Family-Friendly Indian Dining: Best Dishes for Kids and Sharing (Tips from High On Chai Guests)
Practical tips for families on Koh Tao who want to enjoy Indian food together—kid-friendly dishes, how to order smaller portions for sharing, and simple ways to manage spice so children can relax and enjoy dinner.
Why Indian food works well for families
Indian cuisine offers a wide range of textures and flavours that suit children and adults alike: creamy, mild curries, grilled tandoori items, soft breads and simple rice dishes. Guests who’ve dined at High On Chai repeatedly praise the restaurant’s approachable flavours and friendly service, making it a good example of how an Indian meal can be relaxed and family-friendly.
Start with small, shareable plates
Begin a family meal with easy starters that kids usually enjoy: vegetable samosas, mild paneer tikka or soft papadums. These items are finger-friendly and let children nibble while adults order mains. Several diners noted samosas and tikkas as crowd-pleasers for passing around the table.
Mild, creamy mains kids often love
Choose tomato‑cream based curries and milder dishes for younger palates: butter chicken, paneer butter/paneer malai and mild korma-style options are typically creamy, slightly sweet and not peppery. Multiple reviewers specifically mentioned paneer butter masala, paneer malai and butter chicken as favourites for families.
Grilled options for picky eaters
Tandoori items like tandoori paneer or mild prawn/prawn tikka are great if your child prefers something grilled rather than saucy. Reviewers praised the tender, flavourful tikkas—these can be served with plain rice or a small naan to make a simple plate for children.
Breads, rice and other kid-friendly sides
Breads are often a hit: plain naan, garlic naan or the popular cheesy garlic naan provide a familiar, mild base for kids. Steamed rice or a veg biryani can also be used to temper spice. Guests frequently call out fresh naan and biryani as reliable options to balance flavours for little ones.
How to order smaller portions for sharing
If you’re worried about ordering too much or want to let kids try several dishes, ask staff if they can serve smaller mains or half portions. One family noted an owner offered to prepare smaller mains so the group could sample more dishes—many restaurants are happy to accommodate reasonable requests when it helps families enjoy the meal.
Managing spice: practical adjustments
To keep spice levels comfortable: request ‘mild’ when you order, ask for sauces on the side, or choose creamier dishes. Keep cooling accompaniments on the table—plain yogurt or raita and a sweet mango lassi are both soothing for children if a dish turns out hotter than expected. Several guests complimented the staff for adjusting spice and explaining dishes, which helps families choose appropriately.
Ordering strategy for variety and less waste
A good family strategy is: one or two mild mains, one grilled item, a shared starter, a portion of rice and a couple of naans. Consider ordering a thali if offered (it’s designed for sharing) or ask for half-portions to sample multiple dishes without leftovers. Guests have recommended thali-style meals as convenient and fun for groups.
Drinks and treats kids will like
Mango lassi, sweet yogurt drinks and mild sweet treats are popular with children and can double as a cooling dessert. Reviewers praised mango lassi and other yogurt-based drinks as family favourites—handy both for flavour and to help tone down any heat from a meal.
Service, timing and simple seating tips
Busy evenings can mean short waits; one reviewer mentioned queues but also noted attentive staff and quick service once seated. Arrive a little earlier for peak times if you have small children, and let staff know about allergies or spice preferences—many places (as reported by diners) are welcoming and willing to describe menu items and accommodate families to make dinner smoother.
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High On Chai : Authentic Indian restaurant
Authentic Indian Food