Exotic India Coralville offers a culinary journey that captivates the senses and transports diners to the vibrant heart of India through its thoughtfully curated menu. Known for its authentic flavors and diverse selection, this restaurant combines traditional recipes with a contemporary touch, making it a standout destination for both seasoned lovers of Indian cuisine and newcomers eager to explore its rich culinary heritage.
Whether you crave the bold spices of a classic curry or the delicate balance of flavors in a vegetarian dish, the Exotic India Coralville menu promises an exceptional experience that celebrates the depth and diversity of Indian cooking.
What sets Exotic India apart is its dedication to quality ingredients and the mastery with which each dish is prepared. The menu boasts an extensive range of options, from street-style snacks and tandoori specialties to sumptuous biryanis and decadent desserts.
Every item reflects a commitment to authenticity while catering to modern palates, ensuring that each bite offers a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Diners can expect not only a meal but an immersive cultural experience that honors India’s culinary traditions.
With a warm and inviting ambiance complementing the flavorful offerings, Exotic India Coralville is more than just a place to eat; it’s a celebration of India’s rich gastronomic tapestry. The menu’s versatility also means there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer mild dishes or crave the fiery intensity of traditional spices.
This makes it an ideal spot for family dinners, casual lunches, or special occasions where excellent food and great company come together.
Appetizers and Starters
The appetizer section of the Exotic India Coralville menu serves as a flavorful introduction to the meal, featuring an array of dishes that showcase the complexity and variety of Indian cuisine. These starters are designed to awaken the palate with their aromatic spices and vibrant presentation.
From crispy samosas filled with spiced potatoes and peas to tangy pani puri bursting with tamarind water, the appetizers offer a perfect balance of textures and tastes. The tandoori platter, featuring marinated meats and vegetables cooked in the traditional clay oven, is a popular choice for those seeking smoky, charred flavors.
Vegetarian options are plentiful, ensuring that all guests can enjoy a delicious beginning to their meal. The use of fresh herbs, ginger, garlic, and chilies in these dishes are key to their distinctive profiles.
Popular Starters
- Vegetable Samosa: Triangular pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas, deep-fried to golden perfection.
- Chicken Tikka: Tender chicken pieces marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled in the tandoor.
- Pani Puri: Hollow, crispy puris filled with spiced chickpea water and tangy tamarind chutney.
- Paneer Tikka: Cubes of fresh Indian cheese marinated and grilled, served with mint chutney.
“A great appetizer sets the tone for the meal, and Exotic India’s starters masterfully combine tradition with bold flavors to create an unforgettable opening.” – Local Food Critic
Main Courses: Curries and Specialties
The heart of the Exotic India Coralville menu lies in its main courses, particularly the wide variety of curries and regional specialties that represent the culinary diversity of India. These dishes are crafted with careful attention to spice blends and cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations.
Curry selections range from creamy, mild kormas to fiery vindaloos, catering to all heat tolerance levels. Vegetarian and vegan options are abundant, reflecting India’s rich tradition of plant-based cooking.
Signature dishes also include lamb rogan josh, butter chicken, and dal makhani, each simmered to develop deep, complex flavors.
The menu highlights the importance of balancing spice, aroma, and texture, with sauces made from fresh ingredients and slow-cooked to perfection. Exotic India also offers gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives, ensuring inclusivity without compromising on taste.
Curry Varieties
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Spice Level | Dietary Notes |
| Butter Chicken | Chicken, butter, cream, spices | Medium | Contains dairy |
| Chana Masala | Chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, spices | Medium | Vegan, gluten-free |
| Rogan Josh | Lamb, yogurt, Kashmiri spices | Medium-High | Gluten-free |
| Vegetable Korma | Mixed vegetables, coconut milk, nuts | Mild | Vegetarian, gluten-free |
Each curry is accompanied by aromatic basmati rice or freshly baked Indian breads, such as naan or roti, to complement the rich flavors and provide a satisfying dining experience.
Tandoori and Grilled Dishes
Tandoori cooking is a cornerstone of Indian cuisine, and Exotic India Coralville proudly features a selection of grilled specialties cooked in the traditional clay oven. This method imparts a unique smoky flavor and tender texture that is hard to replicate with other cooking styles.
The menu includes a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetarian options marinated in yogurt and a blend of spices before being cooked at high temperatures. These dishes are often served with fresh herbs and tangy chutneys, enhancing their flavor profiles.
The tandoor grill is also used to prepare various breads, which are soft and slightly charred, providing the perfect accompaniment to the meal’s rich sauces.
Signature Tandoori Items
- Tandoori Chicken: Marinated in yogurt, garlic, and spices, cooked to juicy perfection.
- Seekh Kebabs: Minced meat spiced and shaped onto skewers, grilled with a smoky finish.
- Grilled Paneer: Indian cheese cubes marinated and grilled, offering a rich, smoky flavor.
- Tandoori Prawns: Juicy prawns seasoned with spices and cooked in the tandoor.
“The tandoori dishes at Exotic India Coralville capture the essence of traditional Indian grilling, delivering bold flavors with every bite.” – Culinary Enthusiast
Vegetarian and Vegan Delights
Recognizing the importance of vegetarian and vegan diets in Indian culture, Exotic India Coralville offers an impressive array of dishes catering to plant-based preferences. These options maintain the richness and complexity of Indian cuisine while ensuring nutritional balance and variety.
Vegetarian dishes range from hearty lentil dals to vegetable-based curries and breads. Vegan offerings exclude dairy and animal products but retain the full spectrum of spices and flavors that define Indian cooking.
The kitchen uses fresh, seasonal vegetables and legumes to create vibrant, satisfying meals.
For those new to Indian vegetarian cuisine, the menu provides an excellent introduction to dishes that are both wholesome and indulgent.
Popular Vegetarian and Vegan Choices
- Dal Tadka: Yellow lentils tempered with mustard seeds, garlic, and chili.
- Aloo Gobi: Potatoes and cauliflower cooked with turmeric and spices.
- Baingan Bharta: Roasted eggplant mashed and mixed with onions and tomatoes.
- Vegan Saag: Spinach and mustard greens cooked with garlic and spices without cream.
These dishes not only satisfy dietary needs but also offer a rich tapestry of textures and flavors, highlighting the versatility of Indian vegetarian cooking.
Biryani and Rice Specialties
The biryani and rice dishes at Exotic India Coralville showcase some of the most beloved and intricate preparations in Indian cuisine. These dishes combine fragrant basmati rice with marinated meats, vegetables, and aromatic spices, often layered and slow-cooked to perfection.
Biryani varieties on the menu include chicken, lamb, and vegetable options, each with its unique spice blend and preparation style. The rice is infused with saffron and garnished with fried onions, nuts, and fresh herbs, creating a colorful and flavorful presentation.
In addition to biryani, the restaurant offers other rice specialties such as jeera rice and pulao, which serve as excellent complements to the main curries or can be enjoyed on their own.
Biryani Highlights
| Type | Main Ingredients | Cooking Style | Spice Level |
| Chicken Biryani | Chicken, basmati rice, saffron, spices | Layered, slow-cooked | Medium |
| Vegetable Biryani | Mixed vegetables, basmati rice, herbs | Layered, slow-cooked | Mild |
| Lamb Biryani | Lamb, basmati rice, yogurt, spices | Layered, slow-cooked | Medium-High |
| Jeera Rice | Basmati rice, cumin seeds, ghee | Simple sauté | Mild |
These rice dishes embody the essence of Indian hospitality and culinary finesse, providing a satisfying and aromatic foundation for any meal.
Breads and Accompaniments
Indian breads are essential components of a complete dining experience, and Exotic India Coralville offers a variety of freshly baked options that perfectly complement their rich and spicy dishes. These breads are traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, resulting in distinctive textures and flavors.
Naan, roti, and paratha are staples on the menu, each serving a unique purpose. Naan is soft and fluffy, often brushed with butter or garlic, while roti is thinner and whole wheat-based, ideal for scooping up curries.
Paratha offers a flaky, layered texture that adds an indulgent touch to the meal.
In addition to breads, the menu includes chutneys and pickles that provide bursts of acidity, sweetness, or heat, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Popular Bread Varieties and Sides
- Garlic Naan: Soft naan infused with garlic and butter.
- Roti: Whole wheat flatbread, light and slightly chewy.
- Paratha: Layered and flaky, often stuffed or plain.
- Mango Chutney: Sweet and tangy condiment made from ripe mangoes.
- Mint Chutney: Fresh and cooling sauce made with mint and cilantro.
“The breads served at Exotic India are not just accompaniments but integral to the dining experience, offering texture and flavor that elevate every dish.” – Food Blogger
Desserts and Beverages
Completing the meal, Exotic India Coralville provides a selection of traditional desserts and beverages that offer a sweet and refreshing finish. These options often balance sweetness with aromatic spices like cardamom and saffron, reflecting the rich dessert heritage of India.
Popular dessert choices include gulab jamun, a syrup-soaked fried dough ball, and kheer, a creamy rice pudding flavored with nuts and rose water. For beverages, the menu features classic Indian drinks such as mango lassi, a yogurt-based mango smoothie, and masala chai, a spiced tea that is both comforting and invigorating.
These desserts and drinks provide the perfect conclusion to a flavorful journey through the menu.
Dessert and Drink Options
- Gulab Jamun: Soft, sweet fried dough balls soaked in rose-scented syrup.
- Kheer: Creamy rice pudding flavored with cardamom and garnished with almonds.
- Mango Lassi: Refreshing yogurt and mango smoothie, slightly sweetened.
- Masala Chai: Black tea brewed with spices including cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger.
| Item | Main Flavors | Best Paired With |
| Gulab Jamun | Sweet, floral, syrupy | Strong coffee or masala chai |
| Kheer | Creamy, nutty, mildly spiced | Light tea or lassi |
| Mango Lassi | Fruity, tangy, creamy | Spicy curries |
| Masala Chai | Spiced, warm, robust | All meal phases |
These carefully selected desserts and beverages provide a harmonious balance to the bold spices and rich flavors found throughout the menu.
Conclusion
The Exotic India Coralville menu stands as a vibrant testament to the richness and diversity of Indian cuisine. It offers a thoughtfully balanced selection of dishes that cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring an inviting and inclusive dining experience.
The menu’s strength lies in its authenticity, quality ingredients, and the passionate craftsmanship evident in every dish served.
From the tantalizing appetizers that spark anticipation to the hearty main courses that satisfy deeply, each offering is a celebration of India’s culinary heritage. The inclusion of various vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options further emphasizes the restaurant’s commitment to accommodating all guests without sacrificing flavor or tradition.
Accompanied by freshly baked breads, aromatic rice specialties, and indulgent desserts, the meal at Exotic India Coralville is a complete sensory journey. Whether you are a longtime enthusiast of Indian food or exploring these flavors for the first time, the menu promises a memorable and enriching experience that delights the palate and honors the culture it represents.
