Walking into an Indian restaurant for the first time can feel like opening a novel in a language you half-know: butter chicken you’ve heard of, but what’s a korma? Is vindaloo really that hot? (Yes.) After serving thousands of first-timers at Sonny’s Indian Kitchen in Chatham, NJ since 2020, here’s the guide we wish every new guest had.
The Short Answer: Order This If You’re Brand New
If you want the classic, can’t-miss first Indian meal, order this combination: one order of Vegetable Samosas to start, Sonny’s Famous Butter Chicken as your main, Garlic Naan to scoop it up, and a Mango Lassi to drink. It’s mild, rich, and the reason millions of people fell in love with Indian food.
If You Like Mild, Creamy Flavors
Start with Butter Chicken or Chicken Korma. Butter chicken is oven-baked chicken thigh simmered in a velvety tomato-butter gravy with fenugreek; korma is even gentler, braised in a creamy cashew sauce with cardamom and rose water. On the vegetarian side, Palak Paneer (soft cheese cubes in spinach) and Kali Dal Makhani (slow-simmered buttery black lentils) are equally comforting. None of these are spicy by default.
If You Want Some Heat
Chicken Tikka Masala at medium spice is the crowd-pleasing middle ground. Ready for the deep end? Chicken Spicy Vindaloo is a bold Goan curry built on a tangy, vinegar-forward heat that builds sip by sip, so keep that lassi close. At Sonny’s we can adjust most entrees mild, medium, or hot, so say the word when you order online.
If You’re Vegetarian or Vegan
Indian cuisine has arguably the deepest vegetarian bench of any food tradition on earth. Eight entrees on our menu are fully vegan, including Chana Masala (chickpeas in a tangy tomato gravy) and Aloo Gobhi Masala (dry-spiced potato and cauliflower). For the full rundown, see our vegetarian and vegan Indian food guide.
If You’re Ordering for Kids
Kids reliably love butter chicken, plain or garlic naan, steamed basmati rice, samosas, and mango lassi. Think of it as the Indian-food equivalent of chicken tenders and fries, except they’re eating slow-cooked chicken and fresh-baked bread.
How to Build a Complete Order
- One appetizer per 2 people; samosas and chaats are made to share.
- One entree per person; curries come with generous gravy made for sharing.
- One bread or rice per person: naan for scooping, basmati rice for soaking up sauce.
- One raita (cooling yogurt side) if anyone ordered medium-plus spice.
- Finish with Gulab Jamun (warm syrup-soaked dumplings). The table always fights over the last one.
A Local Tip for Chatham-Area Diners
Sonny’s Indian Kitchen is BYOB, so bring a crisp Riesling or a lager and it’ll flatter every curry on this list. We’re at 225 Main St in downtown Chatham, about 5 minutes from Madison and 10 from Summit. Browse the full menu or order online for pickup or delivery.