If you’re planning an Indian-themed dinner party or simply looking to add some variety to your finger food selection, why not try one of these Indian appetizers? Indian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and array of spices, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to spice up their menu.
Jump to: 🥘 Fried Indian Appetizers & Fritters | 🍖 Kebabs, Meat, and Seafood | 🥙 Indian Finger Foods and Chaat | 🍞 Breads and Sliders
These Indian appetizer recipes are not only delicious but also a great way to introduce a new cuisine to your guests.
These recipes, curated from various blogs, promise an authentic taste of India’s diverse culinary landscape. From the ever-popular samosas to savory paneer dishes, there’s something in this collection to delight every palate. I’ve separated them into handy categories for you to browse. Enjoy!
👉 Check out my other collections: 🫒 vegetarian appetizers, 🍣 Asian appetizers, 🌮 Mexican appetizers, 🍤 seafood appetizers, 🧀 French appetizers, 🧆 Mediterranean appetizers, ☀️summer appetizers, 🎄Christmas appetizers, 🍗Paleo appetizers, 🛞 pinwheel sandwiches, 🥐 puff pastry appetizers, ☃️ Christmas charcuterie board ideas, and these unique charcuterie board ideas.
Fried Indian Appetizers & Fritters
Aloo Samosas
Samosas are arguably everyone’s favorite starter at an Indian restaurant, packed with a hearty potato filling and fried to perfection — crisp, but not too oily. This recipe starts with a homemade, fail-proof dough. From Cook With Manali.
Calories: 164 Carbs: 22 grams Protein: 4 grams Cooking time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Vegetable Pakoras (Fried Fritters)
Pakoras are a deep-fried vegetable dish, sometimes referred to as bhajiyas or bhajjis. You can use all types of vegetables for this recipe. The trick is getting a crispy exterior, and a chutney recipe to do the delight of dipping justice! From My Food Story.
Calories: 197 Carbs: 33 grams Protein: 10 grams Cooking time: 30 minutes
Paneer Patties
These low-carb paneer fritters are a vegetarian delight, packed with creamy paneer – a cheese commonly found in Indian cuisine. Serve with a cool, yogurt-based raita for dipping.
Calories: 335 Carbs: 12 grams Protein: 17 grams Cooking time: 30 minutes
Sabudana Vada
A Maharashtrian specialty, these crispy fritters are crafted from tapioca pearls, potatoes, peanuts, and an array of aromatic spices. From Shweta in the Kitchen.
Calories: 49 Carbs: 9 grams Protein: 1 gram Cooking time: 4 hours
Moong Dal Khasta Kachori
Dal indicates a split pulse — typically lentils — in Indian cuisine. This recipe is a fried yellow mung bean dish highlighting a popular variety of kachori, a Northern Indian street food essential. Recipe from Playful Cooking.
Calories: 300 Carbs: 30 grams Protein: 7 grams Cooking time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Crispy Paneer Bites
If you’re looking for the Indian version of mozzarella sticks, these golden fried cheese bites will certainly fit the bill. Recipe from My Tasty Curry.
Calories: 90 Carbs: 1 gram Protein: 6 grams Cooking time: 40 minutes
Dahi Ke Kebab
This is an Indian appetizer made from hung curd (yogurt), seasoned with aromatic spices, and shaped into patties before being shallow-fried to golden perfection. Originating from the northern regions of India, particularly Uttar Pradesh. Recipe from My Diverse Kitchen.
Calories: 200 Carbs: 10 grams Protein: 10 grams Cooking time: 20 minutes
Aloo Tikki
Potatoes are an important ingredient in Indian cooking tradition. Aloo tikki is a delicious way to prepare your spuds in the form of a pan-fried patty, accompanied by peas, herbs, and topped with a tamarind chutney. Recipe from Spice Cravings.
Calories: 191 Carbs: 16 grams Protein: 2 grams Cooking time: 25 minutes
Kebabs, Meat, and Seafood
Chicken Tikka Kebabs
Chicken tikka masala is a gorgeously spiced entree. Capture the essence of this beloved Indian dish, marinated in yogurt, with this party-ready chicken skewer recipe. Recipe from Ministry of Curry.
Calories: 319 Carbs: 16 grams Protein: 39 grams Cooking time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Seekh Kebabs
In India, many variations of meat kebabs or seekh are made from ground mince. Learn how to make the perfect blend for the BBQ with this recipe that won’t fall apart whilst cooking. Recipe from Sugar, Spice, ‘n’ More.
Calories: 168 Carbs: 1 gram Protein: 19 grams Cooking time: 20 minutes
Tandoori Stuffed Mushroom Tikka
Tandoori refers to a traditional method of cooking in which food, often marinated meats, is cooked in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven. This is a vegetarian recipe utilizing mushrooms in place of chicken, stuffed with a cheesy garlic and corn filling. Recipe from Sanjana Feasts.
Calories: 304 Carbs: 19 grams Protein: 18 grams Cooking time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Prawn Ghee Roast
Ghee and masala create a vibrant infusion of flavor for these saucy Mangalorean-style shrimps. Serve on their own or on skewers, garnished with fresh curry leaves. Recipe from Foodies Terminal.
Calories: 285 Carbs: 11 grams Protein: 27 grams Cooking time: 30 minutes
Indian Finger Foods & Chaat
Achari Aloo Tikka
These baby potato skewers boast the bold flavors of Indian pickling spice, featuring fennel, nigella seeds, mustard seeds, fenugreek, red chilies, and mustard oil or anchari masala. Recipe from Carve Your Craving.
Calories: 137 Carbs: 21 grams Protein: 4 grams Cooking time: 45 minutes
Spicy Lamb Samosa Cups
These convenient grab-and-go cups showcase a filling of ground lamb generously seasoned with all the essential spices that define the classic samosa flavor profile. Recipe from Kitchen Sanctuary.
Calories: 163 Carbs: 12 grams Protein: 5 grams Cooking time: 35 minutes
Dahi Puri
Chaat is a term that describes many Indian finger foods and appetizers. This dahi puri recipe is a great place to get familiar with chaat featuring a colorful array of veggies, chutneys, yogurt, and spices. Recipe from Indian Veggie Delight.
Calories: 199 Carbs: 35 grams Protein: 6 grams Cooking time: 15 minutes
Dahi Bhalla
This popular snack recipe features a base of fried lentils and is topped off with sweetened yogurt for a melt-in-your-mouth blend of sweet and savory flavors. Serve with a variety of chutneys to complement this delightful combo. Recipe from Indian Ambrosia.
Calories: 190 Carbs: 3 grams Protein: 2 grams Cooking time: 8 hours 45 minutes
Breads & Sliders
Vada Pav
These sliders are a common, crave-worthy staple of street vendors in Mumbai. In essence, it’s a mini potato burger – what’s not to love? Serve with a vibrant green chutney and garlic. Recipe from Cooking with Sapana.
Calories: 240 Carbs: 35 grams Protein: 6 grams Cooking time: 50 minutes
Restaurant Style Garlic Naan
No Indian meal is complete without naan. This garlic bread is perfect for topping with sweet or savory combinations, soaking up curries, serving with meat dishes, or sampling chutneys. Recipe from Cook With Manali.
Calories: 295 Carbs: 42 grams Protein: 7 grams Cooking time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Cheesy Garlic Masala Pav Sliders
Masala pav is a delicious street food roll commonly found in Mumbai. This cheesy, buttery, and indulgent recipe takes the traditional flavors and ingredients and makes it simple to prepare in bulk. Recipe from Shweta in the Kitchen.
Calories: 130 Carbs: 26 grams Protein: 4 grams Cooking time: 50 minutes
Achari Chicken Crostini
Crostini is a go-to for appetizers with endless topping situations to experiment with. This Indian-inspired hors d’oeuvre is topped with a spicy, tangy Achari chicken, marinated in a garlic and ginger yogurt infusion. Recipe from The Gastronomic Bong.
Calories: 76 Carbs: 7 grams Protein: 4 grams Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
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