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    Parties » Easy Indian Dinner Party Ideas and Recipes

    Easy Indian Dinner Party Ideas and Recipes

    Jul 22, 2021 · Last updated: Jul 22, 2021 by Gina Dickson · This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

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    indian dinner party food

    Create a delicious dinner party with these Indian dinner ideas, cultural tips, and decoration ideas. Your friends will be talking about the party the next day and even weeks later.

    Indian dinner party dishes

    Do you have a favorite Indian restaurant you always crave? Would you like to host a dinner party with the same Indian dishes you can make at home? I have gathered for you food blogger's favorite easy Indian dinner recipes that you can make at home that are as good as the popular dish at your local restaurant.

    Jump to:
    • Indian hospitality
    • Common Indian ingredents
    • Basic Indian spices
    • Party Planner
    • Decorations
    • Serving an Indian meal
    • Fun fact
    • What is the best Indian food for dinner?

    Indian hospitality

    indian family

    Families in India are naturally hospitable and enjoy entertaining. It is a sign of honor and respect when they ask someone to enjoy a meal with them for their culture. The meal can be planned, or just a spur of moment drop-in, either way, it is fine.

    Ideas for an authentic Indian dinner party

    • Have guest remove their shoes when they enter your home. In India footwear and feet are considered dirty. Shoes should be taken off outside themain door.
    • Guest as well as the host should dress conservatively, especially women. Revealing clothes and exposed skin is cosidered rude.
    • Offer water to your guests first. This cusom haas exteded from native villages where people had to travel long distances to get to one anothers homes.
    • Indian is a conserviative culture. Unlike most American southerners, creating with a kiss and hugs is not approriate.
    • Do not serve alchohol at the dinner table as well as no smoking.
    • Have guests wash their hands before and after the meal. Indian's tend to eat many foods with their hands so it's important they are washed first.
    • Serve small portions, then ask your guest if they would like seconds.
    • Serve tea or coffee with dessert

    ❓FAQ

    What is a typical Indian Dinner?

    Most Indian homes have a meal that comprises rice, flatbread, meat, vegetable with creamy sauce, lentil dishes, salad, yogurt, and pickles. It is also customary to serve water as a drink with the meal.

    What time do Indian people have dinner?

    In India, people tend to eat late, especially North India is known for its late diners. The meals in restaurants don't start until 7.30 pm, and the last order is usually taken at 11.30 pm.

    What is the most famous Indian dish?

    There are many dishes that Indian cuisine is known for; however, tandoori chicken is at the top of the list. The chicken is prepared by marinating it in yogurt and spices like turmeric, cardamom, coriander, fresh ginger, garlic, red chili, and lime juice. Then it's grilled in a tandoor clay oven.

    Common Indian ingredents

    • coconut milk
    • Coconut oil, olive oil, sesame oil
    • Chickpeas, kidney beans, mung beans, lentils
    • Chapati flour, chickpea flour, rice flour
    • White rice, Basmati rice
    • Lots of veggies such as beans, peppers, cabbage, carrots, sweet potato, yams, turnips
    • Fruite such as limes, mango, Pomegranate seeds,
    • cottage cheese, yogurt, ghee, paneer cheese
    • Jaggery as a sweetner

    Basic Indian spices

    indian spices

    It is the use of spices that make such a delicious recipe in Indian cuisine. The use of heating whole seeds instead for ground also enhances the flavor of their foods.

    • Curry
    • Mint leaves
    • Dried red chilis
    • Cinnamon sticks
    • Fenugreek seeds
    • Cayenne pepper
    • Coriander seeds
    • Cumin seeds
    • Cardamom
    • Turmeric
    • Brown Mustard Seeds
    • Asafetida

    Many Indian homes have a masala ( masaladabbi) spice box to keep their favorite spices in. A typical masaladabbi has some small cups, often seven, placed inside a round or square box. The modern boxes have transparent lids and display the contents inside.

    Indian Spicebox Kit Gold With 9 Organic Spice Tins

    Party Planner

    If you want to make it easy for yourself to host an Indian dinner party, download my free printable party planner. All the pages will help you easily get organized so you can throw a great party. There is even a free printable banner you can use for your birthday party. Here are all the great pages you will get.

    printable party planner sample sheets
    • Brainstorming and party details sheet
    • Guest list
    • Menu
    • Decorations
    • Entertainment
    • Day of the party schedule
    • Count down to-do checklist
    • Party space grid planner sheet
    • Free printable banner with letters

    After you download my free party planner, print the pages. Look through these Indian dinners ideas and choose one or two recipes from each category to make a complete meal. Print the recipes and then fill out my grocery list page.

    Decorations

    Indian parties focus on serving good food and honoring friends. The traditional decor is bright, vibrant colors of purple, orange, blues, and pinks. There are accents of gold on the edges of dishes and decor.

    You can easily create this look with these simple party decorations and dishes.

    Colorful Paper Lantern and Mandala Cut-Outs 

    Beistle Lattice Tablecover

    Mint with Gold Rim Plastic Plates Set

    Serving an Indian meal

    Once the food is ready, the guest will be asked to join together at the host's table. Before they are seated, however, it is customary for everyone to wash their hands before being seated at the table.

    Food will be served in large bowls instead of individual plates. The bowls will be passed around the table to serve yourself, but it is customary to wait until everyone has finished fixing their plate before eating. In most Indian homes, it is not customary to say a toast or pray before you start eating.

    Most homes use silverware to eat their meal; however, fingers are often used when the food is appropriate. The host will encourage seconds. It's important you enjoy your meal and have had plenty.

    Fun fact

    lady burping

    In American culture, it is considered rude to burp at the table. Not in Indian culture, though, it is expected. As a matter of fact, in some Indian states, not burping is actually frowned upon. Burping is a sign you really enjoyed your meal.

    What is the best Indian food for dinner?

    The best Indian food for dinner varies according to your taste. There are so many wonderful flavor profiles with Indian spices that the typical American has not tried. I have gathered some of the top food bloggers' favorite Indian recipes for you to try. Most are easy recipes to make at home to serve at your dinner table.

    Appetizers

    It is customary not to eat as soon as you arrive at the dinner party. Water and some appetizers are usually served. This gives guests time to talk and enjoy each other's company.

    How To Make Paneer Fry Tikka | TheBellyRulesTheMind
    This is the best Tandoori Paneer Tikka you’ll ever make at home! Same restaurant style taste, but making them our Air Fryer !
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Homemade Onion Bhajis, kid friendly!
    The BEST Homemade Onion Bhajis, with extra veggies- zucchini! The perfect starter for a homemade Indian Feast. Gluten free and dairy free!
    GO TO THE RECIPE

    Salad

    Indian Chickpea Salad Recipe (Chole Salad) Glutenfree
    Indian Chickpea Salad is a super easy recipe that’s bursting with flavors. A mix of chickpeas with pomegranate, onion, tomato, cucumber, cheese, lemon, and chat masala. It’s a perfectly healthy meal any time of the day or year. Quick Easy Indian Chickpea Salad
    One of my most favorite go-to salad …
    GO TO THE RECIPE

    Indian bread

    Chapati Recipe | How to make perfect Indian Roti
    Chapati or roti is unleavened Indian flatbread made with whole wheat flour or wholemeal flour. Learn how to make soft chapati with video here
    GO TO THE RECIPE

    Main dish

    Paneer Butter Masala - Paneer Recipe Two Ways - Cubes N Juliennes
    The BEST restaurant style paneer butter masala recipe ever! One of the most loved paneer recipes on the blog. It’s buttery, creamy and mildly spiced paneer dish cooked in tomato cashewnut gravy.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Chicken Biryani (Better than takeout!) - Chef Savvy
    Easy Chicken Biryani is a super flavorful Indian dish made with grilled marinated chicken and fragrant Indian spiced rice. Better than takeout!
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    VEGETABLE BHUNA | Splash of Taste
    A bhuna is a style of curry that originally comes from Bengal. Bhuna in Urdu actually means ‘fried’ and is made by frying spices and then adding meat or vegetables so that they simmer nicely in the spices, this makes the most of the wonderful flavors that the spices have.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Instant Pot Vegetable Biryani
    The vegetable biryani is one of the authentic and aromatic rice dishes prepared with a rich creamy base and vegetables.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Indian Butter Chicken
    Indian butter chicken braised in coconut milk, tomatoes, ginger, garlic and spices. Served with fluffy Jasmine rice and fresh cilantro.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Chicken dum biryani
    Chicken dum biryani is goodness of rice and meat that comes in layers! The process of cooking in it’s own steam until rice is fluffy and meat cooked just to perfection is called ‘dum cooking’.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Easy Tandoori Chicken Recipe (7 Ingredients!) - Chef Savvy
    Easy Tandoori Chicken marinated in yogurt, lime juice and spices then grilled until tender! All you need is 7 ingredients to make this!
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Paneer Kofta Recipe (Malai Kofta) - Fun FOOD Frolic
    Paneer Kofta is a widely popular rich, creamy paneer recipe. Learn how to make restaurant-style malai kofta in a few simple steps.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Healthy Mushroom Palak Paneer-Spinach with Indian Cottage Cheese
    step by step recipe for healthy Mushroom Palak Paneer, Indian cottage cheese with spinach ideal for weight loss and calorie counting diets
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Tandoori Chicken Legs - Indian-Inspired Baked or Grilled Drumsticks!
    Bring Indian-inspired flavors to your picnic with these Baked or Grilled Tandoori Chicken Legs. Make this easy marinade for juicy and delicious drumsticks!
    GO TO THE RECIPE

    Quick curries

    Flavorful & Authentic Indian Lamb Curry Recipe - Cuisine And Travel
    Being from Morocco, lamb is one of my favorite ingredients and my authentic Indian Lamb Curry recipe is amazing. I make this often and freeze batches to eat
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Chickpea and Mushroom Curry w/ Rapini
    A one pot curry dish that’s packed with big, bold flavour! This chickpea and mushroom curry is fresh and tasty, rich and filling, and completely and utterly delicious.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Navratan Curry (Sweet Vegetable Korma) - Champagne Tastes®
    This recipe for navratan curry is a sweet version of the classic vegetable korma, and is filled with fruit and sweet vegetables. This curry is vegan-friendly and includes step-by-step directions.
    GO TO THE RECIPE

    Rice recipes

    Instant Pot Vegetable Biryani
    The vegetable biryani is one of the authentic and aromatic rice dishes prepared with a rich creamy base and vegetables.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Healthy Instant Pot Peas Pulao(Matar Pulao)
    This instant pot peas pulao(pilaf) is so fragrant and mildly flavoured which can be paired with any curries or a meal on its own when served with some freshly made cucumber onion raitha. Suitable for
    GO TO THE RECIPE

    Side dish

    Instant Pot Dal Makhani (Restaurant Style) | TheBellyRulesTheMind
    Dal makhani is Indian comfort food at its finest that your family will love. Thanks to the Instant Pot, it is quick and easy to make.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Super Soft Dahi Vada (Dahi Bhalla Chaat) - Piping Pot Curry
    This favorite Dahi Vada (Dahi Bhalla Chaat) recipe has the softest lentil fritters drenched in creamy yogurt, and topped with sweet and spicy chutney’s.
    GO TO THE RECIPE

    Indian pressure cooker recipes

    Indian Toor Dal Instant Pot Recipe With Rice
    Toor Dal Instant Pot Recip is an easy Indian recipe made with yellow split pigeon peas, aromatic spices all cooked in an Instant Pot pressure cooker. This Instant Pot method makes a quick and nutritious dinner your whole family will enjoy, and you won't have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
    GO TO THE RECIPE PIN FOR LATER
    toor dol instant pot in a bowl with rice
    Low-Calorie Instant Pot Matar Paneer
    Paneer recipes for weight loss - Low calories Instant Pot Matar Paneer is a slimmed-down version of classic Indian Matar Paneer. Suitable for weight loss and calorie counting diets. Vegetarian and gluten-free. Vegan options included.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Easy Instant Pot Vegetable Biryani - Piping Pot Curry
    Easy One-pot Vegetable Biryani in instant pot, with the same authentic flavors! Fragrant basmati rice cooked with vegetables, aromatic whole spices & herbs.
    GO TO THE RECIPE

    Dessert

    Most Indian desserts are served with tea and coffee.

    How To Make Rice Kheer Recipe (Chawal Ki Kheer) - Cubes N Juliennes
    Best Rice Kheer Recipe with step by step photos. How to make Kheer. Chawal ki Kheer is a traditional Indian rice pudding made with basmati rice, milk, sugar and nuts. A great Indian dessert usually served as a kheer puri on auspicious ocassions and festivals.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Vegan Carrot Halwa (Gajjar Halwa) | Easy And Healthy Desi Recipes
    This sweet and luscious carrot halwa is made with zero added sugar and uses vegan ingredients to create an easy and healthy Indian dessert recipe. Grated carrots slowly simmered in a blissful mix of cashews,
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Green Moong Dal Halwa
    This wonderfully fragrant & rich dessert makes a perfect ending to any Indian meal.
    GO TO THE RECIPE

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    About Gina Dickson

    Hey y'all, I am here to help you build community and nurture faith around your table. You will find fun party ideas and delicious recipes for easy-to-make meals and party food. I want to help you create a table where people come together, enjoy a meal and linger with good conversation.

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