The Best Indian Dishes to Try If You Love Grilled Food

If you're someone who always chooses grilled dishes when dining out, Indian cuisine deserves a place on your must-try list. While many people associate Indian food with rich curries and fragrant rice, grilling is just as important to India's culinary tradition.

From juicy chicken marinated in yoghurt and aromatic spices to smoky kebabs cooked over intense heat, Indian grilled dishes are known for their bold flavours, tender texture, and irresistible aroma. Rather than relying on heavy sauces, these dishes highlight carefully balanced spices and traditional cooking techniques that allow the natural flavour of the ingredients to shine.

Whether you're discovering Indian food in Ubud for the first time or returning to enjoy your favourite dishes, grilled specialities offer a delicious introduction to authentic Indian cuisine. Their familiar flavours, combined with unique Indian seasonings, make them an excellent choice for both adventurous food lovers and first-time diners.

Why Indian Grilled Food Is Different

What makes Indian grilled food stand out isn't simply that it's cooked over high heat, it's the preparation that happens beforehand.

Most grilled dishes are marinated for several hours using yoghurt, fresh ginger, garlic, lemon juice, and a carefully selected blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and garam masala. This process helps tenderise the meat while allowing every bite to absorb layers of flavour.

Unlike many barbecue styles that depend on sweet or smoky sauces, Indian grilling creates its signature taste through the marinade itself. The result is food that's juicy, aromatic, and rich without being overly heavy. Many dishes are surprisingly mild, making them suitable even for diners who don't usually enjoy spicy food.

The Traditional Tandoor: Where the Magic Happens

Many of India's most iconic grilled dishes are cooked in a tandoor, a traditional cylindrical clay oven that has been used for centuries across North India.

A tandoor reaches extremely high temperatures, allowing meat to cook quickly while locking in its natural juices. The intense heat also creates the lightly charred edges and smoky aroma that define classics such as Tandoori Chicken and Chicken Tikka.

The same oven is used to bake freshly made naan, giving it a soft centre and beautifully blistered crust. This is why grilled dishes and naan have become one of the most iconic combinations in Indian cuisine, enjoyed in restaurants around the world.

The Best Indian Dishes to Try If You Love Grilled Food

If smoky flavours, tender meat, and perfectly charred edges are what you look for in a meal, Indian cuisine has plenty to offer. From timeless classics to flavour-packed kebabs and fresh seafood, each dish brings its own unique character while showcasing the authentic techniques of traditional Indian cooking.

Here are some of the best grilled Indian dishes that every barbecue lover should experience, whether you're visiting an Indian restaurant in Ubud for the first time or simply looking to discover something new.

Tandoori Chicken: The Ultimate Indian Grilled Classic

When people think of Indian grilled food, Tandoori Chicken is often the first dish that comes to mind and for good reason.

This iconic dish is made by marinating chicken in yoghurt, fresh ginger, garlic, lemon juice, and a blend of aromatic spices before cooking it in a traditional tandoor. The yoghurt helps tenderise the meat, while the spices create layers of flavour that develop beautifully under intense heat.

Despite its vibrant red colour, authentic Tandoori Chicken is not necessarily spicy. Instead, it offers a smoky, savoury taste with subtle warmth from the spices, making it an excellent choice for both first-time diners and anyone who prefers grilled food over rich curries.

Best for: First-time visitors, barbecue lovers, and anyone looking for a flavourful yet balanced grilled dish.

Chicken Tikka: Tender, Smoky and Easy to Love

If you prefer boneless chicken, Chicken Tikka is another must-try.

Unlike Tandoori Chicken, which is traditionally cooked on the bone, Chicken Tikka uses bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken that are marinated in yoghurt and aromatic spices before being grilled until lightly charred around the edges.

The result is juicy, tender chicken with a delicious smoky aroma and a mild spice profile. It's easy to eat, full of flavour, and pairs perfectly with naan, basmati rice, or a fresh salad.

For many people visiting an Indian restaurant in Ubud, Chicken Tikka is one of the easiest dishes to fall in love with because it combines familiar grilled flavours with the distinctive spices that make Indian cuisine so memorable.

Best for: Families, first-time diners, and anyone who enjoys grilled chicken.

Seekh Kebab: Rich Flavour in Every Bite

For those looking to try something a little different, Seekh Kebab is an excellent choice.

Made from seasoned minced meat mixed with fresh herbs, onions, garlic, ginger, and traditional Indian spices, the mixture is shaped onto long skewers before being cooked in the tandoor.

The high heat creates a lightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside incredibly juicy. Every bite delivers a satisfying combination of smoky, savoury, and herbaceous flavours that make Seekh Kebabs a favourite among meat lovers.

Served with mint chutney, sliced onions, and warm naan, they're perfect as a starter or as part of a shared feast.

Best for: Diners who enjoy rich, juicy grilled meat with bold flavours.

Tandoori Prawns: A Fresh Seafood Favourite

Indian grilling isn't limited to chicken and meat. Seafood lovers will also find plenty to enjoy.

Tandoori Prawns are marinated with yoghurt, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and aromatic spices before being grilled quickly at high heat. This cooking method locks in the prawns' natural sweetness while adding a gentle smoky finish that enhances their flavour without overpowering it.

Light yet satisfying, they're an excellent option for anyone looking for a grilled dish that's both flavourful and refreshing.

Best for: Seafood lovers and diners who prefer lighter grilled meals.

Complete Your Meal With Freshly Baked Naan

No grilled Indian feast feels complete without warm, freshly baked naan.

Cooked inside the same traditional tandoor as many grilled dishes, naan develops a soft, fluffy interior with a lightly blistered crust that's perfect for enjoying alongside smoky meats and seafood. Whether you choose plain naan, butter naan, or garlic naan, it adds warmth and texture to every meal.

If you're exploring Indian food in Ubud, pairing freshly baked naan with grilled specialities is one of the best ways to experience the authentic flavours of Indian cuisine. It transforms a simple grilled dish into a complete dining experience that's both comforting and satisfying.

How to Enjoy the Perfect Indian Grilled Feast

One of the best things about Indian grilled food is that it encourages sharing. Instead of ordering just one main course, many diners choose a combination of grilled specialities, freshly baked bread, rice, and side dishes to experience a wider variety of flavours in a single meal.

A balanced feast might begin with Chicken Tikka or Seekh Kebab as a starter, followed by Tandoori Chicken as the main attraction. Add a basket of warm naan, fragrant basmati rice, refreshing mint chutney, and a glass of Mango Lassi, and you have a meal that combines smoky, creamy, fresh, and aromatic flavours in every bite.

This style of dining also allows everyone at the table to try different dishes, making it ideal for families, couples, or groups of friends who enjoy sharing food together.

Why Grilled Indian Food Is Perfect for Every Occasion

Grilled Indian dishes are incredibly versatile, making them suitable whether you're stopping for a casual lunch or planning a relaxed dinner.

After a morning exploring Ubud's temples, markets, or rice terraces, a plate of freshly grilled Chicken Tikka or Tandoori Prawns offers a satisfying meal that's rich in flavour without feeling overly heavy. In the evening, grilled dishes pair beautifully with curries, naan, and rice, creating a more generous dining experience perfect for sharing.

This versatility is one reason grilled dishes remain some of the most popular choices at an Indian restaurant in Ubud. Their combination of authentic spices, smoky aromas, and high-quality ingredients appeals to both experienced lovers of Indian cuisine and travellers trying it for the very first time.

Experience Authentic Indian Grilled Food at Pesona Lounge Ubud

If grilled food is always your first choice, Pesona Lounge Ubud is the perfect place to discover the authentic flavours of Indian tandoori cooking.

Our menu features favourites such as Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Tikka, and flavourful kebabs, all prepared with carefully selected spices and traditional cooking techniques that celebrate the rich heritage of Indian cuisine. Every dish is crafted to deliver juicy textures, smoky aromas, and the balanced flavours that have made Indian grilled food popular around the world.

Located in the heart of Ubud, Pesona Lounge offers a welcoming atmosphere for couples, families, and groups looking to enjoy authentic Indian food in Ubud. Whether you're visiting for lunch after exploring the town or settling in for a relaxed dinner, our grilled specialities provide a memorable dining experience that goes far beyond ordinary barbecue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best grilled Indian dish for first-time diners?

Chicken Tikka and Tandoori Chicken are excellent choices for first-time diners. Both are marinated in yoghurt and aromatic spices, then grilled until tender and smoky, offering plenty of flavour without being overwhelmingly spicy.

Is Indian grilled food spicy?

Not necessarily. Many grilled Indian dishes focus on aromatic spices rather than chilli heat. Popular options like Chicken Tikka and Tandoori Chicken are generally mild and can often be prepared with less spice upon request.

What is the difference between Chicken Tikka and Tandoori Chicken?

Both dishes use similar marinades and are cooked in a traditional tandoor. The main difference is that Chicken Tikka is made with boneless pieces of chicken, while Tandoori Chicken is typically cooked on the bone, giving it a slightly richer flavour and juicier texture.

What should I order with grilled Indian dishes?

Freshly baked naan, basmati rice, mint chutney, and a refreshing Mango Lassi are all excellent accompaniments. Together, they create a balanced meal that complements the smoky flavours of grilled Indian cuisine.

Where can I enjoy authentic grilled Indian food in Ubud?

If you're looking for an Indian restaurant in Ubud, Pesona Lounge Ubud serves a variety of authentic grilled favourites, including Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Tikka, kebabs, and freshly baked naan, alongside a wide selection of traditional Indian dishes prepared with authentic Indian flavours.