26 March , 2026

17 Best Indian Appetizers to Try at Little India Restaurant in Denver

When you are choosing where to eat or order takeout in Denver, the appetizers at Little India Restaurant & Bar are one of the best places to start. The restaurant’s appetizer menu features crispy, spicy, savory, vegetarian, meat, and seafood options designed to introduce guests to the bold and aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine.

Whether you are planning a casual dinner, ordering food for a group, or simply craving Indian snacks, Little India offers a broad variety of starters that fit different tastes and spice preferences. From classic samosas and pakoras to Chicken 65, momos, seekh kebabs, and seafood appetizers, the menu gives diners plenty of reasons to mix, match, and share.

Why appetizers matter

Indian appetizers do more than fill the table while you wait for the main course. They offer a quick tour of flavor, texture, and regional influence, from crispy fried bites to smoky tandoori items and Indo-Chinese favorites.

At Little India Restaurant & Bar, the appetizer page emphasizes fresh ingredients, authentic Indian spices, and traditional cooking techniques. That makes these starters a smart first choice for both longtime fans of Indian food and first-time diners exploring the cuisine.

1. Punjabi Samosa

Punjabi Samosa is one of the most recognizable Indian appetizers, and it remains a go-to choice for good reason. Little India describes it as a crisp pastry filled with mashed potatoes and peas and deep-fried.

This is a classic starter for anyone who enjoys warm spices and crunchy pastry. It is simple, satisfying, and easy to pair with the rest of a takeout meal.

2. Jaipuri Samosa

Jaipuri Samosa is a richer version of the traditional samosa. The menu describes it as a crispy pastry filled with ground chicken, lamb, and spices.

If you want something heartier than the potato version, this is a strong pick. It delivers the same crispy shell with a more savory, meat-forward filling.

3. Vegetable Pakora

Vegetable Pakora is a great option for anyone who loves crisp, golden fritters. Little India describes it as mildly spiced spinach, onions, and potatoes battered, fried, and topped with masala sauce.

This appetizer works especially well for sharing because it is flavorful without being too heavy. It also appeals to vegetarian diners who want something crunchy and comforting.

4. Onion Bhaji

Onion Bhaji is another fried favorite with a deep savory flavor. The appetizer page describes it as sliced onions coated in seasoned chickpea batter and fried to golden perfection.

It is a great choice for diners who enjoy crispy snacks with a little more spice and texture than standard onion rings. The chickpea batter adds a satisfying, slightly earthy bite.

5. Paneer Pakora

Paneer Pakora is one of the best vegetarian appetizers on the menu. Little India highlights thick cubes of homemade Indian cheese dipped in chickpea batter and fried to crispy perfection, and the item list also describes it as paneer fried in chickpea batter.

Because paneer stays soft inside while the outer coating turns golden and crisp, this appetizer offers a pleasing contrast in texture. It is a reliable pick for cheese lovers and anyone looking for a filling vegetarian starter.

6. Vegetable Momo

Vegetable Momo adds a dumpling-style option to the appetizer lineup. The menu says the momo appetizer comes as your choice of Indian-style dumplings served with special onion chutney.

This is a good choice if you want something different from fried snacks like pakoras and samosas. The chutney likely adds a sharp, flavorful kick that makes the dumplings even more satisfying.

7. Chicken Momo

Chicken Momo is a smart option for diners who like the dumpling format but want a meat-based filling. Little India lists momos as Indian-style dumplings served with special onion chutney.

These are easy to share and feel lighter than some of the heavier fried appetizers. They also work well if you plan to order several starters for the table.

8. Mini Samosa

Mini Samosa is a fun appetizer for groups and casual snacking. The restaurant describes it as mini vegetarian samosas served with tangy yogurt chutney.

These smaller bites are ideal if you want variety in your order without filling up too quickly. They are also a practical takeout choice for parties or family-style meals.

9. Chicken Pakora

Chicken Pakora is a familiar and crowd-pleasing appetizer. Little India describes it as mildly spiced boneless chicken, golden and crispy batter-fried.

For guests who are newer to Indian food, this is often an easy entry point because it combines familiar fried chicken texture with Indian seasoning. It is approachable, flavorful, and easy to share.

10. Chicken 65

Chicken 65 is one of the boldest and most exciting starters on the menu. Little India calls it a popular South Indian specialty made with bite-sized chicken marinated in fiery spices, fried, and tossed with curry leaves, green chilies, and garlic.

If you enjoy spicy appetizers, this is one of the best dishes to order. It brings heat, aroma, and a strong savory punch that stands out on any appetizer platter.

11. Chicken Chilli

Chicken Chilli offers a flavorful Indo-Chinese twist. The menu describes it as boneless chicken marinated in soy chili sauce and cooked with onions and peppers.

This is a good option for diners who enjoy saucier appetizers with a sweet, salty, and spicy balance. It also adds variety if you are ordering a mix of traditional and fusion-style starters.

12. Garlic Chicken

Garlic Chicken is another bold chicken appetizer on the menu. Little India lists it as boneless chicken marinated in garlic soy chili sauce.

This appetizer is a strong match for guests who prefer sharp, punchy flavors. The garlic and chili combination suggests a savory starter with a little extra intensity.

13. Paneer Chilli

Paneer Chilli is an excellent vegetarian alternative to Chicken Chilli. The menu describes it as paneer cubes marinated in soy chili sauce and cooked with onions and peppers.

This dish is especially appealing if you like paneer but want a more saucy and spice-forward appetizer than paneer pakora. It gives vegetarians an Indo-Chinese option with plenty of flavor.

14. Gobi Garlic

Gobi Garlic is a strong pick for cauliflower lovers. Little India describes it as cauliflower florets deep-fried and sautéed in garlic soy chili sauce.

Because it combines crisp texture with a bold sauce, this appetizer feels both indulgent and shareable. It is a great addition to a mixed vegetarian order.

15. Lamb Seekh Kebab

Lamb Seekh Kebab is one of the best grilled appetizers on the menu. Little India describes it as succulent minced lamb skewers seasoned with traditional Indian spices and cooked in a clay tandoor for authentic charred flavor.

This is the right choice if you want something smoky, savory, and protein-rich. It adds a tandoori element to the appetizer spread and pairs well with richer entrees.

16. Swai Fish

Swai Fish gives seafood fans something different from the usual shrimp starter. Little India describes it as a Punjab street-style favorite that is lightly battered, seasoned with bold spices, crispy outside, and tender inside.

This appetizer is a standout choice for diners who want seafood with crunch and spice. It also sounds like one of the better travel-friendly options for takeout orders.

17. Calamari Pakora

Calamari Pakora is a creative Indian-style seafood appetizer. The menu describes it as calamari fried in chickpea batter.

If you already enjoy calamari, this is an easy dish to try because it offers a familiar ingredient in a different style. The chickpea batter gives it a more distinct Indian character than standard breaded calamari.

More appetizers to consider

Little India’s appetizer page also includes Coconut Shrimp with korma sauce and coconut, Tandoori Wings marinated and baked in a clay oven, and Hummus served with garlic naan. These additions help round out the menu with more seafood, tandoori, and dip-style starter options.

That variety makes the appetizer menu especially useful for group ordering. You can easily mix vegetarian, chicken, lamb, and seafood items in a single meal without repeating the same flavor profile too often.

Best appetizers by craving

Choosing the right appetizer often depends on what kind of flavor or texture you want first. Little India’s food menu offers enough range to match classic comfort food cravings, spicy bites, grilled meats, and vegetarian favorites.

Best appetizers for takeout

Little India says its starters are available for dine-in, takeout, and online ordering, which makes the appetizer menu a practical choice for casual dinners at home. The restaurant’s page presents these dishes as an easy way to explore Indian cuisine whether you are dining in person or ordering out.

For takeout, the best options are usually the ones that travel well and still taste great after a short ride home. Samosas, pakoras, seekh kebabs, fish, and momos are all smart choices because they are easy to share and fit well into larger family-style orders.

Why Little India stands out

Little India Restaurant & Bar says it prepares every appetizer with fresh ingredients, authentic Indian spices, and traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations. That positioning helps explain why the menu includes both familiar staples and more specialized dishes like Chicken 65, seekh kebabs, and swai fish.

For Denver-area diners, this kind of variety is a major plus. It means one order can satisfy guests who want vegetarian comfort food, fiery chicken, grilled lamb, or crispy seafood all from the same menu.

Ready to order?

If you are deciding what to try first, start with a balanced mix like Punjabi Samosa, Paneer Pakora, Chicken 65, Lamb Seekh Kebab, and Swai Fish. That combination gives you a broad sample of classic Indian flavors, textures, and spice levels from one appetizer spread.

For your next takeout night, Little India Restaurant & Bar’s appetizer menu is a strong place to begin. Whether you want crispy snacks, smoky kebabs, spicy chicken, or vegetarian favorites, there is enough variety here to build a memorable Indian meal.

FAQ

What are the most popular appetizers at Little India Restaurant Denver?

Some of the most notable appetizers on Little India’s page include Punjabi Samosa, Paneer Pakora, Chicken 65, Lamb Seekh Kebab, and Swai Fish, which the restaurant specifically highlights in its appetizer content.

Does Little India Denver offer vegetarian appetizers?

Yes. The appetizer page includes vegetarian choices such as Punjabi Samosa, Vegetable Pakora, Onion Bhaji, Paneer Pakora, Vegetable Momo, Mini Samosa, Paneer Chilli, Gobi Garlic, and Hummus with Garlic Naan.

Are Little India appetizers available for takeout?

Yes. Little India says you can enjoy its appetizers whether you dine in, order takeout, or place your order online.

What is Chicken 65?

Little India describes Chicken 65 as a South Indian specialty made with bite-sized chicken marinated in fiery spices, fried, and tossed with curry leaves, green chilies, and garlic.

Which appetizers are best for a group order?

A group order works well with a mix such as Punjabi Samosa, Vegetable Pakora, Paneer Pakora, Chicken 65, Lamb Seekh Kebab, and Swai Fish because the menu includes vegetarian, spicy, grilled, and seafood options.

Does Little India have seafood appetizers?

Yes. The appetizer menu includes Swai Fish, Calamari Pakora, and Coconut Shrimp.