Trying Indian food for the first time can be exciting, but choosing what to order from an Indian restaurant menu can sometimes feel confusing. You may see familiar names such as butter chicken and naan alongside biryani, paneer, dal, tandoori dishes, Indian breads and traditional desserts.

So, what should you actually order?

If you are searching for an Indian restaurant in Milan and are visiting for the first time, you do not need to know every Indian dish before sitting down at the table. The easiest way to choose is to start with flavours, ingredients and cooking styles that you already enjoy.

Do you like grilled food? Try a tandoori dish. Prefer creamy and comforting flavours? A rich curry may be a good starting point. Vegetarian? Indian cuisine offers an enormous variety of meat-free dishes. Love aromatic rice? Biryani is worth exploring.

At Dilli Bistro, you can explore vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian dishes, traditional starters, tandoori preparations, curries, biryani, Indian breads, drinks and desserts.

This guide will help you understand what to order, how to combine different dishes and how to choose an Indian meal that matches your taste.

How to Choose Your First Indian Meal

There is no single dish that everyone should order when trying Indian food for the first time.

Instead, ask yourself four simple questions:

Do you prefer vegetarian or non-vegetarian food?

Do you enjoy mild flavours or spicy food?

Do you prefer grilled dishes, creamy curries or aromatic rice?

Are you eating alone, as a couple or with a group?

Your answers can make the menu much easier to navigate.

A traditional Indian meal can include a starter, a main dish, rice or bread, a drink and dessert. When dining with another person or a group, sharing several dishes is often the best way to experience different flavours.

Start With an Indian Starter

If Indian cuisine is new to you, starting with a small dish is a simple way to discover the flavours before choosing your main course.

Indian starters can include crispy snacks, street-food-inspired dishes, paneer preparations and grilled tandoori items.

Samosa

Samosa is one of the best-known Indian snacks. Its crisp pastry and seasoned filling make it an approachable choice for first-time diners.

If you already enjoy crispy appetisers, samosa is an easy place to start.

Chaat

For something more adventurous, try an Indian chaat-style preparation.

Chaat is known for combining different textures and flavours, often bringing together crispy ingredients, chutneys, spices and refreshing elements.

It is a good option if you want to experience something beyond the familiar curry-and-rice combination.

Paneer and Tandoori Starters

Vegetarian diners can explore paneer-based starters, while people who enjoy grilled food can choose tandoori-style preparations.

If you are visiting with friends, ordering two different starters to share can give everyone a chance to try something new.

You can also explore the Indian starters at Dilli Bistro before deciding what to order.

What Should Vegetarians Order at an Indian Restaurant in Milan?

Indian cuisine is an excellent choice for vegetarian diners because many traditional Indian recipes are based on vegetables, lentils, chickpeas, paneer and aromatic spices.

If you are searching for vegetarian Indian food in Milan, you do not have to settle for one basic vegetable dish.

You can explore:

• Paneer dishes
• Dal
• Chickpea preparations
• Vegetable curries
• Vegetable biryani
• Basmati rice
• Naan and tandoori roti

Paneer

Paneer is a fresh Indian cheese with a mild flavour and soft texture.

It works especially well with rich sauces and aromatic spices. If you enjoy creamy or comforting dishes, paneer is one of the easiest ingredients to start with.

Dal

Dal refers to a broad range of Indian preparations made with lentils or pulses.

It is comforting, versatile and commonly paired with rice or Indian bread.

For anyone interested in discovering everyday Indian flavours, dal is an excellent dish to explore.

Chickpeas and Vegetables

Chickpea-based dishes and vegetable preparations offer another way to experience Indian vegetarian cooking.

Their flavours can range from earthy and aromatic to rich and spicy, depending on the recipe.

If you are looking for vegetarian Indian dishes in Milan, combine one vegetable or paneer dish with naan or basmati rice for a balanced meal.

What Should Non-Vegetarians Order?

Non-vegetarian diners can explore Indian food through several different cooking styles.

Chicken and lamb can be prepared as creamy curries, grilled tandoori dishes, tikka or aromatic rice dishes.

Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is one of the most recognisable Indian dishes around the world.

It is generally associated with tender chicken served in a rich tomato-based and creamy sauce with aromatic spices.

If you prefer comforting flavours and do not want something extremely spicy, butter chicken can be a good starting point.

It pairs particularly well with naan or basmati rice.

Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken provides a completely different experience.

The chicken is traditionally marinated with spices and cooked in a tandoor. The high temperature produces a roasted exterior and distinctive smoky character.

If you enjoy grilled food, traditional tandoori dishes in Milan are worth exploring.

Chicken Tikka

Chicken tikka consists of marinated pieces of chicken cooked until tender and lightly charred.

It can be enjoyed as a starter or as part of a larger shared meal.

Tandoori, Tikka or Curry: What Is the Difference?

If you are reading an Indian menu for the first time, these terms can be confusing.

Tandoori refers to food cooked in a tandoor, a traditional high-temperature oven. This method gives food a roasted and often smoky character.

Tikka generally refers to marinated pieces of meat or paneer that are cooked, often in a tandoor.

Curry is a broad term for dishes prepared with a sauce or gravy. Indian curries can be creamy, tomato-based, aromatic, rich or spicy.

If you enjoy grilled flavours, choose tandoori or tikka.

If you prefer a saucy dish to eat with naan or rice, choose a curry.

Biryani or Curry: What Should You Order?

Biryani and curry offer two very different Indian dining experiences.

Biryani is an aromatic rice-based preparation made with basmati rice, spices and other ingredients. Depending on the recipe, it can be vegetarian or made with meat.

Curry is generally centred around a sauce or gravy and is usually paired with rice or Indian bread.

Choose Biryani If You Like:

• Fragrant basmati rice
• Aromatic spices
• Layered flavours
• A complete rice-based dish
• Something different from a traditional curry

Choose Curry If You Prefer:

• Rich sauces
• Creamy or spiced gravies
• Naan or roti
• Combining several dishes at the table

If you want to explore this dish further, an upcoming guide to authentic Indian biryani in Milan can provide a deeper look at its ingredients and cooking style.

For a group meal, ordering one biryani and one curry is an easy way to experience both.

How Spicy Is Indian Food?

Is Indian food always spicy?

No.

Indian cuisine uses a wide variety of spices for aroma, colour and depth of flavour. Cumin, coriander, cardamom, turmeric, cinnamon and cloves can all contribute flavour without necessarily making a dish hot.

Chilli is responsible for much of the heat, but the quantity varies from dish to dish.

If you are new to Indian food, ask about the spice level before ordering. Restaurant staff can help you choose a dish that suits your preference.

Being “spiced” and being “very spicy” are not the same thing.

What Should You Order If You Don’t Like Spicy Food?

If you prefer mild food, look for dishes with creamy, tomato-based or balanced flavours.

Butter chicken can be an approachable choice for non-vegetarian diners, while paneer-based dishes offer vegetarian diners a similarly accessible starting point.

Naan and rice can also help create a balanced meal.

If you are unsure, simply tell the restaurant team that you prefer mild flavours before ordering.

Naan or Rice: Which Should You Choose?

There is no single correct answer.

The best choice depends on the main dish and how you want to enjoy your meal.

Naan

Naan is a soft Indian bread traditionally cooked in a tandoor.

Garlic naan adds a fragrant garlic flavour, while butter naan provides a richer finish. Both are particularly good with curry and other gravy-based dishes.

Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is light and aromatic. It pairs naturally with curries and is also an important part of many Indian rice dishes.

Tandoori Roti

Tandoori roti is a simpler traditional bread that works well with curries and vegetable preparations.

If you are sharing, try pairing one curry with naan and another dish with rice. This gives you more variety.

For more ideas, explore our guide to Indian bread and curry pairings.

What Should Two People Order at an Indian Restaurant?

Sharing is one of the best ways for two people to discover Indian food.

Rather than choosing two similar dishes, select different flavours and cooking styles.

A balanced meal could include:

One shared starter
Samosa, chaat, pakora or a grilled starter.

One vegetarian main
Paneer, dal, chickpeas or a vegetable preparation.

One non-vegetarian main
Chicken or lamb.

One rice dish
Basmati rice or biryani.

One Indian bread
Garlic naan, butter naan or tandoori roti.

One dessert
A traditional Indian sweet to share.

This combination gives both diners an opportunity to taste different parts of the menu.

What Should Vegetarians and Meat-Eaters Order Together?

Indian food works especially well for groups with different dietary preferences.

A vegetarian diner can choose paneer, dal, chickpeas or vegetable dishes, while another person can choose chicken or lamb.

Rice, naan and suitable starters can be shared depending on individual dietary requirements.

This flexibility makes Indian dining a practical choice for couples, families and groups of friends.

At Dilli Bistro, the combination of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options allows everyone at the table to create a meal around their own preferences.

What Should You Order If You Want a Light Indian Meal?

Indian cuisine does not have to mean a large or heavy dinner.

If you want something lighter, consider a grilled tandoori preparation with a simple side or a vegetable dish with rice.

A starter can also work as a smaller meal, depending on your appetite.

The important thing is to build your meal according to how much you want to eat rather than automatically ordering several rich dishes.

What Should You Order for a Complete Indian Dinner?

If you want to experience a full Indian meal, think in stages.

Start with a shared starter.

Choose one or two main dishes.

Add rice, biryani or Indian bread.

Choose a refreshing drink.

Finish with a traditional dessert.

This approach lets you experience different flavours and textures throughout the meal.

What Drink Goes Well With Indian Food?

Mango lassi is a popular Indian drink and can be a refreshing choice with a spiced meal.

Its creamy and fruity character can provide a pleasant contrast to savoury and aromatic dishes.

Depending on your preferences, you can also ask about other non-alcoholic Indian drinks available at the restaurant.

Which Indian Dessert Should You Try First?

If Indian desserts are new to you, gulab jamun is a classic choice.

These soft, sweet dumplings are traditionally served with syrup and have a distinctive texture and flavour.

Sharing one dessert is an easy way for first-time diners to finish the meal without ordering too much.

You can also explore traditional Indian desserts in Milan and discover which sweet suits your taste.

What to Order at Dilli Bistro: A Quick Menu Guide

Still unsure what to choose?

Use this simple guide:

Want something crispy?
Start with samosa or another Indian starter.

Want something grilled?
Explore tandoori or tikka preparations.

Want something creamy?
Try a suitable paneer or chicken curry.

Vegetarian?
Explore paneer, dal, chickpeas and vegetable dishes.

Love rice?
Choose basmati rice or biryani.

Love bread?
Try garlic naan, butter naan or tandoori roti.

Want a refreshing drink?
Mango lassi is a popular choice.

Want something sweet?
Finish with gulab jamun or another Indian dessert.

You can view the Dilli Bistro menu in Milan before your visit and decide what you would like to try.

Want to Order Indian Food in Milan?

Not everyone wants to dine in at the restaurant. Sometimes you simply want to enjoy your favourite Indian dishes at home.

If takeaway or online ordering is available, you can browse the menu and choose from vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, curries, tandoori favourites, biryani, breads and desserts.

For customers searching for Indian food to order in Milan, having the menu available before ordering makes it easier to choose the right combination.

Whether you are planning a dinner at home, ordering for two people or sharing food with friends, choose different dishes to create variety.

Explore the Dilli Bistro menu and order your favourite Indian dishes in Milan.

Why Try Indian Food in Milan?

Milan has a diverse international dining scene, and Indian cuisine offers a different approach to spices, cooking techniques and meal structure.

Indian food is not one single flavour profile.

Tandoori dishes can be smoky and roasted. Curries can be creamy, rich or aromatic. Biryani can be fragrant and layered. Dal can be simple and comforting. Naan adds warmth and texture, while traditional Indian desserts provide a sweet finish.

That variety is what makes Indian cuisine interesting for both first-time diners and people who already have favourite dishes.

Discover Dilli Bistro for Indian Dining in Milan

If you are searching for an Indian restaurant in Milan and want to explore Indian cuisine without feeling overwhelmed by the menu, Dilli Bistro offers a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

You can start with a traditional Indian starter, explore tandoori cooking, choose a vegetarian or non-vegetarian main course, pair it with rice or Indian bread and finish with dessert.

Whether you are visiting for the first time or already know your favourite Indian dishes, there is always an opportunity to discover another flavour.

Take a look at the Dilli Bistro menu and choose the dishes that match your taste.

Ready to Explore Indian Food in Milan?

View the Menu & Order

Explore the available dishes, choose your favourites and enjoy an Indian meal at Dilli Bistro—whether you plan to dine in or enjoy Indian food at home.

Visit Dilli Bistro
View Menu
Order Indian Food

Frequently Asked Questions About Indian Food in Milan

What should I order at an Indian restaurant in Milan for the first time?

Start with a shared starter, followed by a main dish, rice or naan and a dessert. If you are dining with someone else, choose different dishes so you can experience different Indian flavours and cooking styles.

What is the best Indian food for someone trying it for the first time?

There is no single best dish. Butter chicken, paneer dishes, biryani, tandoori chicken and naan can all be good starting points depending on whether you prefer creamy, grilled, aromatic, vegetarian or non-vegetarian food.

What are the best vegetarian Indian dishes in Milan?

Vegetarian diners can explore paneer, dal, chickpea dishes, vegetable curries, vegetable biryani and Indian breads. The best option depends on whether you prefer creamy, earthy, aromatic or spicy flavours.

Is Indian food always spicy?

No. Indian cuisine uses many spices for flavour and aroma, but not every dish is hot. If you prefer mild food, ask about the spice level before ordering.

What is the difference between biryani and curry?

Biryani is an aromatic rice-based dish prepared with basmati rice, spices and other ingredients. Curry generally refers to a dish with a sauce or gravy, usually enjoyed with rice or Indian bread.

What is the difference between tandoori and tikka?

Tandoori refers to food cooked in a traditional tandoor. Tikka generally refers to marinated pieces of meat or paneer that are cooked, often in a tandoor.

What Indian bread goes best with curry?

Naan is a popular choice with curry, particularly garlic naan or butter naan. Tandoori roti is another option if you prefer a simpler traditional bread.

What should two people order at an Indian restaurant?

A shared starter, two different main dishes, one rice or biryani dish, one naan and a dessert is a good starting combination. Choosing one vegetarian and one non-vegetarian dish can provide additional variety.

What should I order if I am vegetarian and my friend eats meat?

Choose a vegetarian main such as paneer, dal, chickpeas or a vegetable dish, while your friend can choose chicken or lamb. Rice, naan and suitable starters can be shared according to dietary requirements.

What should I order if I don’t like spicy food?

Choose a mild or creamy dish and ask the restaurant team about spice levels. Butter chicken and paneer-based dishes can be approachable choices, depending on the preparation.

Can I order Indian food for takeaway in Milan?

If takeaway or online ordering is available, you can choose your preferred vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes from the restaurant menu and enjoy Indian food at home.

What Indian dessert should I try first?

Gulab jamun is a classic choice for first-time diners. It is soft, sweet and has a distinctive Indian flavour.

Final Thought

Your first Indian meal does not need to be complicated.

Choose a starter you enjoy, pick a main dish based on your preferred flavours, add naan or rice and leave room for dessert.

If you enjoy vegetarian food, there is a wide variety of paneer, lentil, chickpea and vegetable dishes to explore. If you prefer meat, you can choose between creamy curries, smoky tandoori preparations, grilled tikka and aromatic biryani.

And if you are not sure what to choose, ask.

The best way to discover Indian cuisine is to start with something familiar, try something new and find the flavours you want to come back for.

Ready to discover Indian food in Milan? Explore the Dilli Bistro menu, choose your favourites and plan your next meal.