Menu decisions
What to order at an Indian restaurant for two people
A flexible Indian dinner plan for two: choose contrasting mains, check included rice, balance bread and starters, and adjust to the restaurant’s portions.
Reviewed by SeEat editorial ·
Start here
For two people sharing, use two contrasting mains and a rice or bread decision as a planning starting point. Confirm portions and included sides first. If the mains are large or you want starters, begin smaller and add more rather than treating dish count as a fixed rule.
Choices to compare
One familiar main
Agree on one dish both people want. That gives you a reliable centre for the meal, even if the second choice is new. Check the protein, sauce and heat rather than picking purely by popularity.
One contrasting main
Avoid two dishes that solve the same craving. Try a vegetable or lentil option alongside a richer main, or a dry preparation alongside a saucy one. Dishoom separates curries, rice and vegetable sides on its menu.[1]
One accompaniment decision
Ask whether each curry includes rice and how much bread comes in an order. Choose rice, bread or a smaller amount of both based on how you want to eat the sauces—not because every table needs every side.
A sample order you can adjust
Our editorial starting plan is two shareable mains, one shared rice and one bread order, with no starter yet. This is a planning example, not a measured serving standard. Ask the server whether those portions make sense here.
If both diners are hungry and portions are small, add a starter or another side. If one person eats lightly, begin with one main plus a substantial vegetable or lentil dish. Check whether a “side” is actually small before assuming it replaces a main.
Change the plan for a rice-based main
If you choose a biryani, ask whether its rice portion already covers one person’s meal. You may need less plain rice than you would with two curries. Avoid ordering the same starch twice automatically.
For different dietary preferences, decide which dishes can be shared first. Separate mains may be easier than modifying both dishes; confirm shared breads, sauces and serving utensils if ingredients matter.
Build your order
Suggested starting plan; adjust to the restaurant’s portions and your appetite.
- Agree on shared ingredients and heat tolerance.
- Choose two different mains, then confirm portion size and included rice.
- Add the accompaniment you need; leave room to order an extra dish later.
Ask your server
- Are these mains intended to share, and is this enough for two?
- Does either dish already include rice or bread?
- Can we add another dish after the first round arrives?
Before you order
Do we need two curries, two rice orders and two naans?
Not automatically. That may duplicate included rice or exceed what you want. Confirm the menu’s portions and choose accompaniments deliberately.
What if we cannot agree on spice?
Order separate mains and share a plain accompaniment if it suits both of you. Ask for any extra chilli on the side.
Sources
- Dishoom. Kensington all-day menu and dietary labels. Accessed
Choose from the menu in front of you
SeEat reads menus and helps you compare dishes with your taste. Confirm undisclosed ingredients and portions with restaurant staff.