Best Indian Appetizers on S. Broadway, LA You Should Try

Starting a meal with the right appetizer can make the entire dining experience more enjoyable. If you are looking for Indian appetizers on S. Broadway, LA, Riwaaz Indian Cuisine & Banquet offers a variety of flavorful starters inspired by traditional Indian cooking and modern Indian flavors.

Located at 750 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014, Riwaaz brings authentic Indian, North Indian, and Punjabi-inspired cuisine to Downtown Los Angeles. Its menu includes vegetarian appetizers, chicken specialties, lamb samosas, chaat, and other flavorful starters that are ideal for sharing.

Whether you are visiting Riwaaz for a casual lunch, dinner with family, or a special gathering, ordering a few appetizers is a great way to explore different flavors before moving on to biryani, curries, tandoori dishes, naan, or other Indian specialties.

Why Indian Appetizers Are So Popular

Indian appetizers are known for their combination of textures, spices, herbs, and sauces. Unlike starters that focus on only one flavor, Indian appetizers often combine several elements in one bite.

You may experience:

• Crispy textures
• Tangy chutneys
• Aromatic spices
• Creamy yogurt
• Fresh herbs
• Spicy sauces
• Savory fillings
• Smoky grilled flavors

This variety makes Indian appetizers especially enjoyable for sharing. At Riwaaz, the appetizer menu provides options for different preferences, including vegetarian, chicken, and lamb dishes.

Alu Samosa Chaat: A Flavorful Indian Favorite

One of the most exciting ways to enjoy a samosa is in chaat form.

Alu Samosa Chaat combines the familiar flavors of a potato samosa with the textures and flavors associated with Indian street-style chaat. The combination creates a starter that is savory, tangy, spicy, and satisfying.

If you enjoy Indian street food, this is an appetizer worth trying at Riwaaz.

It is also a great option for sharing because the combination of crispy samosa and flavorful toppings gives everyone something interesting to experience.

Lamb Samosa: A Savory Starter

For diners who prefer meat-based appetizers, Lamb Samosa is another option on the Riwaaz menu.

Samosas are among the most recognizable Indian appetizers, traditionally featuring a crisp pastry exterior with a savory filling. Riwaaz offers Lamb Samosa in a two-piece serving, making it a convenient starter before a larger meal.

The lamb filling gives the classic samosa a richer, meatier flavor and makes it a good choice for diners who want something different from the traditional potato version.

Lamb Samosa Chaat: A More Flavorful Twist

If you like samosas but want something more elaborate, try Lamb Samosa Chaat.

This dish takes the flavors of lamb samosa and combines them with the characteristics of Indian chaat. The result is a starter with multiple textures and layers of flavor.

For someone exploring Indian food for the first time, Lamb Samosa Chaat can be an excellent introduction to the variety of Indian street-food-inspired dishes.

Gobi Manchurian: Indian-Chinese Fusion

Looking for something different?

Gobi Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese appetizer made with cauliflower and flavorful sauce. It represents the fusion between Indian cooking techniques and Chinese-inspired flavors that has become popular throughout India.

The Riwaaz menu lists Gobi Manchurian as a cauliflower appetizer, making it a great vegetarian choice for diners who want something beyond traditional Indian starters.

Its combination of crispy cauliflower and bold sauce makes it particularly appealing as a shared appetizer.

Murgha Chilli: A Spicy Chicken Starter

Chicken lovers can try Murgha Chilli, a chicken appetizer featuring bold, spicy flavors.

The dish is particularly suitable for diners who enjoy chili-forward Indian dishes. It also provides a different experience from traditional tandoori chicken because it brings a more modern, Indo-Chinese-inspired flavor profile to the table.

Riwaaz currently lists Murgha Chilli among its appetizer selections.

Pani Puri Poppers: A Fun Indian Street Food Experience

For something playful and different, consider Pani Puri Poppers.

Pani puri is one of India's best-known street foods. Traditionally, it combines crisp hollow shells with flavorful fillings and spiced water. Riwaaz's Pani Puri Poppers provide a restaurant-style take on this iconic street-food experience.

The menu lists the appetizer as a six-piece serving.

This makes it a particularly fun option when dining with friends or family and looking to share several appetizers.

Alu Tikki: A Classic Vegetarian Appetizer

Another vegetarian option at Riwaaz is Alu Tikki.

Alu tikki is a classic Indian potato-based snack made into a savory patty and seasoned with spices. It is popular throughout India and works well as either an appetizer or a street-food-style snack.

Riwaaz currently lists Alu Tikki among its appetizer selections.

For vegetarians searching for Indian appetizers in Downtown Los Angeles, this is a simple but flavorful choice.

Masala Papad: Light, Crispy, and Flavorful

If you prefer a lighter starter, Masala Papad is worth considering.

Papad is a thin, crisp Indian accompaniment that can be topped with flavorful ingredients to create a refreshing and crunchy starter.

Masala Papad works particularly well at the beginning of a meal because it provides a crisp texture without being as heavy as some fried appetizers.

It is also a good option to share while deciding what main dishes to order.

Murgha Tandoori Wings

For chicken lovers who enjoy smoky flavors, Murgha Tandoori Wings offer another appetizer option at Riwaaz.

The restaurant's menu includes tandoori wings among its appetizer selections.

Tandoori-style cooking is known for its use of aromatic spices and high-heat cooking, creating a flavorful exterior while keeping the meat tender.

If you have already enjoyed traditional Indian tandoori dishes, these wings offer a more casual appetizer format.

Murgha Fried Tenders

Another chicken appetizer option is Murgha Fried Tenders.

These are a convenient choice for diners who enjoy crispy chicken and want an appetizer that feels familiar while still being part of an Indian dining experience.

They can also work well for families or groups where different guests have different preferences.

Choosing the Right Indian Appetizer

With so many options available, choosing an appetizer can depend on what kind of flavors you enjoy.

For Vegetarians

Consider:

• Alu Samosa Chaat
• Gobi Manchurian
• Pani Puri Poppers
• Alu Tikki
• Masala Papad

For Lamb Lovers

Try:

• Lamb Samosa
• Lamb Samosa Chaat

For Chicken Lovers

Consider:

• Murgha Chilli
• Murgha Tandoori Wings
• Murgha Fried Tenders

For Something Different

Try:

• Pani Puri Poppers
• Gobi Manchurian
• Lamb Samosa Chaat

Ordering several different appetizers is also a great way for a group to experience a wider variety of Indian flavors.

Indian Appetizers Are Perfect for Sharing

One of the best things about Indian dining is the opportunity to share food.

Instead of ordering only one appetizer, a group can choose several starters and try something different from each category.

For example, a group might order:

• Alu Samosa Chaat
• Lamb Samosa
• Gobi Manchurian
• Murgha Chilli
• Pani Puri Poppers

This creates a meal filled with different textures, flavors, and ingredients before moving on to the main course.

What to Order After Your Appetizers

After exploring the appetizer menu, Riwaaz offers a wide selection of Indian main courses.

You can continue your meal with options such as:

• Murgha Biryani
• Memna Biryani
• Jhinga Biryani
• Bakra Mutton Curry
• Murgha Tikka Masala
• Paneer Tikka Masala
• Daal Makhan Wali
• Kadhai Paneer

You can also add Garlic Naan, Plain Naan, Cheese Kulcha, or Vegetable Pilau Rice to complete your meal.

Riwaaz's menu includes Indian curries, tandoori specialties, biryani, vegetarian dishes, Indian breads, desserts, and Indian-inspired pizzas and calzones.

Indian Appetizers for Groups and Events

Riwaaz is more than a restaurant. It also offers banquet and catering services in Los Angeles, making its appetizer selection useful for larger gatherings and celebrations. The restaurant's website notes catering and banquet services for weddings, birthday parties, family gatherings, corporate events, and other special occasions.

Indian appetizers are particularly suitable for events because many can be served as shareable starters. Guests can sample different dishes before enjoying the main meal.

Visit Riwaaz on S. Broadway, LA

If you're searching for the best Indian appetizers on S. Broadway, LA, Riwaaz Indian Cuisine & Banquet offers plenty of options to explore.

From crispy samosas and flavorful chaat to Gobi Manchurian, Pani Puri Poppers, chicken wings, and Murgha Chilli, the appetizer menu provides something for different tastes and preferences.

Visit Riwaaz at:

Riwaaz Indian Cuisine & Banquet
750 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Phone: +1 213-266-8995
Email: [email protected]

Whether you're meeting friends for dinner, bringing the family, or planning a special event, start your meal with a selection of Indian appetizers and discover the variety of flavors available at Riwaaz.