10 must-try dishes at 7h spices: A food lover’s guide

Let’s be honest—choosing what to eat at 7H Spices can feel like standing in front of a treasure chest without a map. As the go-to Indian food restaurant, everything here smells divine, looks mouthwatering, and promises a bite of something magical. But don’t worry, we’ve done the delicious digging for you. Whether you're here for the spice, the sizzle, or the soul-soothing comfort of Indian cuisine, this guide is your golden ticket. These are the 10 must-try dishes that define what 7H Spices is all about—flavor, flair, and food that speaks to the heart and belly.

Our top 10 picks

1. Biryani

Biryani is a flavorful rice dish that’s cooked with layers of aromatic basmati rice and marinated meat such as chicken, mutton, or sometimes even fish or vegetables. The meat is cooked with yogurt, onions, ginger, garlic, and a special blend of spices like cardamom, cloves, and bay leaf. Saffron or turmeric adds a golden color and beautiful aroma. The dish is slow-cooked so that the flavors blend deeply. Served with cool raita or spicy brinjal gravy, biryani is a hearty meal loved across India and beyond.

2. Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is a creamy, mildly spiced curry made with tender tandoori chicken pieces cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce. The gravy is made smooth with butter, cream, and cashews, giving it a silky texture and a slightly sweet taste. It’s not too spicy, which makes it popular among all age groups. It’s best eaten with buttery naan, jeera rice, or roti. The dish was first created in Delhi and is now one of the most popular Indian dishes around the world.

3. Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka is a vegetarian grilled dish made from paneer cubes marinated in thick yogurt, lemon juice, red chili powder, turmeric, and garam masala. The marinated paneer is skewered with pieces of capsicum and onion, then roasted or grilled until lightly charred. It’s slightly smoky on the outside and soft inside, often served on a hot plate with mint chutney and lemon wedges. Paneer tikka is a favorite starter at Indian dinners and BBQs.

4. Dosa

Dosa is a thin, crispy pancake made from a batter of fermented rice and urad dal (black lentils). It’s cooked on a flat iron griddle with a bit of oil until golden and crispy. Masala dosa is the most famous version, which is filled with a spiced mashed potato mix. It’s always served with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, and hot sambar – a tangy lentil-based vegetable stew. Dosa is light, healthy, and filling – perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

5. Naan and Curry Combos

Naan is a soft, chewy flatbread baked in a hot clay oven. It can be served plain, with butter, or with toppings like garlic or cheese. It’s used to scoop up thick and flavorful gravies like butter chicken, lamb curry, paneer butter masala, or dal makhani. The soft naan soaks up the curry, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. It’s a perfect meal combo for anyone who enjoys rich and tasty Indian food.

6. Samosas

Samosas are triangular-shaped pastries with a crispy, flaky outer shell and a warm, spicy filling inside. The filling is usually a mix of mashed potatoes, green peas, chilies, and spices like cumin and coriander. Sometimes, meat versions are made with minced chicken or lamb. Samosas are deep-fried until golden brown and are usually served hot with sweet tamarind sauce or green chutney. They’re a popular snack in India, often enjoyed with tea or served at parties and weddings.

7. Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun is a soft and sweet Indian dessert made from milk solids (khoya or milk powder). The dough is rolled into small balls, deep-fried on low heat until they’re golden, and then soaked in a warm sugar syrup flavored with rose water and cardamom. The result is soft, juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Often served during festivals, weddings, or after a special meal, it’s one of the most loved Indian sweets.

8. Chicken Kothu Parotta

Chicken Kothu Parotta is a famous street food from Tamil Nadu. It’s made by tearing flaky parotta (a layered flatbread) into small pieces and stir-frying them on a hot iron griddle with scrambled eggs, shredded chicken, onions, tomatoes, green chilies, curry leaves, and spicy masala. It’s loud, fast, and flavorful – you’ll hear the rhythmic chopping of spatulas as it’s made fresh in front of you. It’s spicy, filling, and full of textures – a must-try South Indian dish.

9. Meen Kozhambu

Meen Kozhambu is a spicy and tangy South Indian fish curry made with tamarind extract, garlic, shallots, curry leaves, and ground spices. The fish is gently simmered in the curry so it absorbs all the flavors without breaking apart. The gravy is rich, reddish-brown, and slightly thick. It’s traditionally eaten with hot steamed rice and a side of vegetable stir-fry or appalam (papad). It’s comforting, bold, and perfect for seafood lovers.

10. Nalli Elumbu (Bone Marrow Curry)

Nalli Elumbu Curry is a slow-cooked, spicy South Indian curry made using tender goat leg bones and the rich, buttery bone marrow inside. The bones are simmered in a thick gravy made from onions, tomatoes, garlic, and bold spices like black pepper, fennel, and cinnamon. As it cooks, the marrow melts into the gravy, giving it a deep, hearty flavor. It’s often served with parotta, rice, or idiyappam and is a favorite for those who love strong, meaty flavors and rich textures.

Now that you’ve met the stars of the 7H Spices kitchen, your only real challenge is deciding where to start. Will it be the bold bite of Nalli Elumbu or the comforting hug of Butter Chicken? Perhaps the crispy charm of a dosa or the golden glow of Gulab Jamun will tempt you first.

Whatever you choose, one thing is certain—you’re not just enjoying a meal, you’re stepping into an Indian food restaurant that takes pride in bringing age-old recipes to life with flavor and soul. As a beloved Indian food restaurant in Hinckley, 7H Spices invites you to experience the warmth, richness, and diversity of India’s culinary traditions in every bite.