Can You Eat Healthy at an Indian Restaurant?
Indian restaurants offer a wide range of flavors, textures, and aromas, but not all dishes are created equal when it comes to health. Many classic favorites—butter chicken, naan, and deep-fried samosas—can be high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. However, with a few smart choices and mindful ordering, you can enjoy delicious Indian food without compromising your health.
Whether you’re dining at a fine-dining Indian restaurant or grabbing a quick takeout, this guide will help you navigate the menu, choose the healthiest options, and make small modifications for a more balanced meal.
Table of contents
1. Start Smart: Healthy Indian Appetizers
The first course can set the tone for your meal. Many Indian appetizers are deep-fried and calorie-dense, but there are healthier alternatives.
Best Choices:
✅ Tandoori Platter – Grilled meats or paneer with Indian spices, high in protein and low in fat.
✅ Lentil Soup (Dal Shorba) – Light, protein-packed, and great for digestion.
✅ Hara Bhara Kabab – Made from spinach and peas, grilled instead of fried.
✅ Dhokla – A steamed, protein-rich snack that’s light on the stomach.
Avoid These:
❌ Samosas & Pakoras – Deep-fried and high in trans fats.
❌ Chaat (Pani Puri, Sev Puri, Dahi Puri) – Often loaded with refined carbs and heavy on sodium.
❌ Kachori & Papdi Chaat – Deep-fried, high in refined flour and added sugars.
2. Choose Healthy Indian Main Courses
The key to ordering a healthy main course is to balance protein, fiber, and healthy fats while avoiding excess oil, cream, and refined carbs.
Best Choices:
✅ Dal Tadka or Dal Palak – Lentils cooked with minimal oil, high in fiber and protein.
✅ Tandoori Chicken/Fish – Grilled instead of fried, packed with protein and flavor.
✅ Bhindi Masala (Okra Stir-Fry) – Cooked with minimal oil, rich in fiber and vitamins.
✅ Palak Paneer (Spinach & Cottage Cheese) – A nutrient-rich dish with protein and iron.
✅ Baingan Bharta (Smoky Eggplant Mash) – Low-calorie, rich in fiber, and full of flavor.
✅ Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry) – High in protein and fiber, great for digestion.
Limit These:
❌ Butter Chicken & Paneer Makhani – Loaded with heavy cream and butter.
❌ Malai Kofta – Deep-fried dumplings drenched in cream-based gravy.
❌ Shahi Paneer & Korma Curries – Contain heavy cream, sugar, and excess ghee.
❌ Dal Makhani – Although rich in protein, it’s often cooked with excess butter and cream.
Pro Tip: Ask for your curry to be made with less oil and cream or opt for a tomato-based gravy instead of a creamy one.
3. Pick the Right Bread & Rice Options
Indian meals often come with a side of naan or rice, but the wrong choice can turn a healthy meal into a calorie bomb.
Healthier Choices:
✅ Whole Wheat Roti or Tandoori Roti – A fiber-rich alternative to naan.
✅ Brown Rice or Quinoa – Lower glycemic index than white rice, better for blood sugar control.
✅ Plain Paratha (Without Butter) – Preferable to stuffed or ghee-laden versions.
What to Avoid:
❌ Naan (Especially Butter Naan) – Made with refined flour (maida) and usually brushed with butter.
❌ Jeera Rice & Biryani – Often cooked with excess oil, ghee, or butter.
❌ Stuffed Parathas – Usually high in fat, especially when loaded with potatoes and butter.
Pro Tip: If ordering rice, share a portion instead of having a full plate to control carbs.
4. Healthier Side Dishes & Accompaniments
Side dishes and condiments can enhance flavor and nutrition, but some add hidden calories and sodium.
Better Options:
✅ Raita (Cucumber or Mint Yogurt) – A cooling probiotic-rich accompaniment.
✅ Fresh Salad (Kachumber) – Chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions with lemon dressing.
✅ Roasted Papad – Lighter than fried papad, with the same crunch.
✅ Pickles (In Moderation) – Choose homemade or low-sodium versions.
Limit These:
❌ Fried Papad – Often contains unnecessary oil and salt.
❌ Sugary Chutneys (Tamarind & Mango Chutney) – High in added sugar.
❌ Full-Fat Yogurt or Malai (Cream) – Can add unnecessary calories.
5. Drinks & Desserts: What to Choose & Avoid
Indian drinks and desserts can be deceptively high in sugar, but there are healthier alternatives.
Healthier Drinks:
✅ Masala Chai (Without Sugar or Low Sugar) – A warm and spiced alternative.
✅ Buttermilk (Chaas) or Plain Lassi (Unsweetened) – Great probiotic drinks.
✅ Coconut Water – Hydrating and rich in electrolytes.
Drinks to Avoid:
❌ Sweet Lassi & Falooda – Loaded with sugar and cream.
❌ Soft Drinks & Sweetened Juices – High in refined sugar and empty calories.
Healthier Dessert Choices:
✅ Fruit Salad with Nuts – A naturally sweet and fiber-rich option.
✅ Kheer (Made with Jaggery & Low-Fat Milk) – A better alternative than gulab jamun.
✅ Rasgulla (In Moderation) – Lower in fat compared to other Indian sweets.
Avoid These:
❌ Jalebi, Gulab Jamun, Barfi – Deep-fried and sugar-laden.
❌ Gajar Halwa with Full Cream – Extremely high in sugar and saturated fats.
Pro Tip: If craving dessert, split it with a friend to reduce portion size.
6. Portion Control & Smart Eating Strategies
Even healthy dishes can contribute to weight gain if eaten in excess. Here are some tips to control portions and eat mindfully:
- Start with a salad or soup to curb appetite before heavy dishes.
- Opt for smaller plates to naturally reduce portion sizes.
- Share dishes with others to prevent overeating.
- Eat slowly and savor each bite to avoid consuming excess calories.
Final Bite: Enjoy Indian Food the Smart Way
Dining at an Indian restaurant doesn’t mean you have to compromise your health. By making a few strategic choices—grilled over fried, whole wheat over refined grains, and light gravies over creamy ones—you can enjoy a delicious and balanced meal.The key is moderation, smart ordering, and portion control. Next time you’re at an Indian restaurant, use these tips to make your meal flavorful, satisfying, and guilt-free!
If you’re interested in diving deeper into the world of healthy Indian food, check out our comprehensive guide on Healthy Indian Food. It covers everything from nutritious ingredients to balanced meal ideas, helping you make the most of India’s rich culinary heritage while staying healthy.