Starters often reach the table before anyone has decided what the main course will be. They are ordered out of habit, hunger, and the need to settle into a meal. In many Indian homes and restaurants, starters are not an add-on. They are a signal that the meal has begun. They arrive quickly, get shared without counting pieces, and shape the mood of the table.
Over time, a few starters have earned a fixed place in this role. These are the dishes people order almost automatically, on apps like Zomato, even before scanning the rest of the menu.
Paneer Tikka
Paneer tikka has become a default starter across Indian restaurants. Cubes of paneer are marinated, grilled, and served with onions and chutney. It works because it is easy to share and does not rush the eater. Each piece holds its shape, making it suitable for tables where people talk between bites.
Many diners order paneer tikka to anchor the meal, especially when the group includes vegetarians. It fills time while the rest of the food is being decided. Even when mains change, paneer tikka often stays in the order.
Chicken Tikka
Chicken tikka plays a similar role but brings more certainty to the table. Boneless pieces, grilled and served dry, arrive warm and ready to eat. There is no waiting for gravy or bread. That immediacy makes it a common first order.
Across cities, chicken tikka appears in many forms, but its purpose remains the same. It gives the table something to work on while the conversation settles. People often order it without checking portion size, trusting it to disappear quickly.
Veg Spring Rolls
Veg spring rolls sit at the edge of Indian-Chinese menus, but they are among the most frequently ordered starters. Crisp on the outside and filled inside, they are easy to eat and easy to divide.
Spring rolls work well as an opening dish because they do not demand attention. They can be dipped, shared, and eaten while menus are still open. Their predictability keeps them in rotation across casual dining and delivery orders.
Chilli Chicken
Chilli chicken often arrives when the table wants something in non veg to start with. The dish carries heat, sauce and texture, making it a strong opening move. It is usually shared, with pieces picked quickly before plates arrive.
This starter sets the tone for meals that lean towards Indian-Chinese or fusion food. It is ordered early because it fills the gap between hunger and decision-making. By the time it is finished, the main course is usually already on the way.
French Fries
French fries may not be Indian in origin, but they have found a fixed role on Indian tables. They are often ordered without discussion, especially when the group includes children or mixed preferences.
Fries work because they require no explanation. They arrive fast and disappear faster. Many tables treat them as a buffer dish, keeping hunger in check while waiting for the rest of the food.
Samosa or Cutlet (in casual dining)
In cafés and casual restaurants, samosas and cutlets often play the role of the starter. Familiar and filling, they come with chutneys and little ceremony.
These snacks set a relaxed tone. People eat them without slowing the meal down. Their presence at the start of a meal feels natural, especially during lunch hours or quick dinners.
Ordering starters at home
On Zomato, starters are often added to the cart before the main course is finalised. Starters also travel well. Dry dishes reach home without losing form, and fried items retain texture if eaten soon. Fries and rolls arrive hot when packed right, making them reliable choices.
Once the food is on the table, starters do what they always have. They fill the pause before the meal, bring people together over shared plates, and quietly prepare the table for what comes next.
Also Read: Coconut in Indian Food: Soft, Subtle and Everywhere
