Naan & Curry Restaurant Guide — What to Order
Naan and curry restaurants bring the rich, aromatic world of Indian and South Asian cuisine to American diners. Navigating the menu can be overwhelming for newcomers — this guide covers the most popular curries, naan varieties, and ordering tips to help you find your perfect meal.
Best Curries to Order
Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is the ideal gateway curry — mild, creamy, tomato-based, and deeply comforting. Chicken Tikka Masala is similar but slightly bolder with more pronounced spice. Saag Paneer (spinach and Indian cheese) is an excellent vegetarian option. Lamb Rogan Josh is a bold, aromatic Kashmiri curry for those who enjoy richer meat dishes. Chana Masala (chickpea curry) is a budget-friendly vegetarian powerhouse.
Types of Naan to Know
Plain Naan is soft, pillowy, and slightly charred from the tandoor — a wonderful all-purpose bread. Garlic Naan is the most popular variation with a generous butter-and-garlic topping. Peshwari Naan is sweet and stuffed with coconut, almonds, and raisins — excellent with mild curries. Cheese Naan fills the bread with melted cheese. Keema Naan is stuffed with spiced minced meat — almost a meal itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How spicy is Indian curry?
Spice level varies greatly. Ask your server to specify mild, medium, or hot. Butter chicken and korma are typically mild; vindaloo and phaal are the hottest traditional options.
What is the difference between naan and roti?
Naan is a leavened flatbread made with yeast or yogurt, traditionally cooked in a tandoor clay oven. Roti (chapati) is an unleavened whole wheat flatbread cooked on a flat griddle.
What should a first-timer order at an Indian restaurant?
Start with samosas as a starter. Order butter chicken or chicken tikka masala as your main with garlic naan. Mango lassi is the perfect accompaniment.