Indian food in the USA — August 2023 roundup

August 2023 on Spicy News Bites featured a handy guide titled "What type of food is available in the USA for Indians?" If you moved recently, are planning a trip, or just miss home flavors, this archive page pulls out the practical takeaways. You'll get clear examples of dishes, where to look, and quick tips to get authentic or comfort versions without drama.

What was published

The single post in this month explains how Indian cuisine shows up across the U.S. It notes classic North and South Indian options, regional variations, and strong vegetarian choices. The writer highlights real examples you can expect—tandoori chicken showing up even in unexpected towns, and masala dosa available near bigger South-Indian communities. That post is short, warm, and focused on what you can actually eat right now.

Beyond naming dishes, the post points out that availability depends on local communities. Cities with large Indian populations—think New Jersey/New York, San Francisco Bay Area, Houston, Chicago—offer the widest range. Smaller towns might have one South-Indian dosa place or a Punjabi restaurant that doubles as a grocery and sweets shop.

Practical tips and where to start

Want specifics? Look for these: tandoori and kebabs at North Indian or Punjabi spots; butter chicken, dal makhani, and naan at many casual restaurants; dosa, idli, and uttapam at South Indian eateries; biryani and kebabs at Hyderabadi or Muslim-run places; chaat and street-food items at specialty chaat houses. Vegetarian picks are everywhere—paneer tikka, chole, aloo gobi, and many lentil-based dishes are standard.

For groceries and cooking at home, check local "Indian" or "Asian" markets. Big chains and regional stores carry staples: basmati rice, a variety of lentils, garam masala, turmeric, and whole spices. If you need fresh dosa batter or frozen parathas, many stores keep them in refrigerated or frozen sections. Online ordering and delivery services also stock key spices and ready-to-eat options if you can't find a local shop.

Ordering tips: ask if dishes are made to order or reheated. For dosa, request fresh batter-made dosa. For curries, ask about spice level and oil. Try lunch thali at weekday counters for good value and variety. If you want home-style flavors, look for family-run places rather than high-end fusion spots.

Finally, expect regional twists. Indian-American fusion is common: tikka tacos, curry burgers, or Indian-spiced bowls. They won't replace the food you remember, but they can be fun and convenient. If you're hunting a specific dish, mention the dish name and the preferred region (e.g., "Hyderabadi biryani") when you call or check menus.

August 2023 on Spicy News Bites was all about making Indian food in the USA easy to find and enjoy. Read the original post for the full list of examples and use these tips to get your next meal sorted fast.