It might be fun to try Indian food for the first time, but it can also be a little confusing. With so many dishes, spices, and regional flavours to choose from, ordering Indian food and figuring out what to get just right can seem tricky.
That’s why we’ve put together this beginner’s guide to help you order Indian food like a pro at Durbar Square. Whether you’re looking to enjoy our authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine through takeaway or delivery, this guide will show you the best foods to try, how to choose the right spice levels, and tips to make sure your meal is just right every time.
Let’s get started and make ordering simple and fun!
Here are some easy-to-order and popular meals to try at any Indian restaurant.
A top-tier choice for our Manchester diners, the Durbar Square Butter Chicken is prepared by marinating tender fillets in a blend of hand-ground spices before they hit the creamy tomato gravy. It’s the ultimate ‘comfort food’ for those new to our menu.
It’s tender pieces of chicken (often marinated and grilled tandoori-style first) simmered in a rich, creamy, tomato-based gravy made with butter, cream, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and a blend of mild spices like garam masala, cumin, coriander, and sometimes a touch of chili for gentle warmth.
Pair it with naan or steamed basmati rice to soak up that amazing sauce.
Our Tikka Masala is a Didsbury favourite. We focus on the ‘char’—grilling the chicken in our traditional tandoor until it has that authentic smoky flavour before we fold it into our vibrant, tangy masala sauce
The chicken is then simmered in a creamy, tangy, slightly spicy, richly spiced tomato-based masala sauce. The sauce often includes onions, tomatoes, cream or yogurt, and a bolder blend of spices, giving it a vibrant reddish-orange color and a more pronounced tomato tang compared to butter chicken.
Durbar Square Pro-Tip: If you’re stuck between two dishes, our Manchester regulars often pair a creamy Butter Chicken with a side of Chilly Paneer to get the perfect balance of mild creaminess and spicy Indo-Chinese zing!
Dal Makhani is a comforting dish made from black lentils and kidney beans, slow-cooked in a creamy sauce. This North Indian Cuisine is a fantastic vegetarian/vegan-friendly option on Durbar Square’s menus.
This dish features whole urad dal (black lentils with skin) slow-cooked for hours with rajma and sometimes chana dal, resulting in a thick, velvety texture.
Experience the street-food culture of Delhi right here in Manchester. Our Chana Batura features pillowy, oversized fried bread (Batura) served with spiced chickpeas. It’s a hearty, authentic choice for those who want to skip the curry-and-rice routine.
It consists of two items: Chole and Batura. Together, it’s a complete meal, and it is often served with sides like pickled onions, green chutney, or achar for extra zing.
Another beginner-friendly Indian food to try is Chilli Paneer. These Indo-Chinese fusion dishes are made with cubes of battered paneer, deep-fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a glossy, semi-dry sauce.
This cuisine has a medium to hot spice level by default, which is why asking for adjustments while ordering is wise.
A spicy Indo-Chinese noodle dish, available with vegetables, chicken, or prawns. It’s a fusion dish that’s both flavourful and fun.
This dish features Hakka-style noodles boiled al dente, then wok-tossed with a vibrant red Schezwan sauce. The sauce is the star: made from dry red chilies (or chili paste), garlic, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar for tang, a bit of sugar or ketchup for sweetness, and often Szechuan pepper or Indian chili flakes for that numbing-spicy kick.
There are varieties you can find in Menus of Durbar Square: Vegetable, Chicken/Egg, Fried rice combo.
Naan is a soft, pillowy, slightly chewy, and often brushed with butter, making it perfect for scooping up rich gravies like butter chicken and dal makhani. For beginners, naan is one of the most approachable and beloved parts of Indian cuisines.
Common varieties you’ll see on menus are:
We understand that spice tolerance varies, so you can choose from mild, medium, or hot options. Mild dishes have gentle heat, medium has a noticeable kick, and hot is for spice lovers who want a fiery punch. Just let us know your preference when ordering!
These dishes and tips will help you enjoy your first Indian takeaway experience without feeling lost or overwhelmed.
Recommendation Reads: Best Indian Food in Manchester: Top Dishes You Can’t Miss
Ordering Indian takeaway is a great way to enjoy authentic flavours at home, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your meal is just right:
If you remember these instructions, you’ll get the most out of your takeaway and savour every bite like it’s fresh from the kitchen.
Whether you are heading home from a walk in Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden or looking for a premium takeaway in South Manchester, our Didsbury location is perfectly situated for a quick pickup.
Online Ordering: Go to our website,
look over the menu, and add the dishes you like best to your cart.
Our easy checkout process lets you choose delivery or collection, select your preferred time, and even specify spice levels or dietary needs.
Phone Orders: If you prefer to speak to someone directly, just call us. Our friendly staff can help you pick dishes, recommend popular combos, and answer any questions you have.
Walk-in Takeaway: In a hurry? You can also walk into our Didsbury location and place your order for quick takeaway.
Delivery: We offer reliable delivery within specified areas, including contactless drop-offs for your safety and convenience. Our delivery partners have made this easier.
Whichever way you choose, Durbar Square makes it easy to enjoy authentic Nepalese and Indian food right at your doorstep or dining table.
Durbar Square takes pride in catering to all tastes and dietary preferences. Here’s what you need to know:
Our goal is to make sure every customer has a delicious, worry-free meal that fits their lifestyle.
Further Reading: Authentic Nepalese & Indian Food Takeaway: Why Durbar Square Is Didsbury’s Top Takeaway Spot
This beginner’s guide makes it easy and fun to order Indian food at Durbar Square. You can enjoy real flavours, a wide range of spice options, and a menu for everyone, whether you prefer takeout or delivery. Now that you know how to order Indian food like a master, be ready to try the greatest Indian and Nepalese food in Manchester.
Don’t wait—place your order today and taste the difference!
Further Reading: Best Butter Chicken: Top Place to eat in Didsbury
You may easily order food from our website by looking over the menu, adding the items you want to your cart, and then checking out. You may choose between delivery and pick-up and tell the restaurant what you want, like how spicy you want it or if you have any dietary restrictions.
Yes, we do both delivery and pick-up. Our website clearly shows the places we deliver to, and we offer contactless delivery for your safety and convenience.
We offer mild, medium, and hot spice options. Mild is gentle and suitable for those new to Indian food, medium offers a balanced heat, and hot is for those who enjoy a strong kick. Our staff can always recommend based on your taste.
Yes, we have a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including vegetable curries, paneer specials, and vegetarian momos. We also provide halal options for meat dishes.
For curries, reheat gently on the stove or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Naan breads are best warmed in an oven or toaster to keep them soft and fresh.
