Indian Menu Items and Questions for Restaurants
 Appetizer
Kabobs (Skewered Meat)
Indian
Kabobs are usually offered with chicken or lamb; however, fish,
shrimp and vegetarian Kabobs are available in some restaurants.
In most cases, the ingredients are marinated in a yogurt sauce
with Indian spices, which usually include chili powder, cumin,
coriander, garlic, ginger and turmeric. The marinade may also
include lime juice or vegetable oil. The meat is then skewered
and grilled over an open flame or baked in a tandoori oven.
Kabobs may be served with some type of chutney or raita (a
yogurt sauce) on the side for dipping.
Gluten-Free Decision Factors:
- Ensure no wheat flour in chutney
- Ensure no soy sauce or wheat flour
in marinade
Food Allergen Preparation Considerations:
- Contains dairy from yogurt sauce
- May contain corn from vegetable
oil
- May contain fish if ordered
- May contain peanuts from peanut
oil and vegetable oil
- May contain shellfish if ordered
- May contain soy from soy sauce in
marinade and vegetable oil
 Soups
Mulligatawny (Chicken and Vegetable Soup)
Mulligatawny is the most common version of spicy chicken soup found in
Indian restaurants. There are hundreds of variations, but most follow
a basic recipe. Fresh chicken stock is the base of the soup, with standard
ingredients including carrots, celery, chicken, chili peppers, lentils,
lemon juice, onions, potatoes, tomatoes and rice. Some chefs include
coconut milk and milk. The ingredients of the soup are sautéed
in ghee or oil with various types of Indian spices and then added to
the fresh chicken stock. Mulligatawny can be garnished with cream or
coconut cream, chopped coriander leaves or parsley and toasted almonds
or pistachios.
Gluten-Free Decision Factors:
- Ensure stocks and broths are made
fresh and not from bouillon which may contain gluten
- Ensure no wheat flour as thickening
agent
Food Allergen Preparation Considerations:
- May contain corn from bouillon and
vegetable oil
- May contain dairy from butter, cream
or milk
- May contain peanuts from peanut
oil and vegetable oil
- May contain soy from bouillon and
vegetable oil
- May contain tree nuts from almonds
and pistachios
 Curry
Entrees
Jhinga Masala (Shrimp in Coconut Curry)
Jhinga Masala is one of the most common shrimp dishes found in Indian
restaurants. The base of the curry is typically coconut milk; however,
this ingredient may be omitted in some restaurants. Garam masala powder,
garlic, ginger and tamarind are sautéed in ghee or oil. Chopped
onions, crushed tomatoes and shrimp are then added and the entire mixture
is brought to a boil. Once the shrimp is cooked, coconut milk and salt
are added. Sometimes lemon or tamarind juice may also be used. The dish
is usually served with basmati rice and garnished with chopped coriander
leaves or bay leaves.
Gluten-Free Decision Factors:
- Ensure no wheat flour in sauce
Food Allergen Preparation Considerations:
- Contains shellfish from shrimp
- May contain corn from vegetable
oil
- May contain dairy from butter
- May contain peanuts from peanut
oil and vegetable oil
- May contain soy from vegetable oil
Dessert
Kulfi (Indian Ice Cream)
Kulfi is an Indian ice cream made with a mixture of sweet condensed milk,
cream and ground cardamom. For different flavors, fresh fruit purée,
ground nuts and occasionally, a touch of saffron may be added. The mixture
is then poured into molds and frozen for 12 hours. Kulfi can be garnished
with rose water or ground nuts.
Gluten-Free Decision Factors:
- Ensure no wheat flour as ingredient
Food Allergen Preparation Considerations:
- Contains dairy from cream and milk
- May contain tree nuts from ground
nuts
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