Know Your Curry: What to Order at the Indian Restaurant

As you open the menu decked out in exotic elephants and Taj Mahal-inspired décor, you take a deep breathe as you realize there's more than curry to choose from. Foreign words of masala, cardamom and cumin swirl around each item making you dizzy far beyond the spicy smells seeping out of the Indian kitchen. Welcome to your first visit at an Indian restaurant, a chance to taste all things exotic and sample some of the world's finest cuisine.

Keep in mind that 'Indian' food isn't reserved to just India; influences can include Pakistan, Iran, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and other parts of South East Asia. Many of today's best Indian restaurants are family-owned, first generation establishments; gifts of immigrants that have set up their lives in Western territory. Curry, a British term for all things Indian, is just one dish amongst the many meals served. Tandoori, karahi, and deep fried options also fill up a standard Indian restaurant menu. Here's are a few tips and suggestions as you venture to that Indian restaurant:

1. Almost all appetizers are deep-fried. If you're on a diet, you'll be missing out on some addictive starters. Opt-in for this part of the meal, and here's what you can look forward to:

• Pakora: a vegetable or meat fritter, great with chutney, a zesty dipping sauce
• Poori: deep-fried flat bread
• Kebab: minced lamb and spice patties
• Samosa: stuffed pastry filled with potatoes, meat, and spices

2. Main courses are served with aromatic rice, and/or naan or chapatti bread-yeastless bread often cooked in a tandoor oven. Flatbread fans will love the taste and texture of this side bread, and it's the perfect accompaniment for the rich sauces often found in:

• Biryani: flavorful, simmered meat combined with rice and spices
• Karahi: wok-style, stir-fired meat and vegetables with a splash of rich crème
• Korma: a very mild curry, usually colored with saffron to give a creamy, yellow sauce
• Masala: a yogurt and tomato-based sauce, combined with many different spices
• Vindaloo: very hot, chili and lemon-based sauce
• Tikka: meat cooked on a tandoor grill/oven; a great dish when combined with a masala sauce