Many Indian restaurants are purely vegetarian or offer plenty of vegetarian options.

This is a helpful little tip when dining with the meat-averse. To get started, begin your meal with a traditional Indian beverage.

The Mango Lassi is a refreshing mango-flavored drink, and this beverage makes for a perfect pairing with spicy Indian food.

The beginning of your meal is also a good time to ask your waiter for some flatbreads, such as naan or roti.

Flatbreads are not usually brought to the table before the main course, but who doesn't like bread to snack on while browsing the menu?

Your flatbreads will come with delicious dips, such as chutney or raita. Next, order some popular Indian appetizers, like pakoras and samosas.

These fried delights are great starter options.

Try dipping your pakoras and samosas in raita or chutney for even more flavor. When it's time for your main course, here are some delectable dishes that you should try out: Tandoori Chicken, roasted in a clay oven known as a tandoor.

This delicious chicken is prepared with yogurt and spices, such as chili powder, turmeric, coriander, and ginger, giving it a sweet and fiery flavor.

Saffron Chicken, roasted saffron-infused chicken prepared in a flavorful, smoky, nutty yogurt sauce.

This is a great option for anyone avoiding the spicier dishes.

Chana Masala, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Shahi Korma.

Chana Masala, a spicy, slightly sour, rich vegetarian dish made with chickpeas, onion, garlic, and chili peppers.

Chicken Tikka Masala, roasted chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, served in a spicy, orange-colored cream sauce.

Shahi Korma, marinated lamb roasted until tender and served in a mild, creamy curry sauce made with yogurt, pureed nuts, and spices. Keep in mind, Indian food can be spicy.

Be sure to order one or two non-spicy dishes, like tandoori, to give your taste buds some spice relief. Don't forget about dessert.

Finish your meal with these delicious sweets, such as Gulab Jamun and Ras Malai.

It's customary to eat Indian food with your hands, so don't be afraid to treat the bread on the table like your fork and dive right in. Remember that sharing is caring when eating Indian food.

You'll be able to taste a bigger variety of food, and sharing will make it a fun, interactive experience at the same time.

And yes, eating with your hands can be a messy business.

Try not to lick your fingers, as it's looked down upon in Indian culture.

Although, we won't judge you if you can't help it. You'll definitely want to order more bread and raita for the table when the main courses arrive.

Even if you're used to spice, you will welcome the relief of the raita, plus the bread will help you pick up any food left in the serving dishes. Lastly, Indian cuisine represents thousands of years of history.

Every dish is a story you'll want to learn, so study often.