold flavours, you might wonder if your kids will find something they’ll enjoy.
Indian kids’ menus are made to offer milder, more approachable versions of traditional dishes, making it easy for kids to enjoy the flavours of India. With options like Chocolate Dosa, Cheese Cone Dosa and Butter Cone Dosa, the menus provide a playful twist on classic dishes that both kids and adults will love.
Let’s get in and explore how you can make your next family meal out a hit with dishes that are made to even the pickiest eaters.
What Makes a Great Indian Kids’ Menu?
When you find a restaurant that offers a thoughtful kids’ menu, it’s like hitting the jackpot. Here’s what makes these menus stand out:
1. Classic Dishes, Kid-Style
The best Indian kids’ menus take the big, bold flavours of Indian cuisine and dial them down a notch, making them perfect for younger palates. The spice levels are toned down and the dishes are simplified to ensure that kids can enjoy them without being overwhelmed.
– Butter Chicken: This is one of the favourites and on kids’ menus, it is usually much creamier and less spicy, comforting and sure to please.
– Paneer Tikka: This was a kids’ delight. Prepared with small dices of paneer marinated in mild spices and grilled, it is a very palatable vegetarian option.
– Dal (Lentils): Hot, comforting and mildly spiced, dal presents a fine introduction to Indian cuisine’s heartwarming flavours to children.
2. Fun and Creative Dishes
Kids’ menus are all about making food fun and Indian restaurants do this brilliantly with creative twists on traditional dishes:
– Chocolate Dosa: Imagine a crispy dosa, but instead of the usual fillings, it’s drizzled with warm chocolate. It’s a sweet treat that kids will find hard to resist.
– Cheese Cone Dosa: This dish takes the classic dosa and adds a gooey, melted cheese layer, then shapes it into a fun cone. It’s the perfect mix of familiar and adventurous.
– Butter Cone Dosa: A buttery, crispy dosa shaped into a cone and smothered with delicious butter, this is comfort food at its best, reimagined for little ones.
3. Balanced and Nutritious Options
While taste is essential, many Indian kids menus also focus on providing balanced, nutritious meals. These dishes are designed to be both satisfying and healthy, ensuring that your kids get a good mix of proteins, vegetables and grains.
– Vegetable Khichdi: This dish made from rice, lentils and mixed vegetables is mild, nutritious and perfect for kids. It’s a one-bowl wonder that’s comforting and wholesome.
– Mixed Veg Curry: A mild curry made with a variety of vegetables ensures that your kids get their daily dose of veggies in a way they’ll actually enjoy.
– Raita: A cooling yoghurt-based side dish, raita is often mixed with cucumbers or carrots. It’s mild, refreshing and a great introduction to Indian spices.
4. Sweet Endings
No kids’ meal is complete without dessert and Indian kids’ menus don’t disappoint in this department:
– Gulab Jamun: These syrup-soaked dough balls are sweet, sticky and utterly irresistible that is perfect for a treat after a meal.
– Kulfi: Traditional Indian ice cream, often available in kid-friendly flavours like mango or pistachio, is a refreshing way to end the meal.
Tips for a Great Family Dining Experience
When you’re out with the family, a little planning can make a big difference in how much everyone enjoys the meal:
– Talk to the Staff: Don’t hesitate to ask the server for recommendations. They might suggest dishes that aren’t on the kids’ menu but can be adapted to suit your child’s taste.
– Start Simple: If your kids are new to Indian food, start with something familiar, like naan or rice dishes. Once they’re comfortable, you can introduce them to more adventurous options like the Chocolate Dosa or a mild curry.
– Make it a Learning Experience: Use the meal as an opportunity to teach your kids about different cultures and cuisines. Talk about the origins of the dishes, the spices used and how they fit into Indian culinary traditions.
– Share and Explore: Indian food is perfect for sharing, so order a variety of dishes and let everyone sample different flavours. It’s a relaxed way to let your kids explore new tastes.
Bringing Indian Flavours Home
If your kids love what they try, why not bring those flavours into your own kitchen? Here are some fun ideas:
– Cook Together: Try making simple, kid-friendly Indian recipes at home. Start with something like dosas or mild curries. It’s a fun way to bond and get your kids interested in cooking.
– Experiment with Spices: Introduce Indian spices like cumin, coriander and turmeric into your everyday meals. It’s a great way to keep the flavours fresh and exciting.
– Create Your Own Kids’ Menu: Get inspired by what you’ve seen at the restaurant and create your own version at home. Include favourites like Cheese Cone Dosa or Butter Cone Dosa, and let your kids help plan the meal.
Exploring Indian kids’ menus is a great way to introduce your children to new flavours and make dining out a fun, family-friendly experience. Whether it’s a sweet treat like Chocolate Dosa and options like Cheese Cone Dosa or a comforting dish like Butter Cone Dosa, these menus offer something for everyone.
Next time you’re planning a family meal out, keep an eye out for these creative and delicious options. They’re sure to turn your meal into a memorable adventure that your kids will love.
At The Madras Diaires, we have a variety of options available for Kids. Check out our kid’s special menu and enjoy the journey through the wonderful world of Indian cuisine!
