Denver’s Favorite Indian Dishes in 2025: Revealed by Real Order Data from Little India of Denver

What are Denverites actually ordering? We pulled insights from real, anonymized 2025 order data across Little India of Denver’s dine-in and online channels to find out. No personal details—just dish popularity, trends, and the sides Denver loves most. Whether you’re new to Indian food or a lifelong fan, this guide makes it easy to choose your next favorite.

1. Chicken Tikka Masala
2. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
3. Saag Paneer
4. Chicken Biryani
5. Lamb Vindaloo
6. Chana Masala (Vegan)
7. Tandoori Chicken
8. Paneer Tikka Masala
9. Samosa Chaat (street-food favorite)
10. Gulab Jamun (dessert)

The List—Explained for Real People (Flavor, Heat, Pairings & When to Order)

1) Chicken Tikka Masala

Tandoor-roasted chicken is folded into a velvety tomato-cream sauce scented with garlic, ginger, and fenugreek (kasuri methi), giving it that signature smoky-sweet depth without overwhelming heat.
Why Denver loves it: It’s the “first love” of Indian cuisine—comforting and balanced.
Best with: Garlic Naan, basmati rice, mint-cilantro chutney.
Perfect for: First-timers, family dinners, office lunches.
Try it: Order Online

2) Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

Think ultra-silky comfort: tender tandoor chicken in a buttery tomato gravy rounded out with cream and a whisper of honeyed sweetness. The fenugreek and slow simmering soften any sharp edges, so it lands squarely in the mild zone—kid-friendly, reheat-friendly, and endlessly sippable with rice.
Why Denver loves it: Ultra-comforting, kid-friendly, reheats well.
Best with: Butter Naan, jeera (cumin) rice, raita.
Trend: Spiking with catering and game-day orders.

3) Saag Paneer

This vegetarian favorite blends farm-fresh spinach with aromatics until the greens turn lush and saucy, then adds soft, lightly browned paneer cubes that soak up flavor like sponges. The profile is savory, gently earthy, and mild–medium in heat—comforting without heaviness.
Why Denver loves it: “Greens with protein” that still tastes indulgent.
Best with: Tandoori Roti, basmati rice.
Dietary note: Vegetarian.

4) Chicken Biryani

Biryani is the one-bowl wonder: long-grain basmati perfumed with saffron and whole spices, layered with marinated chicken and caramelized onions, then sealed to steam so every grain turns aromatic and fluffy. The heat registers medium by default, but the real magic is fragrance and texture.
Why Denver loves it: A complete, travel-friendly meal; great for takeout.
Best with: Raita, lime wedge, pickled onions.
Trend: Biryani is booming late evenings.

5) Lamb Vindaloo

For spice fans who want flavor, not just fire, vindaloo brings a Goan tang from vinegar and garlic that sharpens the masala and makes the lamb taste even richer. It’s bold, zesty, and easily tuned from medium-hot to hot—ask us to set your spice level.
Why Denver loves it: A legit spicy option for adventurous palates.
Best with: Steamed basmati, onion salad, and cooling raita.
Tip: Ask to adjust the spice level.

6) Chana Masala (Vegan)

Hearty chickpeas simmer in a tomato-onion base brightened with amchur (dried mango) and coriander, so every bite lands tangy, savory, and satisfying. Naturally vegan and typically medium heat, it’s weeknight-friendly, protein-rich, and budget-smart—no compromise on depth.
Why Denver loves it: Plant-powered, protein-rich, budget-friendly.
Best with: Jeera rice, roti, mint chutney.
Trend: Vegan orders are up vs. prior years.

7) Tandoori Chicken

A yogurt-spice marinade (think ginger, garlic, Kashmiri chili, citrus) meets searing heat in the clay tandoor, yielding char-kissed edges and incredibly juicy meat. Flavor pops first; the heat lands mild–medium unless you ask us to turn it up.
Why Denver loves it: High-protein option without heavy sauce.
Best with: Lemon wedge, house salad, naan on the side.
Occasion: Shareable platters, mixed grills.

8) Paneer Tikka Masala

If Chicken Tikka Masala is your comfort zone, this is the vegetarian lane to love: golden-seared paneer cubes in that same creamy, gently smoky tomato base. The spice is mild–medium, the texture is plush, and the paneer holds its shape while absorbing the sauce—so every bite is balanced.
Why Denver loves it: Paneer curiosity is real—and repeat orders stick.
Best with: Garlic Naan, basmati rice.

9) Samosa Chaat (Street-Food Favorite)

Crunch meets cream in this riot of textures: a hot, flaky samosa cracked open and covered with chickpeas, cool yogurt, bright mint chutney, sweet-tart tamarind, and a dusting of chaat spices. It eats mild–medium overall, with bursts of tang and herbiness in every spoon.
Why Denver loves it: Layers of texture and flavor; perfect to share.
Best with: Tamarind & mint chutneys, hot tea, or a crisp lager.
Trend: Street-food dishes are surging in 2025.

10) Gulab Jamun

Warm, melt-in-the-mouth milk-solid dumplings bob in cardamom-rose syrup, offering a gentle, floral sweetness that never turns cloying. There’s no heat, just pure comfort—the perfect finale after curries or biryani.
Why Denver loves it: Comfort dessert; celebration-ready, shareable.
Best with: A second spoon.

What’s New & Trending in 2025

• Plant-Powered Picks: Chana Masala, Dal Tadka, and Veg Biryani are winning weekday dinners.

• Street-Food Energy: Samosa Chaat, Pani Puri/Sev Puri are becoming must-try appetizers.

• Spice Confidence: More guests are stepping up from medium to hot on vindaloo and lamb curries.

• Delivery-Smart Dishes: Biryani and tikka masalas hold heat and texture for the ride home.

FAQs

Q1. What’s the most ordered Indian dish in Denver (2025)?
Chicken Tikka Masala, followed by Butter Chicken and Saag Paneer—based on our anonymized 2025 order data.

Q2. Best spicy dish to try?
Lamb Vindaloo. Ask us to set it medium-hot or hot—we’ll customize.

Q3. I want vegetarian or vegan—what should I order?
Vegetarian: Saag Paneer, Paneer Tikka Masala, Veg Biryani.
Vegan: Chana Masala, Dal Tadka (check daily availability).

Q4. Kid-friendly picks?
Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Garlic Naan, Gulab Jamun.

Q5. What should I order with biryani?
Raita, pickled onions, and a lime wedge—classic, refreshing balance.

Try Denver’s Favorites Tonight

Found your next go-to dish? Visit or order online now: 👉 https://littleindiaofdenver.com/

Tell us your favorite (and spice level!) in the comments or tag us on social—your post might inspire the next update.