20 Indian Appetizers

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. 


Indian Appetizers
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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. 


Fried Indian Appetizers & Fritters

Aloo Samosas
Samosas are arguably everyone’s favourite 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. Recipe from Cook With Manali.
Calories: 164
Carbs: 22 grams
Protein: 4 grams
Cooking time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Get the recipe here
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! Recipe from My Food Story.
Calories: 197
Carbs: 33 grams
Protein: 10 grams
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Get the recipe here
Paneer Fritters With Cucumber & Mint Raita
These low-carb fritters are a vegetarian delight, packed with creamy paneer – a cheese commonly found in Indian cuisine. Serve with a cool, yoghurt-based raita for dipping.
Calories: 335
Carbs: 12 grams
Protein: 17 grams
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Get the recipe here
Sabudana Vada from Shweta in the Kitchen
Indulge in the delights of a Maharashtrian specialty – a crispy fritter crafted from tapioca pearls, potatoes, peanuts, and an array of aromatic spices. These morsels aren't just a treat for the taste buds; they represent the epitome of Indian comfort food, boasting a unique and addictive texture. Recipe from Shweta in the Kitchen.
Calories: 49
Carbs: 9 grams
Protein: 1 grams
Cooking time: 4 hours
Get the recipe here
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
Get the recipe here
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 grams
Protein: 6 grams
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Get the recipe here
Dahi Ke Kebab
Dahi ke kebab is an Indian appetizer made from hung curd (yoghurt), 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, these creamy and spiced kebabs offer a delightful blend of textures and flavours. Recipe from My Diverse Kitchen.
Calories: 200
Carbs: 10 grams
Protein: 10 grams
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Get the recipe here
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
Get the recipe here

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 yoghurt, 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
Get the recipe here
Seekh Kebabs
In India, many variations of meat kebabs or seekh are made from ground mince. nLearn 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
Get the recipe here
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 utilising 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
Get the recipe here
Prawn Ghee Roast
Ghee and masala create a vibrant infusion of flavour 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
Get the recipe here

Indian Finger Foods and Chaat

Achari Aloo Tikka
These marinated and roasted baby potato skewers boast the bold flavours 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
Get the recipe here
Spicy Lamb Samosa Cups
Samosas stand out as a delightful vegan dish, yet the versatile filling can also be prepared with meat. These convenient grab-and-go cups showcase a filling of ground lamb generously seasoned with all the essential spices that define the classic samosa flavour profile. Recipe from Kitchen Sanctuary.
Calories: 163
Carbs: 12 grams
Protein: 5 grams
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Get the recipe here
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 colourful array of veggies, chutneys, yoghurt, and spices. Recipe from Indian Veggie Delight.
Calories: 199
Carbs: 35 grams
Protein: 6 grams
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Get the recipe here
Dahi Bhalla
This popular snack recipe features a base of fried lentils and is topped off with sweetened yoghurt for a melt-in-your-mouth blend of sweet and savoury flavours. 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
Get the recipe here

Breads and 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
Get the recipe here
Restaurant Style Garlic Naan
No Indian meal is complete without naan. This garlic bread is perfect for topping with sweet or savoury 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
Get the recipe here
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 flavours 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
Get the recipe here
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 yoghurt infusion. Recipe from The Gastronomic Bong.
Calories: 76
Carbs: 7 grams
Protein: 4 grams
Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Get the recipe here

Indian Appetizers
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Irena Macri
By Irena Macri

About the author: Hi, I’m Irena Macri. I share delicious recipes that I have cooked and loved. I am a published cookbook author, have been food blogging for over 10 years and have a Diploma in Nutrition. You will find many healthy recipes as well as my favourite comfort food. More about me here | Subscribe to my newsletter and freebies

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