12 Indian Appetizers You Need to Try Like, Yesterday

 

These 12 mouthwatering Indian appetizers will spice up your snack game and leave you craving more. Time to indulge!

Let’s be honest—nothing gets a party started like a table full of appetizers. But when it comes to flavor, few cuisines can compete with the bold, vibrant tastes of India. From crispy, golden samosas to paneer pakora, Indian appetizers are a world of their own, bursting with spices, textures, and aromas that are absolutely irresistible!

Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or just looking to spice up your next gathering, these Indian appetizers will take your taste buds on a delicious adventure.

Ready to dive in? Get ready to discover the small bites that pack a punch—because once you start, you won’t be able to stop!

 

Easy Indian Appetizers

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1. Crispy Corn Pakora (Corn Fritters)

Get The Full Recipe On Silk Road Recipes

A sweet and spicy Corn Fritter makes for a fantastic appetizer or snack!

Authentic Indian herbs and spices are mixed into a rice and chickpea flour batter, creating a delicious blend when paired with sweet and juicy corn.

If you’re looking for a tasty way to introduce someone to Indian cuisine, I highly recommend corn pakora.

Despite the seemingly long ingredients list—mostly seasonings—these fritters are quick and easy to make!

 

2. Cabbage Pakoras

Get The Full Recipe On Emily Leary

These cabbage pakoras are bursting with flavor and have a wonderfully soft and light interior, encased in a crispy, spiced batter.

They’re made just like any other pakora, and you can mix in your favorite spices and seasonings.

Even if you’re not a big fan of cabbage, you might still enjoy these because the onion and spices help to mask the cabbage’s natural bitterness.

 

3. Vegetable Samosas (Indian appetizers)

Get The Full Recipe On Cooking with Parita

These samosas are crispy on the outside and packed with Indian-spiced veggies on the inside.

They’re bites of heaven when dunked in some chutney!

These deep-fried dumplings are a classic Indian treat, with a variety of possible fillings.

This recipe keeps them vegetarian-friendly, using only potatoes, peas, onions, chiles, and a mix of flavorful herbs and spices.

 

4. Vegetable Pakora (Healthy Recipe)

Get The Full Recipe On Ela Vegan

These mixed vegetable pakoras are super crispy on the outside and tender in the middle, but pan-fried to keep the oil to a minimum!

Use your favorite vegetables in a tasty chickpea flour batter for a gluten-free, vegan snack or appetizer.

They’re a delightful mix of veggies fried and flavored with garlic, chiles, mint, and other bold spices.

They smell amazing, and they taste even better!

 

5. Vegetable Kabab: Vegan & Glutenfree (Fried, Baked, Air Fryer)

Get The Full Recipe On Easy Cooking wtih Molly

This delicious and easy-to-make Indian snack is extremely popular!

Made with mixed vegetables, lentils, and a few spices, it’s vegetarian-friendly and relatively healthy.

 

6. Lentil Fritters (Masala Vada – Indian appetizers)

Get The Full Recipe On El Mundo Eats

The word ‘masala’ means ‘a variety of spices,’ and these fritters are loaded with spices and other tasty ingredients.

Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, these lentil fritters are packed with the wonderful flavors of spices and herbs. They’re an amazing snack to make at home.

Along with lentils, you’ll find red onions, red chilis, chili flakes, curry powder, salt, coriander, and fennel seeds.

If you enjoy lots of exotic flavors in your food, you’ll love these!

 

7. Best Mango Chutney

Get The Full Recipe On Daring Gourmet

Fresh, vibrant, and absolutely BURSTING with flavor, you’re going to love this versatile and wonderfully delicious condiment.

As a huge Indian food fan, I love exploring and creating a wide range of chutneys using fruits, nuts, vegetables, and a whole host of spices.

This mango chutney recipe is one of our all-time favorites!

 

8. Mint Cilantro Chutney (Indian Green Chutney)

Get The Full Recipe On Pingping Pot Curry

A cool, spicy, and tangy green chutney, this no-cook mint cilantro chutney is a must-try with Indian dishes like samosas, chaat, kebabs, and sandwiches.

This versatile Indian green sauce can easily be tweaked with simple ingredients to suit your taste!

 

9. Gobi 65 Recipe (Indian appetizers)

Get The Full Recipe On Sharmis Passions

Gobi 65 is a beloved crispy fried snack made with cauliflower.

It’s a hit in many restaurants, often served as a snack, starter, or appetizer.

This cauliflower fry, popularly known as Gobi 65 or Cauliflower 65, is a must-try!

 

10. Fried Idli (Mumbai Style Recipe)

Get The Full Recipe On Dassana’s Veg Recipes

Deep-fry idli to create Fried Idli. Then, cut the idli into wedges, batons, or fingers, then deep-fry them to perfection.

Made with leftover idlis, this crispy and tasty snack is perfect with coconut chutney, sambar, or tomato ketchup.

 

11. Paneer Pakora

Get The Full Recipe On Allways Delicious

Bite into a crispy, hot Paneer Pakora, and it’s easy to see why this North Indian snack is so popular.

Batter-fry tender pieces of paneer to a crunchy golden brown.

Enjoy them best with green or red chili chutney or Schezwan sauce!

 

12. Khaman Dhokla Recipe (Indian appetizers)

Get The Full Recipe On Cook with Manali

Make Khaman Dhokla, a popular Indian steamed savory snack, by using gram flour (besan) and leavening agents, then temper it with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and more.

Best enjoyed with chutney and a cup of chai, these cute bites are also a good source of protein and fiber.

Perfect as appetizers, you can also add them to your breakfast menu!

 

There you have it—12 Indian appetizers that are so good, that they might just steal the spotlight from the main course.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these snacks are guaranteed to impress! So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get your snack on!

 

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