When you are out for Indian food with your people, just know – that starters vanish before you even realise it. The plan might be to save room for the main, but… that goes out of the window fast. Indian appetisers are that good!
Gobi Manchurian, with its crispy cauliflower tossed in a spicy Indo-Chinese sauce, is a vegetarian favourite. Known for its juicy, deep-fried drumettes coated in fiery red marinade, Chicken Lollipop is simply impossible to resist.
So, join us – we are serving up the Indian starters everyone loves. Find yours and thank us later.
The Best Indian Starters
Paneer Tikka
Among all vegetarian starters, Paneer Tikka holds a special place in everyone’s heart. It is the dish that lets vegetarians experience the magic of a tandoor appetiser, bite by bite.
Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes are marinated in a rich blend of spices and yoghurt. They are then grilled just right to tantalise your taste buds in the most delectable way possible.
It has got the perfect balance: the smokiness pulls you in and the soft, creamy paneer keeps you hooked – definitely a must for anyone who loves good food. Want to make it even more delicious? Pair it with mint chutney.
Gobi Manchurian
You have not really explored vegetarian starters until you have had Gobi Manchurian. The Indo-Chinese classic has captured the hearts and stomachs of food lovers everywhere.
Florets of cauliflower are dipped in a seasoned batter, fried to crispy perfection and combined in a punchy sauce made with soy, garlic and chillies. The second that juicy, crunchy goodness hits your tongue, your taste buds are claimed.
Whether you are team dry or team gravy, one thing is for sure – this Manchurian never fails to bring bold, lip-smacking flavours to the table. And let’s just say the last piece is not going to wait around for anyone.
Samosa
Samosas have earned their place – every Indian starter list needs them. It is safe to say that samosas are one of the most beloved and widely recognised Indian treats.
Wrapped in a golden, crispy shell, these triangle-shaped flavour pockets are packed with a savoury filling of spiced potatoes and green peas. Samosas can have meat stuffing as well.
The first crackle of the golden-brown crust leads to a comforting, tasty centre that it is practically not possible to have only one. It keeps you coming back for more and more!
Masala Papad
You would be surprised how a simple dish like Masala Papad can make such a big impression. For those who enjoy a little tang and heat with their crunch, this light appetiser totally delivers.
All it takes to prepare this flavoursome starter is a roasted papad (thin lentil crisps) and a handful of toppings – onions, tomatoes, green chillies and some tantalising spice blends.
The mix of texture and taste makes it a crowd-pleaser that goes well with many Indian foods!
Mutton Seekh Kebab
Seekh Kebabs are one of the most cherished delicacies in Indian cuisine and the mutton variant is particularly rich and mouth-watering.
A hearty starter influenced by Mughlai flavours, this dish features minced mutton mingled with ginger, garlic, aromatic herbs and spices. After shaping the mixture onto skewers, it is grilled until it becomes beautifully charred.
The result is everything you would want in a kebab – crunchy on the outside, juicy and tender inside. Thanks to the grill’s smokiness, the kebab’s savoury flavours stand out even more, earning them a top spot on Indian feast menus.
Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori Chicken is one of the few starters that has gained a name for itself globally and honestly, it is easy to see why.
First marinated in yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger and the iconic red Kashmiri chilli, the chicken is then cooked low and slow in a tandoor to lock in all those smoky, rich tastes.
It turns into a flavour bomb with smoky char, spicy kick and succulent perfection – everything rolled into one. The little bit of char adds a crave-worthy taste while the marinade keeps the chicken juicy and delectable all the way through.
Served with a wedge of lime and some onion rings, Tandoori Chicken is the gold standard for grilled starters. And, it tastes amazing with just about any chutney or dip.
Hariyali Murgh Kebab
When it comes to a dish that nails health, taste and visual appeal all at once, Hariyali Murgh Kebab takes the crown. The term ‘Hariyali’ comes from its signature green marinade, a blend of fresh mint, coriander leaves, green chillies and creamy yoghurt.
Juicy chicken pieces are slathered in this herb paste and grilled to give the smoky edge while staying soft and succulent within. You will notice this kebab is different right away because of its refreshingly unique flavour.
Unlike fiery tandoori dishes, this one is heartwarming yet savoury – a great starter for those who enjoy mild heat but complex options.
Be it a festive thali or a fancy fusion platter, Hariyali Murgh Kebab, with its mint chutney and lemon wedges, is truly an explosion of flavours in every single bite.
Chicken Lollipop
Ask any fan of Indian chicken dishes and they will say Chicken Lollipops are the highlight of any party spread.
It is hard to say no when a hot plate of the Lollipop is in front of you. This dish guarantees that wow moment from the very first mouthful.
The drumettes are Frenched, with their meat pushed down to resemble a lollipop. They are marinated in a spiced-up batter, deep-fried and finished off with an Indo-Chinese sauce that hits all the right notes.
Crispy and bold on the outside, yet the meat inside remains deliciously moist. The reason this starter is such a go-to choice, especially among young eaters, is its bold seasoning and satisfying crispiness.
Nethili Fish Fry
If fried and crispy is your seafood style, you will love the Nethili Fish Fry. With a generous toss of South Indian spices and a good deep-fry, the small Nethili or anchovy ends up stealing the spotlight on any plate.
The fish get their scrumptious flavour from a marinade of red chilli powder, turmeric and lemon juice. They are fried till they turn golden and seriously tasty.
This dish does not need a long list of ingredients to shine; its simplicity says it all. Once it is on the table, it does not last long because it is crisp, hot and highly snackable.
Meen Polichathu
Meen Polichathu, a time-honoured Kerala recipe, is a true treat for seafood fans. A full fish, usually pearl spot (karimeen), gets a generous spice rub.
It is enclosed in a banana leaf and steamed to a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. There is something about banana leaf cooking that leaves the fish tender, deeply aromatic and flavourful.
A steaming plate of this seafood delicacy is an absolute delight for anyone seeking an authentic taste of coastal India. You should definitely not miss this delicious starter!
Ajwani Fish Tikka
Grilled fish is wonderful, but if you are ready for something with a little more excitement, Ajwaini Fish Tikka is the one.
In this North Indian treat, boneless fish is infused with the lip-smacking flavours of ajwain (carom seeds), lemon juice, yoghurt and a dash of spices.
The ajwain lifts the whole dish with its intense aroma and the perfect combination of mild bitterness and spice. Grilled over hot tandoor flames, the fish develops a crisp golden char, flaky centre and zesty twist.
An appetiser with ajwain is more than just tasty; it is a helpful way to start off a heavy meal. Add a burst of freshness to your Fish Tikka by complementing it with mint chutney.
So, are you tempted by all those scrumptious starters? Then, now is the time to treat yourself to The Madras Diaries. As a fine dining destination in Amsterdam and Utrecht, we are passionate about sharing the genuine taste and soulful essence of Indian cuisine.
Using timeless recipes and familiar spices, each of our dishes carries the warmth of generations past.
Each dish is prepared with care, using traditional spices and age-old recipes. So come and savour India’s legendary cuisine in the heart of the Netherlands!
