10 Must-Try Indian Dishes at The Tikka Masala

Must-Try Indian Dishes at The Tikka Masala Restaurant

You smell it before you even reach the door. Cumin, charred garlic, and fragrant spices drift from the tandoor while rich curries simmer slowly in the kitchen. It is the kind of aroma that makes your stomach rumble before you have even taken a seat.

That is the experience waiting for you at The Tikka Masala in North Brunswick. Every dish is prepared with authentic ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and bold Indian flavors.

With nearly 200 dishes on the menu, deciding what to order can feel overwhelming. To make it easier, we have selected ten must try favorites that guests order again and again. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning for another meal, these signature dishes deserve a spot on your table.

10 Must-Try Non-Veg Dishes

1. Chicken Tikka Masala

There is a reason this dish shares its name with the restaurant. Boneless chicken is marinated in yogurt, tomatoes and aromatic spices before being roasted in the tandoor. It is then finished in a creamy tomato based sauce with onions and bell peppers. Smoky, rich and perfectly balanced, it is one of the most popular Indian dishes in the world. Pair it with garlic naan for the complete experience.

2. Butter Chicken

Few dishes define comfort food like Butter Chicken. Tender chicken is simmered in a rich, buttery tomato sauce that is smooth, creamy, and mildly spiced. Compared to Chicken Tikka Masala, it offers a sweeter and creamier flavor, making it a great choice for anyone trying Indian food for the first time.

3. Tandoori Chicken

One of India's most iconic dishes, Tandoori Chicken showcases the art of cooking in a traditional clay tandoor. Chicken leg quarters are marinated overnight with yogurt, ginger, garlic, and aromatic spices before being roasted until beautifully charred on the outside while remaining juicy and tender inside.

4. Chicken 65

Originally from South India, Chicken 65 has become one of the country's most popular appetizers. Crispy fried chicken is tossed with curry leaves, chilies, and bold spices to create the perfect balance of heat, tanginess, and crunch. It is one of those appetizers that disappears almost as soon as it reaches the table.

5. Rack of Lamb Chops

Perfect for a special occasion, these lamb chops are marinated with traditional Indian spices and grilled until tender and flavorful. The outside develops a beautiful caramelized crust while the inside remains juicy and succulent. It is an impressive entrée that is as delicious as it is memorable.

6. Chicken Seekh Kebabs

Freshly ground chicken is blended with ginger, garlic, herbs, and spices before being hand shaped onto skewers and grilled in the tandoor. Juicy, smoky, and packed with flavor, these kebabs make an excellent appetizer or lighter entrée.

7. Lamb Roganjosh

Tender pieces of lamb are slow cooked in a rich onion and tomato gravy infused with aromatic spices. This classic North Indian curry delivers deep, comforting flavors and pairs perfectly with naan or fragrant basmati rice.

8. Goat Sukha

Tender goat meat is slow cooked with dry coconut and South Indian spices until every bite is coated with bold, aromatic flavor. Unlike creamier curries, this dry preparation highlights the richness of the spices while allowing the coconut to shine.

9. Malabari Fish

Inspired by the flavors of India's southwestern coast, this fish curry combines coconut milk, mustard seeds, cilantro, and chilies for a dish that is light, fragrant, and full of flavor. It is an excellent choice for seafood lovers looking for something different from traditional North Indian curries.

10. Tiger Shrimp Tikka

Jumbo tiger shrimp are marinated with ginger, garlic, tomatoes, fenugreek, and traditional Indian spices before being roasted in the tandoor. Smoky, juicy, and slightly sweet, this is one of the restaurant's standout seafood specialties.

10 Must-Try Vegetarian Dishes

1. Paneer Tikka

Fresh cubes of paneer are marinated in yogurt and aromatic spices with onions, bell peppers, and pineapple before being roasted in the tandoor. The smoky paneer and caramelized vegetables create a flavorful vegetarian favorite that even meat lovers enjoy.

2. Malai Kofta

Soft dumplings made with paneer and mixed vegetables are fried until golden and served in a rich, creamy onion based gravy. Smooth, comforting, and mildly sweet, this classic remains one of the restaurant's most popular vegetarian entrées.

3. Palak Paneer

Fresh spinach blended with ginger and garlic surrounds soft cubes of paneer in this beloved North Indian classic. Mild, wholesome, and satisfying, it pairs beautifully with warm naan or steamed basmati rice.

4. Dal Makhani

Black lentils are slow cooked for hours with butter, cream, ginger, and aromatic spices until they become rich, velvety, and deeply flavorful. Every spoonful reflects the patience and tradition behind this timeless Punjabi favorite.

5. Chana Masala

Tender chickpeas simmer in a savory tomato and onion gravy with ginger, garlic, and warming spices. Hearty, wholesome, and satisfying, it offers bold flavor without the richness of cream based curries.

6. Chilli Paneer Dry

Paneer is stir fried with garlic, ginger, onions, bell peppers, and savory sauces until lightly crisp around the edges. This Indo Chinese favorite delivers bold flavor with just the right amount of heat and is perfect for sharing.

7. Navratna Korma

A colorful blend of fresh vegetables is cooked in a creamy, mildly sweet nut based gravy. Meaning "nine gems," Navratan Korma brings together a variety of flavors and textures in one rich and satisfying dish.

8. Veg Samosa

Golden, flaky pastry filled with seasoned potatoes and green peas makes this one of India's most recognizable appetizers. Crispy, comforting, and perfect for sharing, it is the ideal way to begin your meal.

9. Kadai Paneer

Paneer is cooked with onions and bell peppers in a bold tomato based gravy seasoned with freshly ground kadai spices. Slightly smoky with a peppery finish, it offers the perfect balance of rich flavor and moderate heat.

10. Hyderabadi Dum Biryani

Long grain basmati rice and garden fresh vegetables are layered with aromatic spices before being sealed and slow cooked using the traditional dum method. Every bite is fragrant, fluffy, and packed with authentic Hyderabadi flavor. It is one of the chef's signature specialties.

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