One of the best aspects of Indian food is that it appeases meat eaters and vegetarians alike. Whether you order a lamb, beef or chicken dish -- or one made with potatoes or lentils -- the eating experience is similar and equally as satisfying.

Indian dishes are usually presented in small serving dishes, and self-scooped over basmati rice, which is usually served "family style" at the table. Sauces, called chutneys, are used as condiments.

Indian bread, called nan, is available stuffed or plain, and is ideal as a "side," or as a way to transport food to mouth, similar to Ethiopian dining. Traditionally, Indian food was not eaten with utensils, but in modern India, and definitely in Western Indian restaurants, silverware is used.

Some say Indian food is an acquired taste due to the combination of spices used like curry, cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg, but for others, the subtle and exotics flavors are the very reason they crave Indian cuisine.

In any case, Indian food is a highly evolved style of cooking that's been around for 3,000 years. Lucky for us, Milwaukee is home to many great Indian food restaurants, so whether it's already a favorite, or you want to experiment with new tastes, here's a guide to local Indian eateries.

Bombay Sweets
3401 S. 13th St.
(414) 383-3553
Bombay Sweets is one of Milwaukee's most affordable Indian restaurants. It's a no-frills environment with stellar recipes.

Delhi Café
11302 W. Bluemound
(414) 431-1288
Originally called the Indian Palace, The Delhi Café changed names, but not menus. They are still home to a large lunch buffet ($7.95) and a variety of traditional entrees. Closed on Mondays.

Maharaja Restaurant
1550 N. Farwell Ave.
(414) 276-2250
Arguably one of Milwaukee's best Indian food restaurants, Maharaja has a popular lunch buffet ($8.95). If you're ordering off the menu and looking for vegetarian, try the palak aloo. Maharaja is also kid-friendly, with high chairs and a patient staff.

Royal India
3400 S. 27th St.
(414) 647-9600
Royal India has a lunch buffet ($7.95) and a full menu. Lunch buffet dishes rotate regularly.

Saffron Indian Bistro
17395 W. Bluemound Rd.
(262) 784-1332
Saffron Indian Bistro's buffet is $8.95 for lunch and $11.95 for dinner. They do not have a full menu, and are closed on Mondays.

Tandoor House
1117 S. 108th St.
(414) 777-1600
The Tandoor lunch buffet ($7.95) is available until 3 p.m. A full dinner menu goes into affect at 5 p.m. Try the beef curry, if you're looking for something carnivorous and delicious.

Taste of India
17800 W. Bluemound Rd.
(262) 796-8200
The lunch buffet ($8.95) is served seven days a week at 11:30 a.m. Taste of India's chicken tikka masala is worth sampling, even though this dish is considered an unauthentic Indian food.

Coming soon:

India Rasoi
1692 N. Van Buren St.
(In the old Dancing Ganesha space.)