25 Drool-Worthy Indian Appetizers To Up Your Party Game

For more filling recipes, go for authentic Indian tomato soup. Also, check out Tandoori mushrooms, prawns, and homemade versions of Indian street food like Ram ladoo and Kathi rolls.

Lastly, you can try out the best fish dish you’ll ever have – fish cutlets.

India is home to beautiful cultures, including food. We’re all used to eating the same old appetizers, but that’s why we have Indian cuisine, to spice up and transform your appetizer menu into something note-worthy.

Yes, it’ll be hard to narrow things down if you’re not used to Indian cuisine but have no fear! I’m here to give you a helping hand.

Check out this list of Indian appetizers below and recreate any recipes for a breathtaking effect on your guests.

Quick Table: Drool-Worthy Indian Appetizers

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Chicken Tikka Masala Baked Wings	426	1 Hour
Pakora (Indian Vegetable Fritters)	64	40 Minutes
Achari Aloo Tikka (Indian Tandoori Appetizer)	137	45 Minutes
Spicy Lamb Samosa Cups	163	35 Minutes
Samosa Bites	276	1 Hour 10 Minutes
Tandoori Prawns	82	1 Hour 10 Minutes
Chicken Boti Kabab	295	20 Minutes
Potato Cutlet (Aloo Tikki)	50	1 Hour
Cucumber And Chutney Sandwiches	233	10 Minutes
Fried Besan Potato Squares	46.97	35 Minutes
Paneer Cheese Balls	92 l	25 Minutes
Onion Bhajis	45	18 Minutes
Dal Vada	290	4 Hours 15 Minutes
Stuffed Samosa Curry Buns	452	18 Minutes
Cheesy Corn Masala Toast	431	20 Minutes
Fish Cutlet	123	35 Minutes
Potato Fritter Sliders	361	30 Minutes
Mint Cilantro Chutney	23	20 Minutes
Indian Tomato Sauce	109	15 Minutes
Tandoori Stuffed Mushroom Tikka	102	1 Hour
Lentil Dip – Curried Tomato Dal	142	30 Minutes
Puff Pastry Samosa Pinwheels	80	35 Minutes
Crispy Idli Tikki	141	25 Minutes
Paneer Kathi Rolls	271	30 Minutes
Ram Ladoo	22	3 Hours 40 Minutes

25 Drool-Worthy Indian Appetizers

1. Chicken Tikka Masala Baked Wings

Wings for your family game day just got better! So skip the everyday hot or BBQ sauce, and try out this Tikka Masala sauce instead. 

This Tikka Masala sauce, prepared with an irresistible mix of Indian spices, makes every bite of these wings tender and juicy. This recipe has a special trick to make your wings taste better, so try it out.

Calories Per Serving: 426

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

2. Pakora (Indian Vegetable Fritters)

This recipe’s touch of Indian cuisine turns an old appetizer into something superstar-worthy. Special spices like cumin and turmeric make this chickpea flour, potato, and cauliflower blend taste ravishing.

Guess what makes pakoras the best Indian appetizer you can serve. You guessed correctly – versatility! Mix and match the veggies as you want, and deep fry till they’re a gorgeous golden brown. Then, serve with a matching sauce. 

Calories Per Serving: 64

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

3. Achari Aloo Tikka (Indian Tandoori Appetizer)

There are several yummy ways to cook potatoes; delight your guests with this incredible Indian variety.

This appetizer is simply potatoes, bell peppers, and onions soaked in a luscious marinade jam-packed with traditional dry spices. 

Moreover, you’re free to use your kitchen devices for this one, whether it’s your instant pot or air fryer. The color of the potatoes alone will have your guests salivating, but when dipped in the chutney sauce? Heavenly.

Calories Per Serving: 137

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

4. Spicy Lamb Samosa Cups

I’m sure the first dish to pop into your head when you thought of Indian appetizers was samosa. Naturally, classic samosas are delicious, but have you ever heard of samosa cups?

Fill up round cuts of filo pastry with well-seasoned minced lamb, then garnish with peas and chili flakes for a pop of color. Voila! Bake until you have crisp, brown samosa cups and are ready to serve.

Calories Per Serving: 163

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

5. Samosa Bites

Here’s another version of our previous filo pastry Indian appetizer, but this time, without meat. Also, while butter is a no-fail ingredient for brushing pastry, this recipe incorporates something new: rapeseed oil. 

Meanwhile, tomato fans have something to celebrate; the potatoes and peas are mixed with a good dose of ketchup.

This appetizer is a perfect meatless substitute for lamb samosa cups, and they’d go down well with any drink you choose.

Calories Per Serving: 276

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes

RELATED: 20 Best Indian Air Fryer Recipes

6. Tandoori Prawns

No matter how picky your family or guests are, seafood is always a hit. This recipe makes prawns marinated in yogurt and an assortment of Indian condiments.

Whether you choose the oven or stove-top method, you’re bound to have out-of-this-world prawns. Additionally, they’re quick to make and highly proteinous. Finally, remember to serve them with a tasty, unique sauce.

Calories Per Serving: 82

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

7. Chicken Boti Kabab

Have you ever eaten food with a hidden, infused smokiness? Well, this recipe will give you just that! Moreover, the yogurt-based marinade is like nothing you’ve ever tasted and has Garam masala powder because Indian spices are the best.

It’s a straightforward process – marinate your chicken breasts, roast them, and do Dunghar to add smokiness. Check out the recipe to see how it’s done.

Calories Per Serving: 295

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

8. Potato Cutlet (Aloo Tikki)

This appetizer is simple; you can whip it up from scratch in an hour. Besides, the ingredients and spices (coriander, turmeric, and cumin) are easily sourced, so you’ll find them in any local store.

Mash your boiled potatoes with peas and seasoning, roll them into balls and fry. The breadcrumbs are the trick; they make for a crisp outside while the insides remain soft and fluffy. 

Calories Per Serving: 50

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

9. Cucumber And Chutney Sandwiches 

A sandwich is the easiest appetizer under the sun; of course, there’s an Indian version to spice things up. 

From the outside, it looks like just bread and cucumber. But, using coriander chutney and sprinkling chaat masala over the cucumber transforms your sandwich into an Indian appetizer delicacy.

Again, sandwiches are easy; you’ll have yours ready in 10 minutes.

Calories Per Serving: 233

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

10. Fried Besan Potato Squares

Indeed, potato appetizer recipes are a dime a dozen; but with Indian appetizers, the flavors make things gloriously unique.

Here, we have potato squares made from chickpea flour, grated potatoes, and loads of savory spices, including carom seeds. 

Form a batter with these, fry, and serve with any dip or sauce you choose. Your guests won’t be able to get enough of the resulting crispy, soft, delicious squares.

Calories Per Serving: 46.97

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

RELATED: 10 Most Traditional Drinks In India

11. Paneer Cheese Balls 

If you love cheese, then try out this recipe. Make a mixture using paneer cheese and exciting rice flour, besan, and cornflour combo. A cheese cube in the center of each ball makes all the difference, so don’t skip.

Serve the lovely brown cheese balls with any sauce of your choice. Then, watch as everyone marvels at the first bite of your tastefully-made Indian appetizer.

Calories Per Serving: 92

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

12. Onion Bhajis

Cashew nuts may not be the most popular in the nuts family, but you’re seriously missing out if you’ve never had them. Combined with chickpea flour, baking soda, and some onion slices, you’ll have a five-star appetizer on your hands!

Remember to serve these with a wedge of lemon to get the entire experience.

Calories Per Serving: 45

Preparation Time: 18 Minutes

13. Dal Vada

This one’s time-consuming, and the main ingredient – moong dal, may be a little hard to find. But, believe me when I say the effort is so worth it! 

You don’t need a lot to make these crispy balls; you’re good to go with moong dal, salt, and hing. Some slices of red onions and green chilies complete the look, perfect for lifting the mood on a rainy day.

Calories Per Serving: 290

Preparation Time: 4 Hours 15 Minutes

14. Stuffed Samosa Curry Buns 

Indian curry is legendary, and when used in a bun, it’s exceptional. You’d think these are your usual buns until you bite them. Rather than being bland, they’re filled with spicy potatoes and peas seasoned with, you guessed it, curry powder.

Bake the buns and glaze them with butter or eggs to make them extra smooth and shiny. Then, serve with some tea for class and elegance.

Calories Per Serving: 452

Preparation Time: 18 Minutes

15. Cheesy Corn Masala Toast

More cheese! Here we have toast but in Indian appetizer style. Also, this recipe is ideal for a beginner chef looking to dazzle everyone without a complicated meal.

Toast a few slices of sourdough, and top them with your cheese and veggie mix. Then air-fry or use any other cooking methods to tie it all together. Make sure you spice your vegetable mix and use as many veggies as you want.

Calories Per Serving: 431

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

RELATED: 31 Indian Sides Recipes | Different Cuisines

16. Fish Cutlet 

We’ve seen rice cakes (Idlis), now let’s look at fish cakes. As the name suggests, you’ll need fish, preferably tuna, to bring this dish to life. First, like other patties, add your potatoes and masala, then form balls for frying.

The magic happens when you coat the balls in eggs and breadcrumbs before frying. Serve to your guests with onion salad and ketchup, and your Indian appetizer is complete. 

Calories Per Serving: 123

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

17. Potato Fritter Sliders

It’s impressive that though most of these recipes have the same ingredients, each turns out so delightfully different. Here, we see potato stuffing between two dinner rolls daubed with tamarind and everyone’s favorite – chutney sauce.

These sliders are another versatile Indian appetizer; feel free to use any other spread instead of chutney. You could even add cheese or tomato slices if you like. 

Calories Per Serving: 361

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

18. Mint Cilantro Chutney (Indian Green Chutney)

Chutney has been in almost every recipe, so you’ll be limited if you can’t make it. But don’t worry; this recipe will show how to make the best chutney sauce in your kitchen. 

The cilantro leaves, mint, and green chili give this sauce its distinct green color, while other spices like garlic and cumin powder release a warm aroma wherever you make this sauce.

Add sugar and lime or tamarind juice for a little sweet and sour action.

Calories Per Serving: 23

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

19. Indian Tomato Soup

Baked and fried food are excellent for appetizers but not always healthy. So, that’s where soups come in; they’re healthy, light, and hearty for everyone, old or young.

This Indian tomato soup is overflowing with seasoning, and the fresh tomatoes lend a dose of healthy freshness. It’s a great appetizer and dinner and low in calories too.

Calories Per Serving: 109

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

20. Tandoori Stuffed Mushroom Tikka

Did you know you can also have a mushroom-based Indian appetizer? Again, there isn’t much work here; just marinate your mushrooms in a traditional spice mix, coat them in flour and bake or fry them. 

A pop of color is always lovely with mushrooms, so garnish them. Then, delight everyone with a bowl of these delights.

Calories Per Serving: 102

Total Preparation Time: 1 Hour

RELATED: 25 Indian Appetizers Recipes Popular For Vegetarians!

21. Lentil Dip – Curried Tomato Dal

I think anything made with tomato sauce always looks and tastes remarkable, don’t you? This recipe makes another sauce, a lentil dip specifically.

Besides lentils and tomato paste, the curry powder makes this dish a star. Add sugar, garlic, and onions for an earthy but sweet taste. This dip is so tasty, and will undoubtedly go by quickly, so make a big batch.

Calories Per Serving: 142

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

22. Puff Pastry Samosa Pinwheels 

We’ve seen similar ingredients previously, but the catch here is the attractive pinwheel shape of these samosas. And this recipe has a little extra something to add more flavor – shredded cheese.

Imagine sinking your teeth into fluffy puff pastry filled with a samosa mix containing drool-worthy spices like Garam masala and even mango powder!

Don’t forget to brush your pinwheels with butter; kids will love them looking glazed and shiny. Plus, you can freeze and store them for later.

Calories Per Serving: 80

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

23. Crispy Idli Tikki

This recipe is a great way to use up any leftover Idlis you have. If you’re unfamiliar with Indian cuisine, Idlis are flavorful rice cakes. Bonus 

Mix them up with your favorite vegetables and Indian seasonings, and shallow-fry till you get that beautiful brown. Next, as usual, serve them with any Indian sauce you love. Bonus point, these Idlis are vegan and gluten-free.

Calories Per Serving: 141

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

24. Paneer Kathi Rolls

Cheese is a big part of Indian food, especially spicy. These Kathi rolls are warm parathas stuffed with paneer, pepper, and aromatic onions. 

Although cheese tastes terrific alone, try it when it’s marinated in this yogurt-based mix of Indian spices.

With the gently toasted parathas and a delicious chutney sauce, this will hands-down be the best cheese appetizer you’ve ever had.

Calories Per Serving: 271

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

RELATED: 25 Best Indian Breakfast Recipes That You Should Try

25. Ram Ladoo

You don’t have to be in Delhi to eat some street food. Ram ladoos are lentil fritters overflowing with authentic Indian spices like chaat masala and asafoetida. Plus, chutney and lemon juice bring extra zest to this snack.

This recipe will walk you through making the perfect ram ladoos one step at a time, even if you’ve never had them before. Moreover, if you like a little more salt in your meals, this one is right up your alley.

Calories Per Serving: 22

Preparation Time: 3 Hours 40 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Consider When Preparing Indian Appetizers?

Indian appetizers tend to be spicy and very flavorful, so consider the heat tolerance of both you and your guests before picking a meal. Also, while the spices are rich and infuse deep flavor, tastes do differ.

Hence, get everyone’s likes and dislikes and make something that will suit each guest’s needs.

Can I Find Indian Spices Around Me?

Indian spices aren’t difficult to find. Traditional dry seasonings like curry powder, cumin, and turmeric are common; you can get those at any supermarket .

On the other hand, you can find the less popular ones like hing at any Indian store near you.  

No recipe here has crazily scarce ingredients, so you’re fine.

What Sauces And Dips Would Go With My Appetizers?

Whatever sauce or dip you like goes with your Indian appetizer, even if it’s regular mayo. If you want an Indian dip, try tamarind or cilantro chutney, raita, or a masala sauce.

There’s a world of sauces and dips to choose from that are sure to enhance your meal.

Are Indian Appetizers Child-Friendly?

Indian appetizers are perfect for children – delicious, healthy, and fun. Dishes like the cheesy corn masala toast or any chicken recipe will be an absolute kid favorite. Be careful with the heat, though; children are much more sensitive to spicy food.