Indian food is celebrated for its bold use of spices, fragrant aromas, and colourful presentation. Yet while many diners immediately think of fiery chillies and intense heat, Indian cuisine is far more diverse than just spice-laden dishes. Some of its most beloved recipes are mild, creamy, and delicate, perfect for those who want to experience authentic flavours without overwhelming heat.

At Ashoka Muirhead, the menu is thoughtfully designed to include a wide variety of dishes, ranging from the subtly spiced to the fiery. For diners seeking a gentler introduction—or simply craving a comforting, mild meal—there is a wealth of choices that highlight the richness of Indian cuisine without setting your taste buds alight.

This guide explores the best mild Indian dishes to order the next time you visit an Indian restaurant. From curries and tandoori specials to sides, breads, and desserts, we’ll walk you through a full dining experience that balances flavour with a gentle touch.

Why Mild Indian Dishes Are So Popular

Many people new to Indian cuisine assume “spicy” always means “hot.” In fact, Indian cooking relies on a variety of spices that bring depth, fragrance, and warmth—not necessarily heat. Mild dishes showcase:

  • Creamy bases made with yoghurt, cream, coconut milk, or cashews.
  • Gentle spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric.
  • Balanced flavours that are rich, aromatic, and satisfying without overpowering the palate.

These dishes are perfect for:

  • Families with children.
  • First-time diners exploring Indian cuisine.
  • Food lovers who enjoy complexity but prefer subtlety over heat.

At Ashoka Muirhead, chefs carefully craft each recipe to bring out authentic flavours while catering to a wide variety of spice preferences.

Mild Curries: Creamy Comfort on a Plate

Curries are at the heart of Indian dining. While some are fiery, many beloved curries are mild, creamy, and luxuriously rich.

Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

Perhaps the most famous Indian dish worldwide, butter chicken combines smoky tandoori chicken with a tomato, butter, and cream sauce. It is smooth, slightly sweet, and comforting—a perfect dish for beginners.

Chicken Korma

Chicken korma is a Mughlai classic, slow-cooked with yoghurt, ground almonds or cashews, and fragrant spices. Its velvety sauce and subtle nuttiness make it one of the most indulgent mild dishes on the menu.

Paneer Makhani

Vegetarians often opt for paneer makhani. Cubes of fresh Indian cottage cheese are simmered in a similar sauce to butter chicken, making it a creamy, mild alternative full of protein and flavour.

Malai Kofta

Malai kofta features soft dumplings made of paneer and potatoes, soaked in a mild cream-based curry. It’s rich, slightly sweet, and one of the best vegetarian options for those who want indulgence without spice.

Aloo Mutter

This homely dish of potatoes and peas in a tomato-based gravy is a staple across Indian households. Mild, hearty, and comforting, it pairs perfectly with naan or rice for a wholesome meal.

Tandoori & Grilled Favourites

The tandoor, a traditional clay oven, is central to Indian cooking. While it can be used for fiery dishes, many tandoori options are mild yet full of flavour thanks to yoghurt marinades and gentle spices.

Chicken Tikka

Boneless chicken pieces marinated in yoghurt and mild spices, grilled to smoky perfection. It’s tender, juicy, and widely loved.

Paneer Tikka

Vegetarians can enjoy the same tandoori magic with paneer tikka. Mild, tangy, and chargrilled, it’s served with mint chutney for a refreshing balance.

Tandoori Chicken

Marinated with yoghurt and spices, tandoori chicken is cooked in the clay oven for smoky depth. While some versions are fiery, it can also be enjoyed as a mild, flavour-packed dish.

These dishes are particularly good for sharing as starters or enjoying alongside mild curries.

Vegetarian & Vegan Mild Classics

India’s culinary tradition is rich in vegetarian and vegan options, many of which are naturally mild.

Saag Paneer

A creamy blend of spinach and paneer, flavoured with gentle spices like cumin and garlic. This dish is wholesome, mild, and deeply satisfying.

Aloo Gobi

A classic made from cauliflower and potatoes, lightly spiced with turmeric and cumin. It’s dry, mild, and perfect as a side dish with curry or naan.

Dal Makhani

A rich, slow-cooked lentil dish made with butter and cream. Mild in spice but deeply flavourful, it showcases the soul of North Indian cooking.

Vegetable Korma

Seasonal vegetables cooked in a mild cashew and cream sauce. A true comfort dish for those who want subtle spice and creamy texture.

South Indian Gentle Dishes

Not all Indian cuisine comes from the North. South India also offers mild yet flavourful dishes.

Idli and Dosa

Steamed rice cakes (idli) and thin, crispy crepes (dosa) are served with coconut chutney and sambar. While sambar can be spicy, the coconut chutney is mild and cooling.

Dahi Vada

Lentil fritters soaked in cooling yoghurt, topped with mild spices and sweet tamarind chutney. Refreshing, tangy, and gentle on the palate.

Snacks, Sides & Accompaniments

Samosas

Crispy pastry filled with potatoes, peas, and mild spices. They are universally loved starters.

Raita

A yoghurt-based side dish mixed with cucumber, mint, or mild spices. Essential for cooling down your meal and balancing richer dishes.

Naan & Breads

Fresh naan, garlic naan, or butter roti—soft, fluffy, and baked in the tandoor—are perfect for scooping up creamy curries.

Papadum

Crispy, thin wafers made from lentil flour. Served with mild chutneys, they are a crunchy, flavourful addition to any meal.

Sweet Endings: Mild Desserts

To complete the dining experience, mild Indian desserts bring cooling sweetness.

Gulab Jamun

Soft dumplings made from milk solids, soaked in sugar syrup. Sweet, delicate, and indulgent.

Kheer (Rice Pudding)

Fragrant rice pudding made with milk, sugar, cardamom, and saffron. Mild and creamy, it’s the perfect end to a meal.

Ras Malai

Soft paneer balls soaked in sweetened milk flavoured with cardamom. It’s luxurious and cooling, making it ideal after a rich curry.

Pairing Your Mild Dishes

One of the joys of Indian dining is the variety of flavours on the table. To enjoy your mild dishes to the fullest, consider these pairings:

  • Start with samosas or paneer tikka.
  • Main course: Butter chicken or malai kofta with naan and rice.
  • Sides: Add saag paneer or aloo gobi for variety.
  • Accompaniments: Always include raita to balance richness.
  • Finish with gulab jamun or kheer for a sweet touch.

This combination ensures you enjoy a complete, mild Indian feast.

Dining at Ashoka Muirhead

At Ashoka Muirhead, we take pride in offering a wide variety of mild dishes prepared with authentic recipes and the freshest ingredients. Whether you’re dining in with family, exploring vegetarian options, or trying Indian food for the first time, our chefs will guide you to the perfect dish.

  • Want to ask about spice levels or special dietary options? Use our contact page to get in touch.
  • Prefer to enjoy Indian food at home? You can order online and bring the flavours of Ashoka straight to your table.

Conclusion

Indian cuisine offers a world of flavours beyond spice and heat. Mild dishes like butter chicken, malai kofta, chicken korma, and saag paneer demonstrate the depth and diversity of Indian cooking while remaining approachable for all palates.

At Ashoka Muirhead, these dishes are celebrated with authenticity and care, ensuring every diner can experience the richness of Indian cuisine in a way that suits their taste. Whether you’re new to Indian food or a seasoned fan seeking comfort dishes, the mild classics are always worth trying.

So, the next time you’re planning an Indian meal—whether dining in, booking a table for a celebration, or ordering online—don’t overlook the gentle side of Indian cooking. Mild, flavourful, and deeply satisfying, they are proof that spice is just one part of the story.