Indian cuisine is a bodybuilder's dream — if you know what to order. From tandoori-grilled chicken (pure protein) to spiced lamb seekh kebab, authentic Indian food can fuel your fitness goals without sacrificing flavour. Here's your complete guide.
Top 10 High-Protein Indian Dishes
Tandoori Mixed Grill
£16.95Chicken tikka, lamb chops, seekh kebab — the ultimate protein plate
Chicken Tikka (starter)
£8.95Lean, tandoor-grilled, virtually no carbs
Lamb Seekh Kebab
£7.95Spiced minced lamb, grilled in tandoor
Chicken Shashlik
£13.95Grilled with peppers and onions
Fish Tandoori
£13.95Lean fish, high omega-3
Chicken Bhuna + Rice
£11.95Dry curry = less cream, more protein
Lamb Rogan Josh
£13.95Rich in iron and B12
Chicken Jalfrezi
£11.95Peppers add vitamin C for iron absorption
Pre-Workout vs Post-Workout Meals
Pre-workout (2-3 hours before): Chicken Biryani — balanced carbs + protein for sustained energy. Or Chicken Tikka Masala + Naan for a carb-loaded session.
Post-workout (within 1 hour): Tandoori Mixed Grill + Rice — high protein for muscle repair, carbs to replenish glycogen. Skip the creamy sauces, go for bhuna or tandoori-style.
Macro-Friendly Ordering Tips
- Choose tandoori: Clay-oven cooking uses minimal oil — leaner than curries
- Go for bhuna/jalfrezi: Dry-fried curries have less cream than korma/masala
- Rice over naan: Better portion control and lower fat
- Double protein: Ask for extra chicken/lamb in any curry
- Skip poppadoms: High-carb, fried — save your macros for the main event