Our Chef’s Recommendations for First-Time Visitors

Trying Indian cuisine for the first time or just walking into Coriander’s unsure what to order? You’re not alone. With a menu packed full of flavour, colour, and centuries of tradition, choosing your first Indian meal can be exciting but a little overwhelming too.

We asked our head chef to share his personal picks to help first-time visitors at Coriander’s, the trusted name for authentic Indian food in Christchurch, get the full experience.

Start Simple, But Flavourful

For your very first Indian meal, go for balance. Not too spicy, not too mild, just enough to experience the rich Indian flavours.

Recommended Starter: Vegetable Samosas or Chicken Tikka

Our samosas are hand-folded and filled with seasoned potatoes and peas, fried till crisp. Chicken tikka offers a slightly smoky flavour from our traditional clay oven, is perfectly tender, and is a great intro to Indian spices.

The Must-Have Mains

When it comes to mains, the chef’s advice is simple: go with the classics. They’ve stood the test of time for a reason.

Try:

Lamb Shank Curry – Lamb shank marinated overnight with fresh ground spices, slow-cooked in vegetable gravy, crushed tomatoes, herbs, onions, and fresh coriander. Served with stir-fried seasonal vegetables and saffron rice.
Bombay Chicken – Diced chicken fillets cooked in a vegetable gravy with freshly ground herbs and spices, cream, and fresh coriander
Lamb Kadai – Chunks of lamb cooked in a vegetable gravy with crushed tomatoes, herbs and spices, onions, and fresh coriander.

All these dishes pair beautifully with our garlic naan or jeera rice.

Curious About Spice? Ease Into It

If you want to test your spice tolerance, Chicken Vindaloo or Lamb Madras are great picks. They carry more heat but still retain the depth of flavour that defines Indian cuisine in Christchurch.

Ask the staff to adjust the spice level; we’re happy to make it medium or mild for first-timers.

Don’t Skip the Sides

Chef Suggests: Raita and Pickles

These small additions offer cooling and tangy contrasts to the warm, rich flavours of your main course.

Something Sweet to Finish

Indian desserts are often overlooked, but they shouldn’t be.

Chef’s Pick: Gulab Jamun

These deep-fried dough balls soaked in cardamom syrup are sweet, comforting, and the perfect end to your meal.

A Warm Welcome to Indian Cuisine

As a leading Indian Restaurant in Christchurch, our team is here to guide you through the menu, explain any dish, and tailor it to your taste. So if it’s your first visit, don’t worry, our chefs have you covered. And once you try it, we’re sure it won’t be your last.

Hungry now? Visit any Coriander’s location or explore our menu online.