Walking into an Indian restaurant for the first time can feel like facing an exam: a long menu, unfamiliar words, and a table waiting for you to decide. The good news is that ordering well follows a simple formula.
We have hosted first-time guests at our Richmond restaurant for over 18 years. This is exactly what our team recommends.
The golden formula
Order one main per person, plus one extra main for every three people at the table. Add one rice each (pilau or steamed basmati), one naan between two people, and one or two sides for the middle of the table.
That formula feeds four people generously with almost no waste — and it scales: for six, order seven mains, five rice, three naan, two sides.
Safest first choices
Chicken tikka masala is the nation's favourite for a reason: char-grilled chicken in a creamy, gently spiced tomato sauce. Lamb rogan josh is the next step — richer, deeper, still medium.
For a starter, poppadoms with chutneys keep everyone happy while you wait, and chicken tikka (the dry, tandoori version) is a crowd-pleaser that shows off the clay oven.
The mistakes to avoid
Do not order every dish at the same heat — one mild and one medium keeps the whole table happy. Do not skip the rice: curry sauces are built to be eaten with it.
And do not be shy about asking. Our team will happily steer you to the right heat and flag dishes that suit allergies, children or cautious eaters.
Frequently asked questions
How much curry should I order per person?
One main each, plus one extra main for every three diners, with rice for everyone and one naan shared between two.
What is the mildest Indian dish?
Korma and pasanda are the mildest — creamy, nutty and barely spicy. Tikka masala is one step warmer.
Is it rude to share dishes?
Not at all — Indian meals are designed for sharing. Order for the table and put everything in the middle.
Can I ask for dishes adjusted?
Yes. We adjust heat, dairy and nut content on request every night — just tell your server.
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