There are Indian restaurants all around Brisbane - pretty much every suburb has at least one and Friday night Indian takeaway has become an institution in many Brisbane homes.
When you think of Indian food, you probably think of curries; vindaloo for those who like it hot, madras and butter chicken for those who like it rich and creamy. But there's much more to Indian cuisine than these basics.
Indian cuisine has a long and proud history - archaeologists believe Indians may have been cooking flat breads, similar to the roti, as long as 8,000 years ago! The basis of all Indian dishes is the herbs and spices - cumin, coriander, turmeric, mustard seeds, ginger, chilli and garlic are all part and parcel of the aromatic, delicious Indian gourmet experience.
If your mouth starts watering at the mention of the spices, here's a list of Indian restaurants in Brisbane.
Indian restaurants are particularly friendly for vegetarians. Although all the dishes come with meat options, India's Hindu, Buddhist and Jain populations are predominantly vegetarian, so all restaurants offer many delicious vegetarian dishes on their menus.
Foodies can delight in the wide range offered by Brisbane's Indian restaurants. They go from the cheap food-court experience to the upmarket, gourmet dining-out experience.
Fortitude Valley has a great mix - the takeaway Indian food available in the McWhirter's Building is some of the best we've tasted. And if you want to try something different and go for a fine dining experience, try Mint Indian Gourmet.
Coeliacs will love to dine at the popular Curry India in Everton Hills, which serves gluten-free food.Plus, they are 100% peanut-free.
If you're at an Indian restaurant and you see people eating curries with their fingers, don't be surprised. Cutlery is reserved for Westerners. Indians traditionally eat their food with the fingers of their right hand, delicately scooping up a ball of rice and curry and manoeuvring it to their mouths without losing a single grain.
Next time you order Indian, why not look through the menu and try something different? With so many fabulous dishes you're bound to be pleasantly surprised.
We'd love to hear from you. Share the details of your favourite Indian restaurant in Brisbane or tell us where you get the best Indian takeaway.
