Indian cuisine is meant for sharing. Large portions, bold flavours, and diverse dishes make it ideal for group dining. Whether you are catching up with friends, planning a casual night out, or ordering a takeaway feast at home, choosing the right combination of dishes ensures everyone enjoys something they love. At Ashoka Muirhead, we offer a wide range of starters, mains, sides, and breads that are perfect for group sharing.
This guide walks you through the top dishes to order, how to pair them, and what works best for a group of two to four people.
Why Indian Food Is Perfect for Sharing
Indian dining is all about variety. Instead of each person having one dish, groups can enjoy multiple flavours by sharing:
- Different spice levels
- A mix of vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes
- Creamy, spicy, and tangy flavours
- A balance of sauces, proteins, and carbs
Sharing also turns mealtime into a more social experience, allowing everyone to try something new and enjoy the rich flavours Indian cuisine is known for.
Start with Starters, Great for Group Snacking
Starters are ideal for sharing because they are bite sized and easy to pass around. Ordering two or three options for your group ensures a lively and flavourful start to the meal.
Onion Bhaji
Crispy, golden, and lightly spiced, onion bhaji is a crowd favourite. It pairs beautifully with chutneys and appeals to both new and regular diners.
Chicken Pakora
A popular choice for groups, chicken pakora is tender, flavourful, and coated in a light batter. It is one of the most shared dishes at Ashoka Muirhead and works well for groups with mixed tastes.
Vegetable Samosa
Savoury, crispy, and filled with spiced vegetables, samosas are easy to share and offer a classic introduction to Indian flavours.
Mix Platter
If you want variety, order a mix platter that includes several favourites. It gives your group a chance to sample multiple starters without committing to a single choice.
Curries Ideal for Sharing in Groups of 2 to 4
Curries are the heart of Indian cuisine. When sharing, it is best to choose two curries with different flavour profiles. This ensures balance and variety.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Mild and creamy with a tomato based sauce, tikka masala is one of the most universally loved curries. It is ideal for beginners and perfect for groups where some members prefer milder flavours.
Chicken Korma
A mild and creamy curry with coconut and almond, korma offers a sweet aromatic flavour that balances spicier dishes. It is excellent for groups with mixed spice preferences.
Lamb Bhuna
For groups that enjoy deeper flavours, lamb bhuna is an excellent choice. Cooked with rich spices and reduced to a thick sauce, it offers a hearty and satisfying option.
Rogan Josh
A popular medium spiced dish, rogan josh offers richness and aroma that complements both mild and spicy dishes. It is especially good for sharing because its flavours appeal to many tastes.
Vegetable Karahi
If you want a vegetarian option that still delivers bold flavour, vegetable karahi is perfect. Cooked with peppers, onions, and tomatoes, it offers medium heat and strong flavour without overpowering the palate.
Perfect Side Dishes for Sharing
Side dishes complete your meal and help balance the flavours of your curries. When sharing with a small group, choose a variety of breads and rice so everyone gets what they prefer.
Pilau Rice
A must have for any sharing meal, pilau rice is light, fragrant, and pairs beautifully with any curry. Order two portions for groups larger than three.
Plain Basmati Rice
This is ideal for diners who prefer something simple. It is especially useful for soaking up richer curries like bhuna or karahi.
Garlic Naan
Soft, warm, and full of garlicky flavour, garlic naan is perfect for scooping up curry. It is often the first bread to disappear during group meals.
Plain Naan
A simple and versatile option that pairs with everything. Order one or two so the whole group has enough to share.
Chapati
A lighter option compared to naan, chapati is soft and slightly chewy, making it perfect for diners who want less bread but still want something to pair with curry.
Poppadoms with Chutneys
Crispy and flavourful, poppadoms are fun to snack on and ideal for starting or finishing the meal. The combination of mint sauce, mango chutney, and onion salad adds extra freshness.
Tandoori Dishes for Sharing
Tandoori dishes are cooked in a clay oven and offer smoky, aromatic flavours that work beautifully in group meals. They are also easy to share because the pieces are already portioned.
Chicken Tikka
Tender chicken marinated in yoghurt and spices, cooked to perfection. It works well as a starter or as part of a larger meal.
Tandoori Mixed Grill
For groups that want variety, the mixed grill is the best choice. It often includes:
- Chicken tikka
- Tandoori chicken
- Seekh kebabs
- Grilled vegetables
This dish pairs well with naan and chutneys, making it a complete sharing platter.
Recommended Food Combinations for 2 to 4 People
If you are unsure what to order, here are simple combinations that always work well.
For Groups That Prefer Mild Food
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Chicken Korma
- Pilau Rice
- Garlic Naan
- Onion Bhaji
This combination offers comfort, creaminess, and gentle spice.
For Groups That Enjoy Medium Spice
- Lamb Bhuna
- Rogan Josh
- Vegetable Karahi
- Pilau Rice
- Plain Naan
This selection provides deeper flavours and more aroma while staying approachable.
For Groups That Want Variety
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Lamb Rogan Josh
- Vegetable Biryani
- Tandoori Mixed Grill
- Poppadoms with Chutneys
This is an excellent mix for friends who enjoy tasting different dishes.
Sharing as a Social Experience
Indian dining is not just about the food, it is about enjoying time with others. Sharing multiple dishes encourages conversation, exploration, and connection. Whether you are dining in or picking up a takeaway from Ashoka Muirhead, group meals feel more special when everyone has a chance to try something new.
Spreading dishes across the table, discussing your favourites, and discovering new combinations is part of what makes Indian cuisine so memorable.
Why Order Sharing Dishes from Ashoka Muirhead
At Ashoka Muirhead, we prepare every dish with fresh ingredients, traditional methods, and balanced flavours. Our menu offers mild, medium, and spicy options so every group can customise their perfect shared meal.
Whether you are visiting our cosy restaurant or ordering online for a relaxed night in, you will find plenty of dishes made for group enjoyment. Browse our menu on our home page or place an order directly through our Order Online link.
Ready to Share an Authentic Indian Feast with Friends?
If you are planning a meal for 2 to 4 people, Ashoka Muirhead has everything you need for a delicious and memorable experience. From mild curries to rich biryanis and flavourful tandoori dishes, our menu offers something for everyone.
Order your favourites today or book a table to enjoy an evening of great food and great company.
