Indian food is loved far and wide by many and for good reason. There's no other cuisine on the planet that features prominently so many incredibly spices in such a way that is done with this cuisine, and that alone makes it truly unique. So much so, that many restaurants in the US now proudly serve authentic Indian food (although, like anything else, some of it has been Americanized). It's one of the most popular options for takeout as well, and there's nothing as comforting as a bowl of sag paneer or spicy tikka masala. Along with that comes the choice of appetizers and when it comes to choosing smaller plates, Indian food can be a bit overwhelming.

For starters, there's no small plate that could possibly be the wrong choice. Each dish is made with a signature flavor profile as well as ingredients that are true to the cuisine, making the process of eating one's way through an entire Indian food menu a fun one. However, if you're looking for a good place to start, these are sure to be popular in anyone's house.

Katori Chaat

Chaat, otherwise known as Indian snacks, is something that's commonly seen on the menu but not many know exactly what it is. Katori and tokri are the most common forms of chaat and consist of small, edible baskets made with fried potatoes. Not only is this a delicious base for a dish, but it's also filled with an even more delicious filling. Anything from chickpeas and chutneys to curds and cooked veggies can fill up a basket, usually with a sweet and tangy sauce to go with them. They're served as popular street food in India and are just as delicious to eat as they are to look at.

Shami Kebab

A shami kebab is not the type of kebab most people are used to seeing. Rather, it's filled with anything from lamb, mutton, beef, or a combination of any of those, before being mixed with an array of seasonings. The flavor of a shami kebab is unparalleled, as notes of onions, chilis, chickpeas, garlic, ginger, cumin, garam masala, chili flakes, and mint leaves come shining through with a meaty texture. The whole thing is breaded and fried before being served as a cooked patty, featuring a crispy, fried exterior with a tender and moist interior. If this is on the menu, definitely order one (or several) - it's well worth it!

Related: These Are The Lesser-Known, But Just As Delicious, Greek Foods You Must Try

Khandvi

Khandvi is interesting because it's cooked in such a way that makes it intriguing in appearance with a flavor that's unique and comforting. These small snacks are made with a batter of yogurt, gram flour, ginger paste, and turmeric (which is what gives the khandvi its bright coloring), before being cooked like a thin sheet. The sheet is then rolled to create a bite-sized snack that's served at any temperature from hot to cold (it's a personal preference) and can be seasoned in a savory or sweet way. In order to do so, a chutney or grated cheese is used, also based on personal preference. Additional toppings consist of coriander or coconut for a fruity and slightly spicy flavor.

Dahi Vada

Dahi vada has roots in Northern India and is sometimes served as a whole meal, but we love it just as a small plate when split with someone else. These fried balls have a base of cooked lentils that get topped with a thick and creamy yogurt sauce. Similar to falafel with tzatziki, this is a healthy plate that tastes as good as it looks. The yogurt sauce is called dahi (hence the name of the dish) and is truly good enough to eat on its own. Once the fried lentil balls are dosed in a copious amount of dahi, they're sprinkled with a spice such as cumin, coriander, or chili, and can even be topped with chutney. This dish is also popular street food in India and one worth seeking out.

Related: All The Vietnamese Foods You Probably Missed On The Menu, But Will Fall In Love With

Paneer Tikka

While this might remind some of a tikka masala, this tikka is slightly different. The paneer stands for paneer cheese, which is marinated before being cooked with vegetables in a tandoor, which is a traditional type of oven used often in Indian cooking. The vegetables used include tomatoes, peppers, and onions, all of which are seasoned with a bit of lemon juice and chaat masala, which is the bold flavor this dish is known for. As a full meal, it can be served with salad or chutney for dipping on the side.

Next: Looking For Comfort Food? These Restaurant Chains Have The Most Indulgent Apps