With the unmistakable aroma of smoky spices, the sizzle of marinated meats and vegetables hitting red-hot clay walls, we welcome you to the world of Indian grilled food. From the bustling streets of Delhi to fine-dining restaurants in Berlin, Indian tandoori dishes have become global favorites for their bold flavors and satisfying charm.
Whether you’re a lifelong foodie or just discovering Indian cuisine, these grilled Indian specialties offer something unforgettable. In this article, you will learn about seven dishes that truly capture the essence of Indian grilling that including everything from tandoor to table.
Before exploring the dishes, let us first know more about Indian tandoori.
What Are Indian Tandoori Dishes?
Tandoori dishes are a cornerstone of Indian cuisine, known for their bold flavors, vibrant colors, and smoky aroma. Named after the traditional tandoor—a cylindrical clay oven fired by charcoal or wood—these dishes are marinated in spiced yogurt-based mixtures and grilled at high temperatures to seal in flavor and tenderness. The technique dates back centuries and was popularized globally through Mughlai and Punjabi cooking traditions. Whether it’s juicy meats, seafood, or marinated vegetables, tandoori-style cooking adds depth and character that’s hard to replicate with other methods. At Tasty India Berlin, each tandoori dish is a tribute to this time-honored Indian grilling technique.
1. Chicken Tikka
No list of Indian grilled delicacies is complete without mentioning Tandoori Chicken. Originating in Punjab, this dish is a celebration of spice, smoke, and succulent texture. Chicken pieces are marinated in yogurt, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and a unique blend of spices including garam masala and Kashmiri chili powder, which gives it that vibrant red hue.
Cooked in a traditional tandoor (clay oven), the meat remains juicy inside while developing a smoky crust outside. It’s a must-try for anyone craving authentic Indian grilled food.
2. Paneer Tikka
For vegetarians or cheese lovers, Paneer Tikka is the go-to Indian barbecue dish. Cubes of fresh Indian cottage cheese are marinated in spiced yogurt, skewered with onions and peppers, and grilled to smoky perfection.
What sets this dish apart is the combination of softness from the paneer and the crunch from slightly charred veggies. A splash of lemon and a sprinkle of chaat masala bring everything together. It’s flavorful, filling, and completely meat-free.
3. Mix Veggie Tikka
A celebration of color, texture, and taste, the Mix Veggie Tikka features a medley of seasonal vegetables—often including mushrooms, cauliflower, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions—all marinated in spiced yogurt and slow-roasted in the tandoor. The intense heat gives each veggie a lightly charred, caramelized exterior while locking in natural sweetness and earthiness. It’s a dish that turns humble vegetables into stars of the grill, making it a favorite among vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking for a healthier, flavor-packed option.
4. Lamm Tikka
Lamb lovers will appreciate the deep, complex flavors of the Lamm Tikka. Succulent cuts of lamb are marinated in a robust spice mix that includes cumin, paprika, garlic, black pepper, and a hint of clove, then grilled until tender and smoky. The fat renders beautifully over the tandoor’s flames, creating a juicy texture and rich taste that’s balanced with grilled bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions. It’s bold, hearty, and made for those who enjoy intensely flavored Indian grilled dishes with a satisfying chew.
5. Batak Tikka
For something truly unique, the Batak Tikka introduces diners to the lesser-known world of Indian-style grilled duck. Slices of duck breast are marinated with crushed spices, ginger, garlic, tomatoes, and mustard oil, then roasted in the tandoor until the skin crisps up and the meat remains juicy and tender inside. The natural richness of the duck is perfectly complemented by the smokiness of the grill and the tangy kick of the marinade. Ideal for adventurous eaters, this dish offers a gourmet twist on traditional Indian barbecue.
6. Jhinga Tikka
Tandoori cooking meets coastal flair in the Jhinga Tikka—jumbo shrimp marinated in lemon juice, garlic, turmeric, and bold tandoori masala. As they hit the tandoor, the prawns sizzle and curl into tender, smoky bites that are juicy and flavorful without being overly heavy. Light yet indulgent, this dish is perfect for seafood lovers who want something high in protein, rich in taste, and distinctly Indian. A squeeze of lime and a spoonful of mint chutney make each bite sing.
7. Royal Grill
Can’t choose just one? The Royal Grill is a decadent sampler of the best Tandoori India has to offer—featuring a luxurious trio of Chicken Tikka, Lamb Tikka, and Batak Tikka. This mixed grill plate is perfect for sharing or indulging solo, offering a little bit of everything: tender chicken, flavorful lamb, and rich duck, each with its own marinade and grilling technique. Accompanied by fragrant basmati rice and chutneys, the Royal Grill captures the essence of India’s tandoor tradition in one memorable, mouthwatering dish.
From Clay Oven to Table
Each of these dishes reflects Tasty India’s commitment to authentic tandoori cooking tradition, from marinade to heat and final char. Served with fluffy rice, they make a fulfilling, aromatic meal perfect for sharing or savoring solo.
What Makes Tasty India’s Grills a Cut Above?
- Authentic tandoor firing ensures that the signature smoky aroma and succulent texture
- Diverse texture profiles, from creamy paneer to crisp veggie and tender meats
- Bold flavor balance in spice, aroma, and marinade, appealing to both spice-lovers and milder palates
Elevate the Experience
Pair your grilled tandoor dishes with sides like Butter Naan, Garlic Naan, or Raita to enhance flavors. Need zest? Add Mango Chutney or Mixed Pickles for sweet and spicy brightness.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving classic Chicken Tikka or adventurous Batak Tikka, Tasty India Berlin’s grilled specialties deliver an unforgettable tandoor journey from heat to plate. For food bloggers, restaurant-goers, or anyone seeking bold, smoky Indian grilled food, this lineup is menu perfection.
