Last Updated on March 25, 2024 by Amanda P. Brown
With taste, plating is important for an amazing dining experience. Great Indian plating ideas for food enhance visual satisfaction and influence people to eat. This works like hunger for the eye’s satisfaction. Moreover, it allures to eat more.
A colorful, aesthetic plating can impress your guests and your family members at gatherings. Interesting plating may also be a great idea for serving your kid. Moreover, if you are a chef, then you already know the art of plating importance.
A great plating is a countable part of a cook’s or a chef’s skill. This article will present 21 common dishes with creative Indian food plating ideas. Let’s scroll and discover.
21 Creative Indian Food Plating Ideas
Table of Contents
- Pani Puri
- Egg Roll
- Kabab
- Mini grilled cheese sandwiches
- Masala Corn Toast
- Onion Bhajis
- Peas pulao
- Dal Chapati
- Chicken Curry
- Beef steak
- Roasted duck
- Chicken Biryani
- Beef khichdi
- Chicken Soup
- Kakdi Koshimbir
- Chutney
- Mango Kulfi
- Sheer khurma
- Basundi
- Mango falooda
- Jeera Pani
Appetizers/Snacks
1. Pani Puri
Any type of gathering in India always appreciates pani puri as an appetizer. To enhance its every bite experience, a great plating food idea can help. You can fill the puri with flavorful chickpea filling. Then, serve with different types of flavorful pani glasses.
Or you can go with a plate where you can simply keep puris and the chickpea filling and pani individually in small bowls. You can garnish the pani with a sprig of fresh mint leaves or lemon cut. And for the chickpea, you can drizzle some tamarind chutney.
2. Egg Roll
Another popular Indian snack is egg roll. With taste to satisfy your visual appeal, you can plate it with some sesame seed toppings. For variety, you can set it on cabbage or lettuce.
To boost the taste, you can include a dipping sauce in a small cup with it. Lightly sprinkle some chili flakes on the sauce. Now, every bite of the roll will be more incredible.
3. Kabab
One of the cherished appetizers is Kabab. This dish features roasted or grilled meat, veggies, or shellfish on skewers. People enjoy this versatile recipe in various cuisines.
To enhance its taste, you can top lemon wedges, onions, and fresh herbs on kebabs. Indian-style plating usually involves placing them over lettuce leaves along with mint and cilantro.
4. Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Mini grilled cheese sandwiches are small-sized appetizers. These sandwiches are made with toasted bread and melted cheese.
In Indian-style modern food plating ideas, you can arrange the mini sandwiches on a decorative platter. Then, use Indian food garnishes, such as herbs like mint or cilantro. Next, you can serve with chutneys or dipping sauces in a small glass. It will look more elegant if you stand the sandwiches by the glass.
5. Masala Corn Toast
Masala Corn Toast is a flavorful Indian snack. This is made by topping toasted bread slices with a spicy and tangy corn mixture.
However, to serve, arrange the toasted bread on a platter and generously spread the masala corn mixture on top. Then, you need to garnish with chopped cilantro or mint leaves for freshness and a pop of color.
6. Onion Bhajis
Onion Bhajis are Indian fritters made with chickpea flour, onions, and spices, deep-fried until crispy and golden. Serve them hot, alongside yogurt dip or chutney.
For plating techniques, you can arrange the bhajis on a plate lined with fresh lettuce leaves. Then, you can garnish with sliced onions and lemon wedges. Finally, you can serve it with a mint chutney for an authentic Indian touch.
Mains
7. Peas Pulao
One of the fragrant and luscious Indian rice dishes is Peas pulao. This recipe comprises fragrant rice, peas, and spices.
However, to make your Peas Pulao stand out, simply heap the rice neatly in the middle of the plate. Surround it with bright green peas. Then, you can add color and freshness.
To get crunchiness, you can sprinkle some toasted nuts on top. Finish off with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a fragrant touch. Now, you can enjoy an aesthetic platter view with an amazing fragrance and tasty bite.
8. Dal Chapati
One of the common traditional Indian meals is Dal Chapati. This simple breakfast can be more interesting with some garnishes and an elegant plating look.
You can serve your Dal in a shallow bowl. Then, add hot Chapati/roti to a plate. You can wrap it in a triangle shape.
Now, it’s time to add a great touch to the Dal. Sprinkle some ghee drop on the Dal and top 2 fresh coriander leaves. This will increase your recipe aroma 2 times.
9. Chicken Curry
Another cherished Indian curry is chicken curry. This dish simply consists of soft chicken cuts which are prepared in a flavorful and rich sauce.
However, you can serve chicken curry in a bowl. Then, top it with some curry garnish, like fresh cilantro leaves. With this, you can serve some steamed rice, hot roti, or naans.
If you want to serve with rice, arrange the rice or bread neatly on one side of the plate and spoon the chicken curry beside it. Now top some Indian garnishes.
Or if you want to serve it with roti or naan, wrap the roti or cut the nun in a triangle shape. Then, keep a side of the naan or roti and add the chicken curry bowl to a plate.
Read More: Indian Chicken Dishes Name List
10. Beef Steak
Beef steak is a prime cut of beef. Typically, it is grilled or pan-seared. For an Indian-style plating food ideas, present the steak alongside fragrant basmati rice.
Then, you can accompany it with a vibrant array of colorful vegetables such as sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, and caramelized onions.
For garnish, you can go with common Indian food garnishing, likefresh cilantro leaves. This will include a touch of freshness and flavor.
11. Roasted Duck
One of my favorite Indian delectable dishes is Roasted duck. You can simply marinate the duck meat with Indian spices and roast it. Thus, you can enjoy a luscious plate.
To enrich this eating experience, you can pair it with some fragrant biryani rice. First, you can put roasted duck slices neatly on the side of the plate. Then, utilize the other edge to form a mound of rice. Additionally, you can Add some green vegetables or herbs elegantly.
12. Chicken Biryani
To plate chicken biryani, you can start by arranging a mound of aromatic rice on the plate. Then, place the chicken on top. Thus, this will ensure an enticing presentation.
For a colorful garnish, add fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint leaves. You can add lemon slices, boiled egg wedges, and fried nuts around the edges. They may include an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
13. Beef Khichdi
Beef khichdi with Indian spices and cuisine style is an amazing meal to enjoy. Rice and meat’s incredible combination makes your every bite worthy.
For Indian traditional plating, you can go with a clay pot. This will enhance authenticity and flavor retention. Additionally, it provides a rustic charm to the presentation.
Read More: Khichuri Bengali Recipes
Sides
14. Chicken Soup
Chicken soup is a classic comfort food. The dish is prepared by cooking chicken, vegetables, herbs, and flavors in water or broth.
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for added flavor. When plating, make sure the chicken and vegetables are placed evenly. With it, you can add a slice of crusty bread to the side for dipping. This presents the dish as a filling meal.
15. Kakdi Koshimbir
Grated cucumber, spices, yogurt, and often herbs like cilantro result in this traditional Indian cucumber salad. As a side dish, you can pair it with many Indian meals.
However, to serve, place the Kakdi Koshimbir in a bowl or on a plate and garnish with chopped cilantro or mint. You can serve it chilled. When plating, ensure the salad is evenly spread and garnished attractively for visual appeal.
16. Chutney
Chutney is an incredibly flavorful condiment or sauce in Indian cuisine. It is made from vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices.
To plate chutney, you can use tiny serving dishes or bowls. And then garnish with fresh herbs or spices for visual appeal.
You can arrange multiple chutney varieties in small bowls for an interesting plating style. Otherwise, you can create a colorful swirl pattern with different flavored chutneys on a larger plate.
Desserts
17. Mango Kulfi
Kulfi is a classical Indian frozen dessert akin to ice cream. However, it is thicker and more creamy than conventional ice cream. A mango flavored kulfi is a hearty summer frozen dessert. From kid to old, everyone loves this delicacy.
To plate mango kulfi, you can garnish with sliced mangoes or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for added texture and flavor. Serve in traditional kulfi molds or small bowls for an authentic presentation. To keep it stable for slightly more time, you can serve it on some ice cubes.
It is best to serve 5-10 minutes before enjoying.
18. Sheer Khurma
Sheer khurma is a luscious Mughlai delicacy. These treats contain milk, vermicelli, sugar, almonds, and cardamom/saffron flavors. You can serve it warm or chilled in small bowls or cups. Additionally, you can sprinkle chopped nuts and dried fruits on top to add richness to the bite.
To add a luxurious touch, garnish with a bit of edible silver leaf. And serve in ornate bowls for an elegant Indian plating look.
19. Basundi
Reduced with milk and sweetened with sugar, a simple traditional dessert bowl is Basundi. You can serve this Basundi recipe in a small earthenware cup or bowl or in a classic brass vessel.
Sprinkle consumable rose petals and saffron over Basundi with chopped nuts such as pistachios and almonds. They will offer an elegant appearance to the dish. Now, place the bowl in the middle of the plate. And aside from that, you can pair it with some crisp jalebis or puris.
Drinks
20. Mango Falooda
Mango Falooda is a refreshing Indian dessert drink. This beverage is made with layers of vermicelli, ripe mangoes, milk, basil seeds, and ice cream, flavored with rose syrup.
However, to serve a classy appearance, you can present it in tall glasses. Then, layer each component for visual appeal. Next, top the glass with chopped nuts and a drizzle of rose syrup. This offers an authentic touch. At last, you need to serve immediately with a long spoon to enjoy it chilled and easily.
21. Jeera Pani
Another refreshing drink is Jeera Pani. This is also known as cumin water. This drink combines water, toasted cumin seeds, mints, and spices. It can be enjoyed as a hydrating beverage or digestion aid.
However, you can pour it into tall glasses and top it with fresh mint leaves. Additionally, a lemon slice will be a great addition for extra flavor.
How Can I Improve My Plating?
You can amaze your guests and improve your culinary skills by learning the art of food plating. Whether you’re a professional chef or home cook, these simple tips and lunch or dinner plating ideas will help you. They will create visually stunning dishes that look as good as they taste. The tips are:
- Avoid overloading the plate with too many components.
- Distribute ingredients evenly for a harmonious presentation.
- Highlight the star components of your dish, mainly
- Incorporate a variety of colorful ingredients to make your dish visually appealing.
- Use several textures to create depth and fascination.
- Enhance both flavor and appearance with carefully placed garnishes.
- Create dimension by layering and stacking components on the plate.
- Wipe the edges of the plate for a clean and polished finish.
These classic and modern plating food ideas will enhance your plate appearance to be more shiny and impressive.
FAQs
How Do You Plate Vegetables?
For vegetable plating, you need to consider the color, texture, and shape for visual appeal. Then, Arrange them neatly on the plate. Techniques like layering or stacking can be helpful to add dimension. At last, you can garnish with fresh herbs or spices for added flavor and aesthetic appeal.
What is Basic Food Plating?
Basic food plating involves placing food on a plate to enhance visual appearance. It involves balancing colors, textures, and flavors to create an attractive presentation. This includes considering the shape and size of the food items including the overall composition of the dish.
How Do You Plate Seafood Dishes?
To plate seafood dishes effectively, check the tips below:
1. Focus on color contrast
2. Highlight texture
3. Strategic sauce application
4. Embracing asymmetry
5. Utilize fresh garnishes
6. Arrange ingredients in threes for visual appeal
7. Layer components properly
8. And maintain cleanliness on the plate
Final Verdict
Learning how to plate your food nicely can make your dishes look as excellent as they taste. By arranging ingredients thoughtfully and adding colorful touches, you can make every meal more appealing.
Whether it’s appetizers, main courses, or desserts, take the time to plate your food well. This enhances any dining experience.
However, you can try the above mentioned 21 recipes with their Indian food plating ideas. They will drive you to explore India’s incredible taste and classic appearance.
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