What to Order at Aura on the Lake if It's Your First Time

Walking into an Indian restaurant for the first time can feel a little like opening a book in the middle. The menu is full of names you haven't encountered before, the descriptions hint at layers of flavour you're not sure how to picture, and it's hard to know where to start.

We've written this guide for exactly that moment. Whether you're brand new to Indian cuisine or just new to Aura, here's how to build your first meal here — from the first bite to the last spoonful.

Start with Poppadams

Before you even look at the menu properly, order the Poppadam Basket. These are thin, crispy lentil wafers served with a selection of chutneys — mint, tamarind, mango, and pickle. They're light, they're addictive, and they give you an immediate introduction to the balance of flavours Indian food is built on: bright, tangy, a little sweet, a little heat.

Think of them as the handshake before the conversation.

Pick One or Two Starters

Our starters are where the kitchen shows its range, so take your time here.

If you want something warm and familiar to ease in, the Murgh Malai Tikka is the move. Chicken thighs marinated in cream, cheese, and spices, cooked in the tandoor. It's rich, slightly smoky, and gentle on the palate — a good first taste of what Indian cooking does with a grill.

If you're feeling more adventurous, try the Samosa Chaat or Burrata Chaat. Both are built on a base of chickpeas and chutneys, layered with yogurt and sauce. The Burrata Chaat in particular has become a quiet favourite — it bridges Indian and Italian in a way that surprises most people the first time they try it.

For vegetarians, the Dahi Ke Kebab — yogurt and paneer patties, mildly spiced — are an excellent introduction to how Indian vegetarian cooking can be as satisfying and flavourful as anything else on the menu.

Choosing Your Main

This is where most first-timers pause. Here's a simple way to think about it.

If you eat chicken and want to start somewhere safe: order the Butter Chicken Roulade. It's our version of one of India's most beloved dishes — boneless chicken legs cooked in the tandoor, finished in a smooth, buttery tomato sauce. It's approachable without being boring, and it's made properly, not sweetened down. If you're vegetarian, you can substitute paneer at no extra charge.

If you want something more interesting: try the Chicken Chettinad. Chicken breast stuffed with paneer and spices, in a milder cardamom preparation. It's aromatic and complex without being heavy on heat — a dish that rewards slow eating.

If you eat lamb: the Chef's Special Bhuna Gosht is the one. Boneless lamb in a homeground spice and yogurt base with bell peppers. It's bold, earthy, and deeply satisfying. If you want something even more indulgent, the Lamb Shank Roganjosh — slow braised in a traditional Kashmiri preparation — is the kind of dish people come back for specifically.

If you prefer seafood: the Goan Fish Curry is a beautiful lighter option. Tamarind, coconut milk, fresh spices, basa fillet. It's fragrant and bright rather than rich and heavy.

If you're vegetarian or vegan: don't overlook the Dal Maharani. Black lentils and kidney beans slow-cooked with onion and tomato. It's one of the most underestimated dishes in Indian cooking — warming, deeply flavoured, and completely plant-based. The Palak Corn Burrata is another standout — burrata in a spinach and corn preparation that manages to feel both Indian and entirely its own thing.

Always Order Bread

Indian food is meant to be eaten with bread. Order at least one naan — the Garlic Naan is the most popular — and use it to scoop, dip, and mop. This is not optional. If you leave without ordering bread, you've missed half the experience.

Not Feeling Indian Tonight?

That's what our Familiar Favourites menu is for. The same kitchen, the same care — burgers, pastas, salads, and sandwiches made with the same attention we bring to everything else. The Al Pistacchio pasta and the Maple Glazed Salmon are particular highlights. There's also a kids' menu and even a Puppy Meal, so the whole family is looked after.

Finish with Something Sweet

The Gulab Melange is the dessert to order if you want to end on an Indian note — gulab jamun with saffron yogurt, granola, and chopped nuts. It's elegant without being heavy.

If you'd rather finish on familiar ground, the Chocolate Lava Cake with vanilla ice cream does exactly what it promises.

And if you haven't tried the Parisian Hot Chocolate yet — dark chocolate, steamed milk, whipped cream — it's become something of a signature. People talk about it.

One Last Thing

The best way to experience Aura for the first time is to slow down. Indian food is designed for the table, for sharing, for conversation. Order more than you think you need, share everything, and let the evening go where it wants.

We'll take care of the rest.