What To Expect When Visiting A Traditional Indian Restaurant For The First Time

When deciding to embark on a new culinary adventure, knowing what to expect can maximise the enjoyment of your experience. Familiarising yourself with the dining styles, niche dishes and flavour profiles can give you a greater sense of appreciation and insight before heading into a traditional Indian restaurant.

While variety and diversity in colour, texture and flavour are all synonymous with Indian cuisine, there are a few constants that a traditional Indian dining experience can guarantee.

What To Expect

Traditional Indian food is widely appreciated for its fabulous use of herbs and spices. It is known for its large assortment of dishes. A common misconception is that all Indian food is too spicy, but this is not the case. The cooking style varies from region to region and is largely divided into South Indian & North Indian cuisines.

Ambience and Authenticity

Traditional Indian cuisine in a restaurant setting comes with an authentic Indian atmosphere. Expect mesmerising aromas amidst a beautiful decor featuring rich tapestries and dramatic furnishings and sculptures, surrounded by the rhythm, harmony and melodic traditional music.

The authentic flavour in a traditional Indian restaurant comes from a tandoor (clay oven), which seals in complex levels of flavours and spices. It’s easy to distinguish between restaurants where the food is processed, and all the curries taste the same.

World-Class Hospitality and Service

Traditional Indian dining experiences are well known for warm and welcoming atmospheres. Relaxed and pampered by well-trained staff, you will feel transported into pure luxury.. In India and Nepal, hospitality is based on the “Atithi Devo Bhava” principle, meaning “The guest is God”. Therefore, you can expect the highest level of service and respect from all staff and management while still making you feel right at home.

Shared Meals 

In India, when it comes to serving food, multiple courses are often done in a single sequence. Meals are intended for sharing. Usually, food arrives in dishes with the intention of guests dishing up their own portions and sharing with friends and family.

You’ll find your table adorned with a variety of authentic copper and stainless steel dinnerware and utensils, as well as handcrafted wooden trays. Sharing is considered customary, so you can expect plenty of platters, buffets and banquet menus.

Vegetarian-Friendly Options

You’ll find that Indian menus have plenty of plant-based options and alternatives on offer. Plant-based eating is widespread in India, with 38% of the population practising vegetarianism due to religious beliefs. Naturally, this has influenced Indian cuisine worldwide, making it a popular choice for health-conscious and plant-based eaters.

Fusion Food

In some Indian restaurants and fine dining establishments, you’ll find the menu is constantly evolving, giving chefs the liberty to create innovative and exciting additions. You’ll often be delighted at the variety of flavour combinations and textures Indian food has to offer. So the next time you visit your favourite restaurant, you might be surprised with a new flavour combination or speciality dish.

If you’re looking for an authentic Indian fine dining experience, Jai Ho has over 100 specialised dishes on our menu. With options to suit every taste and occasion, we are a traditional Indian restaurant focused on ambience and authenticity, customer service and world-class cuisine.

Familiarise yourself with our menu options. We serve age-old recipes, and our chefs unite to create traditional dishes from all corners of India.

Book a table at one of our three traditional Indian restaurant locations in Richmond, Berwick and Hoppers Crossing today.