If you’re curious about Indian cuisine and want to enjoy it like a local, you’re in for a treat. Traditional Indian dining goes way beyond what’s on the plate. It’s about how you eat, who you eat with, and even how you sit. From using your hands to savouring a Thali in one sitting, these customs give meaning and depth to every bite. Newcastle locals looking for the best Indian food can bring these traditions to life at places like Raj’s Corner — a local favourite for Indian food Newcastle style.
Table of Contents
- What makes Indian food so special?
- Why do Indians eat with their hands?
- What is traditional Indian dining etiquette?
- What is a Thali and why is it iconic?
- How to truly enjoy Indian food the traditional way
- Where to try authentic Indian food in Newcastle
What Makes Indian Food So Special?
Let’s start with the basics. Indian food isn’t just about heat. It’s about layers — spice blends that’ve been refined over centuries, slow-cooked gravies, smoky tandoori dishes, and colourful chutneys that explode with flavour. Each region of India brings something different to the table.
- North Indian: Known for creamy curries like Butter Chicken and Rogan Josh.
- South Indian: Features rice-based dishes, coconut, and tangy tamarind-heavy sauces.
- West Indian: Think spicy Goan seafood and sweet Gujarati dishes.
- East Indian: Light curries, fish, and subtle use of mustard oil.
What they all share is a dedication to fresh spices, seasonal ingredients, and cooking as a form of care — whether it’s a street vendor in Mumbai or a restaurant in Newcastle.
Why Do Indians Eat with Their Hands?
You’ve probably seen it before — someone expertly mixing curry and rice, scooping it up with their fingers and guiding it to their mouth without a single spill. It’s not just tradition — it’s sensory.
- Connects you to the food — You feel the texture, the warmth, the mix of ingredients.
- Slows down your pace — You eat more mindfully and appreciate every bite.
- Follows Ayurvedic principles — Stimulating nerves in your fingertips is believed to aid digestion.
Here’s how to do it without feeling awkward:
- Use your right hand only — the left is considered unclean for eating.
- Keep it tidy — you’re not meant to dunk your whole hand into your food.
- Master the scoop — gently mix rice with curry and push it with your thumb into your mouth.
And yes, it’s totally okay to ask for cutlery if you’re not ready — even at traditional places offering the best Indian food.
What Is Traditional Indian Dining Etiquette?
Indian meals are communal and respectful. Whether it’s a small family meal or a big celebration, how you act at the table matters.
Here’s a quick etiquette guide:
- Wash up before and after eating — especially when using your hands.
- Wait for everyone to be served — don’t start until the host or eldest person begins.
- Eat everything on your plate — wasting food is frowned upon.
- Don’t lick your fingers — even if it’s tempting.
- Use your thumb and first two fingers — not your whole hand.
And when dining out in places known for Indian food Newcastle, being open to these customs adds to the experience.
What Is a Thali and Why Is It Iconic?
A Thali is a full sensory meal — and a great place to start for newbies wanting to try the best Indian dishes.
It’s a round platter with:
- Rice or flatbread (or both)
- One or two curries (veg and/or non-veg)
- Daal (lentils)
- Dry veggie dish like Aloo Gobi
- Pickle or chutney
- Something crunchy like papadum
- A dessert — often Gulab Jamun or Halwa
It’s designed to be balanced — spicy, tangy, sweet, salty, sour — all in one meal. No two bites are the same. You get to taste a whole region’s flavour palette without committing to just one dish. At Raj’s Corner, Thalis are a crowd-pleaser and an easy way to explore real Indian dining in Newcastle.
How to Truly Enjoy Indian Food the Traditional Way
Want to eat Indian food like a pro? Here are some top tips:
- Start with lighter dishes like lentils or veggies, then move to heavier gravies.
- Balance every bite — mix rice with daal, add a spoon of pickle or yoghurt for contrast.
- Sip, don’t gulp your drink — many traditional drinks like Lassi or Masala Chai are rich and meant to be savoured.
- Ask for recommendations — restaurant staff often know which dishes go well together.
- Don’t rush — this is comfort food, not fast food. Share stories, taste slowly.
You’ll also find that many traditional Indian restaurants, especially those offering the best Indian food in Newcastle, present dishes in an order that encourages this kind of experience — start mild, build heat, end sweet.
Where to Try Authentic Indian Food in Newcastle
Looking for the real deal in Newcastle? You’re not alone. Whether you’re craving street-style snacks or home-style curries, the city has a few gems.
Raj’s Corner: The Local Legend
This one’s a no-brainer. Raj’s Corner is a favourite among locals and students alike. With multiple locations and an easygoing vibe, it’s a great place to experience the richness of Indian food — from Butter Chicken to Vegetable Biryani, all the way to authentic Thalis.
They’ve got:
- Quick service for takeaway or dine-in
- Dishes that stick close to traditional recipes
- Options for every diet — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free
Book a table
Order online
Catering and events
If you’re in Newcastle and searching for the best Indian dishes, start here.
Conclusion
Eating Indian food the traditional way is about more than spice — it’s about slowing down, savouring each bite, and sharing that experience with others. Whether it’s scooping curry with your fingers or working through a colourful Thali, it’s a dining style full of culture and care. Newcastle is lucky to have places like Raj’s Corner, where locals and newcomers can enjoy Indian cuisine the way it’s meant to be: with heart, hands, and heaps of flavour.
FAQs
Q1: Is it acceptable to eat with your hands in Newcastle Indian restaurants?
Yes! Especially at places like Raj’s Corner, it’s totally cool — and even encouraged if you’re up for it.
Q2: What’s the point of a Thali?
It’s a sampler plate that gives you a balanced taste of an Indian meal — and a great intro to Indian food if you’re new.
Q3: Can I get traditional Indian food that’s vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely. Many of the best Indian dishes are naturally vegetarian — think Daal, Chana Masala, and Aloo Gobi.
Q4: What should I drink with Indian food?
Try a Mango Lassi or a spiced Chai — both traditional, delicious, and great for balancing spice.
Q5: Where can I get the best Indian food in Newcastle?
Raj’s Corner is highly rated and loved by locals for a reason — authentic, flavour-packed, and great value.
