Are you looking for some delicious and quick Indian appetizers? Look no further! In this post, you will find a variety of easy Indian starters to make ahead for any occasion. All of these recipes are simple to make and packed full of flavor. Read on to discover the perfect way to start off your next special meal.

Collage of Indian starters with text overlay.

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These Indian appetizers are sure to be a hit with your friends and family! They’re easy to make ahead and will add a delicious touch to your next get-together. So, next time you’re planning an Indian-inspired meal, be sure to include one of these flavorful appetizers.

Be sure to check out these Indian side dishes, Indian chicken recipes and vegetarian Indian recipes too. Plus, for more inspiration, here’s 50+ Indian Foods (with EASY Recipes!) and 40+ Healthy Indian Recipes. And finish off your meal with one of these Indian desserts plus one of these wine pairings for Indian food.

Easy Indian Appetizers

Overhead shot of four pieces of naan stacked on wooden cutting board next to bowl of green chutney.

Homemade Naan with Chutney

Naan: This flatbread is made with leavened dough and cooked in a tandoor oven. It is a versatile bread that can be used to scoop up dips, curries, or even just eaten plain.

Recipe

Curry Chicken Skewers

Curry chicken skewers: These skewers are made with chicken that has been marinated in a curry spice blend and then grilled to perfection. They are a flavorful and finger-licking good appetizer.

Recipe

Pakora (Indian Vegetable Fritters)

Pakoras: These savory fritters are made with chickpea flour and vegetables. They are a great way to use up leftover vegetables and are perfect for dipping in a chutney or sauce.

Get the RECIPE from Recipe Tin Eats

Vegan Samosas Recipe

Samosas: These crispy pastries are filled with a savory potato and pea mixture. They are a popular street food in India and are sure to be a hit at your next party.

Get the RECIPE from Oh My Veggies

Easy Crispy Onion Bhaji Recipe – Little Sunny Kitchen

Bhaji: These fritters are made with vegetables, such as potatoes, onions, and tomatoes. They are a popular street food in India and are a great way to use up leftover vegetables.

Get the RECIPE from Little Sunny Kitchen

Chole Samosa Chaat – Masala and Chai

Chaat: This savory snack is made with a variety of ingredients, such as puffed rice, chickpeas, potatoes, and vegetables. It is a popular street food in India and is sure to be a hit at your next party.

Get the RECIPE from Masala and Chai

Plant-Powered Thali – Good Old Vegan

Thali: This platter is a great way to sample a variety of Indian appetizers. It typically includes a variety of samosas, pakoras, bhajis, and chaat.

Get the RECIPE from Good Old Vegan

Dahi Vada (Dahi Bhalla Chaat) – Masala and Chai

Dahi vada: These crispy lentil fritters are soaked in a creamy yogurt sauce and topped with chutneys. They are a popular street food in India and are sure to be a hit at your next party.

Get the RECIPE from Masala and Chai

Mutton Keema Samosa

Keema samosas: These samosas are filled with a savory minced meat mixture. They are a popular street food in India and are sure to be a hit at your next party.

Get the RECIPE from Whisk Affair

Gol Gappay / Pani Puri

Pani puri: These hollow crispy shells are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as potatoes, chickpeas, onions, and chutneys. They are a popular street food in India and are sure to be a hit at your next party.

Get the RECIPE from Chai and Churros

Easy Palak Paneer Recipe

Palak paneer: This dish is made with spinach, paneer cheese, and spices. It is a popular Indian curry and can also be served as an appetizer.

Get the RECIPE from Healthy Nibbles and Bits

Chicken Kathi Rolls

Kathi rolls: These flaky wraps are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as chicken, lamb, or vegetables. They are a popular street food in India and are a great way to get a taste of Indian cuisine.

Get the RECIPE from Ministry of Curry

Easy Chana Masala

Chana masala: This dish is made with chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices. It is a popular Indian curry and can also be served as an appetizer.

Get the RECIPE from Minimalist Baker

Tandoori grilled chicken wings

Tandoori chicken wings: These wings are marinated in a tandoori spice blend and then grilled to perfection. They are a flavorful and finger-licking good appetizer.

Get the RECIPE from Simply Delicious Food

Appam /Hoppers -Kerala Rice Pancakes

Appam: These pancakes are made with fermented rice and lentil batter. They are a popular breakfast food in South India and can also be served as an appetizer.

Get the RECIPE from Yellow Thyme

Instant Pot Vermicelli Kheer

Kheer: This rice pudding is made with milk, rice, and sugar. It is a popular dessert in India and can also be served as an appetizer.

Get the RECIPE from My Heart Beets

Idli Dosa Batter – For soft idlis and crispy dosas!

Idli: These steamed cakes are made with fermented rice and lentil batter. They are a popular breakfast food in South India and can also be served as an appetizer.

Get the RECIPE from My Food Story

Sabudana Vada

Vada: These savory doughnuts are made with black lentils and spices. They are a popular street food in India and are sure to be a hit at your next party.

Get the RECIPE from Piping Pot Curry

Aloo Gobi (Indian Spiced Potatoes and Cauliflower) | Slimming Eats

Aloo gobi: This dish is made with potatoes, cauliflower, and spices. It is a popular Indian curry and can also be served as an appetizer.

Get the RECIPE from Slimming Eats

Rasmalai Recipe (From Rasgulla) – Spice Up The Curry

Rasmalai: These soft cheese balls are soaked in a sweet syrup. They are a popular dessert in India and can also be served as an appetizer.

Get the RECIPE from Spice Up the Hurry

Dosa Recipe (South Indian Pancakes)

Dosa: These thin pancakes are made with fermented rice and lentil batter. They are a popular breakfast food in South India and can also be served as an appetizer.

Get the RECIPE from My Food Story

Make India’s Famous Gulab Jamun Dessert, Rose-Flavored Milk Doughnuts

Gulab jamun: These deep-fried dumplings are soaked in a rose-flavored syrup. They are a popular dessert in India and can also be served as an appetizer.

Get the RECIPE from The Spruce Eats

Soft Spongy Bengali Rasgulla (Pressure Cooker & Open pot method)

Rasgulla: These soft cheese balls are cooked in a sugar syrup. They are a popular dessert in India and can also be served as an appetizer.

Get the RECIPE from Cook with Renu

How to Make Ahead and Store

Many of these Indian appetizer recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead.

Wine Pairings for Indian Food

Indian dishes are heavily spiced and rich with complex flavors and aromas. The key is pairing the complexity with a fruity, cold wine like a sweet Riesling or a floral Rosé.
A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc also pair well with the spicy, savory flavors.

More Indian-Inspired Recipes

Did you Make Any of These Indian Appetizers?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of Indian appetizer recipes. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

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25+ Easy Indian Appetizers (Quick Indian Starters)

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Easy Indian Appetizers

How to Make Ahead and Store

Wine Pairings for Indian Food

More Indian-Inspired Recipes

Did you Make Any of These Indian Appetizers?

Save This Recipe!