
The best Indian appetizers or Indian starter recipes to start off your meal right! Let’s be real, sometimes the appetizers are the best part of a meal!
This round up includes starter ideas that are common in Indian households plus some new Indian fusion appetizer ideas to help you change things up!
I’m sure you can find some ideas for your next dinner party!
This list of Indian Starters recipes Is:
- Vegetarian, many vegan
- Easy, many don’t take a long time to make!
- Inclusive of make ahead, party ready appetizers
- Many can also be served as brunch or lunch
I’ve broken this list into three categories:
- Traditional appetizers: A few North Indian appetizers, particularly from Gujarat are up so far. Will be updated with more!
- Samosas: There are a huge variety of types of samosas, since I have a few up, I thought I’d group the popular appetizer
- Indian Fusion Appetizers: These are new ideas, fusing traditional Indian recipes or flavors with new ideas
Quick links:
Indian cuisine is varied and flavorful. There is also a great deal of room for experimentation to delight your guests or family with something different. I hope this list inspires you with some new ideas.
Traditional Indian Appetizers
Khaman is a popular Indian snack made from gram flour (besan), steamed to perfection and seasoned with a tangy blend of spices, offering a delightful and fluffy texture with a burst of flavors.
Instant 30 Minute Khaman Dhokla Recipe – (Besan)
Paneer tikka is a very popular appetizer! Pair it with a green chutney for a delicious app.
Cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) are marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, grilled to perfection, and served with a tantalizing smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the paneer.
Paneer Tikka
Samosa chaat is a delightful Indian street food that combines crispy samosas, crushed and topped with a medley of chutneys, yogurt, onions, and spices like Chaat Masala.
It is both both savory and tangy, making it a perfect snack or appetizer.
Quick Mouth-Watering Samosa Chaat with Spiced Chana
Sev Khamani is a popular Gujarati snack made from crumbled and tempered khaman dhokla, garnished with crunchy sev, pomegranate seeds, and a medley of chutneys.
It is also a great way to use leftover khaman!
Sev Khamani
Methi na Gota is a traditional Gujarati snack made from a batter of fenugreek leaves (methi) and chickpea flour, deep-fried to perfection, resulting in crispy and flavorful fritters.
They are delicious served with a side of chutney or tea.
Methi Na Gota
Without chutneys, your appetizers will just not be complete!
Here is a collection of 12+ chutneys with some new ideas to delight your guests.
What is Chutney? + 12 Chutney Recipes
Samosas, A popular Indian Appetizer
I felt due to their popularity (and my love of them!), samosas deserved their own section.
While samosas are usually deep fried, I love to make easy baked versions using puff pastry. Pair any one of these with a cup of hot masala chai and chutney and you are set!
Samosa Pinwheels (Baked)
A puff pastry samosa wreath or pull apart samosa, is a great way to make a centerpiece for your appetizer table.
Baked in with delicious flavors of spice and chutney, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Samosa Wreath
The next samosa is a fusion – Cheddar Jalapeno Samosa. I used puff pastry again, because it’s easy and delicious!
Baked to brown perfection, you’ll love these easy appetizers.
Cheddar Jalapeno Samosa Recipe (Baked)
Once of my favorites, Samosa Quesadillas!
Easy to make, these can be an appetizer or a whole meal. It’s a great way to get in the flavor of samosa without all that deep frying.
Samosadilla – Samosa Quesadillas (Indian Mexican Fusion)
Up your samosa game by trying out classic and fusion samosa dipping sauces!
I bet you’ll find something new to try in this list below.
12+ Authentic & Flavorful Samosa Dipping Sauces / Samosa Chutneys Including Green Samosa Sauce
Indian Fusion Appetizers
Homemade Paneer Momo (Steamed or Pan Fried) Vegetable Paneer Momos
Pav Bhaji Nachos Indian Mexican Fusion
Indian Cheeseboard
Yummy Chili Cheese Toast
Tandoori Cheese Queso – Indian Mexican Fusion
Cheddar Pani Puri Masala Hasselback Potatoes
Goat Cheese Crostini with Cranberry Chutney
Grilled Garlic Basil Paneer Recipe
Chilli Chana
While the recipe below is for a burger, aloo tikkis (potato patties) are often served as an appetizer with chutney. So, you can just make the patties for a quick appetizer.
Aloo Tikki Burger – Sweet potato burger
Try It? Leave A Review, Love To Hear Feedback! Or Tag Me On Instagram @some_indian_girl
21+ Easy Veg Indian Appetizers Plus Chutney Crostini Recipe
Equipment
- sauce pan
- pan
Ingredients
- 30 crostinis I used small ones from Whole Foods
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup walnuts
- ½ tbsp butter
- ⅛ cup sugar
Instructions
Make cranberry chutney
Prep cheese spread
- Mix room temperature goat cheese and cream cheese together
Candy the walnuts
- Heat butter, sugar and walnuts in a pan on medium. Mixing until melted and coated, about 3-4 minutes. Take off heat and lay on parchment paper. Ensuring they are separated so the walnuts don't stick together. Let cool and dry.
Assemble goat cheese crostinis
- Spread cheese mixture on crostini, top with cranberry chutney and a few candied walnuts. Optionally garnish with rosemary.