10 Must-Try Dishes at India Express Denver

Why India Express Denver Is a Top Indian Spot

Since 2005, India Express Denver has been serving authentic Indian cuisine and has grown into one of Colorado's longest-running Indian restaurants. With more than 130 dishes on the menu and over 6,400 Google reviews, our restaurant has become a destination for guests seeking everything from rich curries and tandoori specialties to vegetarian favorites and traditional desserts. These are the ten dishes we believe every guest should try at least once.

1. Butter Chicken

If there is one dish that has introduced more people to Indian cuisine than any other, it is Butter Chicken. Known in India as Makhani, this classic Punjabi specialty originated in Delhi and is famous for its luxuriously rich gravy. Slow-cooked with onions, ripe tomatoes, butter, and cream, it delivers a velvety texture and perfectly balanced flavor. Rich yet comforting, Butter Chicken remains one of the most popular dishes at India Express Denver and an excellent choice for first-time diners.

2. Chicken Tikka Masala

Few Indian dishes are as widely recognized as Chicken Tikka Masala. While inspired by traditional Indian cooking, the dish gained worldwide popularity through its unique story and rich flavor. Tender chicken is served in a vibrant tomato-based sauce with a gentle warmth that appeals to both adventurous eaters and newcomers alike. Its balance of spice, creaminess, and bold flavor has made it one of the most frequently ordered dishes at India Express Denver.

3. Chicken Tikka Kabab

For guests looking to experience the flavors of India's famous tandoor oven, Chicken Tikka Kabab is a must. Boneless white meat chicken is marinated in traditional Punjabi spices before being cooked in the intense heat of the tandoor, creating a lightly charred exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside. Simpler than many curries but equally flavorful, it showcases the smoky character that makes tandoori cooking so beloved throughout India.

4. Chicken Biryani

Few dishes carry the history and prestige of Biryani. Once enjoyed in the royal kitchens of the Mughal Empire, this beloved rice dish has become a celebration across India. At India Express Denver, long-grain basmati rice is layered with onions, fresh herbs, and whole spices before being prepared on a tawa pan to create bold flavor while keeping each grain distinct. Aromatic, satisfying, and deeply flavorful, Chicken Biryani remains one of our most popular specialties.

5. Honey Chicken Curry

Some dishes stand out because they offer something unexpected, and Honey Chicken Curry is one of them. Simmered in a golden blend of honey and aromatic curry masala, this house favorite balances gentle sweetness with layers of warm spice. The result is rich, comforting, and quietly addictive. While many guests visit for classics like Butter Chicken or Biryani, Honey Chicken Curry has earned a loyal following of its own and remains one of the most unique dishes on our menu.

6. Chicken 65

Few appetizers have a story as interesting as Chicken 65. Legend says the dish was the 65th item on a famous Chennai menu in 1965, and it has remained a favorite ever since. At India Express Denver, bite-sized pieces of chicken are marinated with ginger, garlic, fennel seeds, curry leaves, and red chilies before being fried to a perfectly crisp finish. Bold, flavorful, and wonderfully addictive, Chicken 65 is an excellent way to begin an Indian meal.

7. Saag Paneer

Saag Paneer is one of the most beloved vegetarian dishes in North Indian cuisine. Made with a rich spinach-based sauce and cubes of paneer cheese, it delivers a creamy texture and deep flavor without relying on heavy spice. The terms "saag" and "palak" are often used interchangeably, and both refer to the leafy greens that give this dish its vibrant color. Whether you're vegetarian or simply looking to try something different, Saag Paneer is a timeless Indian classic.

8. Lamb Vindaloo

For guests who enjoy bold flavors and a little extra heat, Lamb Vindaloo is a must-try. The dish traces its origins to the Portuguese "vinha d'alhos," a preparation built around vinegar and garlic that was later transformed in Goa with local spices and fiery chilies. Tender lamb is simmered in a tangy, spice-forward sauce that delivers both depth and character. Rich in history and unforgettable in flavor, Lamb Vindaloo remains a favorite among those seeking a more adventurous Indian dish.

9. Garlic Naan

No Indian meal feels complete without fresh naan. Baked in the intense heat of a traditional tandoor oven, Garlic Naan is soft, lightly charred, and full of flavor. Finished with fragrant garlic and fresh cilantro, it is the perfect companion to curries, biryanis, and kababs. Many guests order it to share, but it rarely lasts long once it reaches the table. If you're trying Indian food for the first time, Garlic Naan is an easy recommendation.

10. Gulab Jamun

No Indian dining experience is complete without dessert, and Gulab Jamun is one of India's most cherished sweets. Made with milk and flour, these soft dumplings are soaked in a fragrant syrup infused with rose and cardamom before being finished with coconut for added texture. Sweet, delicate, and wonderfully comforting, Gulab Jamun is often ordered to share, though many guests quickly discover they want the entire dessert for themselves.

Experience Indian Food in Denver

Indian cuisine is known for its incredible variety, from rich curries and tandoori specialties to fragrant rice dishes, fresh naan, and traditional desserts. Whether you're visiting India Express Denver for the first time or returning for a favorite meal, these dishes showcase some of the flavors that have made our restaurant a Denver favorite since 2005. We invite you to explore the menu, try something new, and discover your own favorites.