Indulge in the Irresistible Allure of Tandoori Starters at Urban Turban

Tandoori cooking is a cornerstone of Indian cuisine—time-tested, bold, and built on the simple idea of fire and flavor. At Urban Turban in Durham, this traditional method finds a new home, offering a curated menu of tandoori starters that showcase the richness of Indian spices and the distinct smokiness only a clay tandoor oven can provide.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Indian food or someone exploring new flavors, tandoori dishes are a great entry point: grilled, flavorful, and balanced in taste. They're also often gluten-free and keto-friendly, making them accessible to a wide range of dietary needs. Let's explore what makes these grilled Indian appetizers at Urban Turban both timeless and trend-worthy.

Vegetarian Starters: Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Tandoori vegetarian starters at Urban Turban stand out for their texture and spice-forward profiles, without relying on heavy sauces or frying.

• Tandoori Malai Broccoli: Cream cheese and home-ground spices form a rich marinade for fresh broccoli, which is grilled and topped with almond slivers. This dish offers a tender bite with nutty and creamy notes.

• Malai Soya Chaap: Plant-based yet packed with flavor, this vegan-friendly option features soft chunks of soya chaap marinated in spiced cream. It's grilled to create a charred exterior while staying juicy inside.

• Tandoori Soya Chaap: A bolder take, this version is seasoned with house-made tandoori masala. Perfect if you're looking for spice over cream.

• Laal Mirch Ka Paneer Tikka: Cottage cheese is marinated in yogurt and red chili, then skewered with onion, tomato, and capsicum before hitting the tandoor. This dish is spicy, colorful, and high in protein.

• Tandoori Mushroom Tikka: Marinated mushrooms are grilled until slightly crisp on the outside, locking in the earthy, umami flavor inside.

• Paneer Pineapple Tikka: A fusion-style starter where the smokiness of paneer meets the sweetness of pineapple, marinated in yogurt and spices for a balanced contrast.

Chicken & Meat Starters: Grilled to Perfection

Urban Turban's non-vegetarian offerings bring together juicy cuts of meat, carefully timed grilling, and custom spice blends.

• HWY54 Chicken Tikka: Boneless chicken bites are marinated in crushed coriander and chili flakes. A simple, spicy starter with a clean finish.

• Patiala Murg Ki Tangri: Whole chicken legs marinated in hung curd and grilled until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.

• Tandoori Chicken (Bone-In): A classic dish, this version is marinated in onion paste, curd, and spice. It's hearty and satisfying, with just the right amount of char.

• Haryali Chooza: Chicken marinated in mint, cilantro, and yogurt, giving it a green tint and a fresh, herbal flavor. Medium spice level and not adjustable—just the way it's meant to be.

• Kakori Seekh Kebab (Mutton): Finely minced mutton, seasoned and skewered, then grilled until it's smoky and soft. This one's all about melt-in-the-mouth texture.

• Multani Lamb Chops: Premium lamb chops are marinated in ginger, garlic, and sea salt before being tandoor-grilled. Minimal ingredients, maximum impact.

Seafood Starters: Fresh, Light, Flavorful

For those who prefer seafood, Urban Turban offers a few carefully crafted options.

• Tandoori Jhinga: Shrimp marinated in yellow chili and hung curd. It's grilled until the edges curl and the flavors deepen.

• Tandoori Fish Tikka: Fish fillets are coated in a spiced yogurt marinade and grilled to achieve a smoky crust with a flaky interior.

Why Choose Tandoori Starters?

Tandoori cooking is both flavorful and health-conscious. It's low in oil, high in taste, and highlights the ingredients themselves rather than masking them in sauces. The starters at Urban Turban cater to a wide variety of dietary preferences—many are gluten-free, keto-friendly, and even vegan.

They are also versatile: ideal as an appetizer, shared plate, or even a light entrée if you're looking to keep it simple.

Visit Urban Turban for a True Tandoori Experience

Located in Durham, North Carolina, Urban Turban is more than just a restaurant—it's a space that celebrates Indian tradition with a modern edge. The restaurant is known for:

• Authentic Indian cuisine prepared with care

• An inviting atmosphere, perfect for casual meals or special events

• A well-rounded menu with street food, full entrees, and shareable starters

• Party venues and group-friendly spaces for celebrations

• Pickup and delivery across Apex, Cary, Durham, and Raleigh

Whether you're dining in, ordering online, or hosting an event, Urban Turban offers a genuine experience rooted in Indian culinary traditions.

Explore the full menu or place your order online at Urban Turban and let the aroma of tandoori spices guide your palate to something unforgettable.