Top 10 Best Continental Dishes That Are Famous in India

Continental food on Indian menus usually means European cuisine (especially Italian and French) cooked with techniques like roasting, baking and light sauces. 

Ten continental dishes most loved in India are: Veg Au Gratin, Mushroom Risotto, Penne Alfredo, Aglio e Olio/Arrabbiata, Margherita Pizza, Chicken Piccata, Grilled Chicken Steak with Peppercorn Sauce, Fish & Chips, Caesar Salad, and Bruschetta/Garlic Bread.

What Is Continental Food? (Indian Context)

Continental food in India refers to European cuisines, primarily Italian, French, and Mediterranean cooking styles. Unlike Indian cooking that relies heavily on spices and gravies, continental cuisine dishes emphasize techniques like roasting, baking, grilling, and sautéing with lighter sauces.

Indian restaurants interpret continental food as dishes that use olive oil, herbs like oregano and basil, cheese, and cooking methods that highlight the natural flavors of ingredients rather than masking them with heavy spices.

The Top 10 Continental Dishes Loved in India

1. Veg Au Gratin (Vegetable Baked Dish)

Creamy béchamel sauce, mixed vegetables, and a golden cheese crust make this the ultimate vegetarian continental food favorite. Indian restaurants typically include broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms layered with white sauce and baked until bubbly. Perfect with garlic bread for a complete meal that satisfies comfort food lovers.

2. Mushroom Risotto

This creamy Italian rice dish adapts beautifully to Indian tastes. Continental dishes like risotto showcase how European techniques create comfort food without heavy spices. Indian versions often use less wine and more cream, with button mushrooms being the most common variety. The slow-cooked rice absorbs flavors gradually, creating that signature creamy texture without being heavy.

3. Penne Alfredo (White Sauce Pasta)

The "white sauce pasta" is familiar to every Indian café visitor. This continental cuisine dish features penne tubes coated in rich cream sauce with parmesan cheese. Indian adaptations often include broccoli, mushrooms, or grilled chicken. The mild, creamy profile makes it perfect for those transitioning from Indian gravies to European flavors.

4. Aglio e Olio / Arrabbiata

Simple spaghetti with garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes (Aglio e Olio) or tomato-based spicy sauce (Arrabbiata) represents continental food at its most approachable. The Arrabbiata's tomato-chili combination suits Indian palates perfectly. These pasta dishes prove that continental dishes can be light, flavorful, and budget-friendly without sacrificing satisfaction.

5. Margherita Pizza

The classic Neapolitan pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil remains the most popular continental food across Indian cafés and restaurants. Its simple vegetarian profile, combined with the familiar bread-and-cheese combination, makes it universally appealing. Indian versions often use more cheese and herbs to suit local preferences.

6. Chicken Piccata

Pan-fried chicken cutlets in lemon-butter sauce with capers offer a lighter alternative to heavy Indian gravies. This continental dish showcases how European cooking emphasizes the natural chicken flavor rather than masking it with spices. The tangy, aromatic sauce pairs beautifully with herbed rice or mashed potatoes, making it a restaurant favorite.

7. Grilled Chicken Steak with Peppercorn Sauce

When Indians say "steak," they usually mean grilled chicken breast served with sides. This continental cuisine dish features herb-marinated chicken with peppercorn or mushroom sauce, accompanied by sautéed vegetables and mashed potatoes. The presentation and cooking method represent classic European plating styles adapted for Indian preferences.

8. Fish & Chips

This British pub classic translates perfectly as continental food in coastal Indian cities. Beer-battered fish fillets with thick-cut potato wedges offer a satisfying alternative to Indian fried fish preparations. Served with tartar sauce and lemon wedges, it's become a staple at sports bars and casual dining restaurants across India.

9. Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing, parmesan, and croutons represents how continental dishes can be fresh and satisfying. Indian versions often skip anchovies and offer egg-free dressing options. The combination of textures and flavors introduces Indian diners to salads as complete meals rather than just accompaniments.

10. Bruschetta / Garlic Bread

These Italian appetizers perfectly complement other continental food dishes. Bruschetta features toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and olive oil, while garlic bread offers buttery, herb-flavored comfort. Both showcase how simple European ingredients create satisfying starters that pair beautifully with pasta and baked dishes.

Quick Comparison Table

Ordering Tips for Continental Food in India

Continental dishes in Indian restaurants often come in generous portions designed for sharing. Most pasta dishes serve 2-3 people, while pizzas are typically sized for 3-4 diners.

Ask about vegetarian substitutions - most restaurants happily replace chicken with paneer or extra vegetables in pasta dishes. For salads, confirm whether dressings contain eggs or anchovies if you have dietary restrictions.

Popular sides include herbed rice, mashed potatoes, and sautéed vegetables. These complement the lighter flavors of continental cuisine dishes without competing for attention.

When ordering for children, Margherita pizza, white sauce pasta, and garlic bread offer familiar flavors that introduce young palates to European cooking styles.

Enhancing Continental Dishes at Home

Making continental food at home becomes easier with quality ingredients and the right flavor enhancers. Our Oregano + Thyme Dressing brings authentic Italian herb flavors to pasta dishes and salads without the hassle of buying multiple dried herbs.

For Caesar salads, our Garlic Vegan Mayo provides that creamy, garlicky base without eggs or artificial additives. Mix with lemon juice and parmesan for restaurant-quality dressing at home.

Our Balsamic + Black Pepper Dressing elevates simple salads and works beautifully drizzled over grilled chicken or bruschetta. The sharp, mildly tangy profile complements rather than overwhelms delicate continental cuisine dishes.

At Boombay, we never use refined sugars or refined oils in any of our products. Instead, we craft each jar with nuts, seeds, and globally-inspired flavors. You get sauces that don't just taste good, but make you feel good.

Real ingredients, bold flavors, and zero compromises.

Choose from our complete range of products here →

Premium quality without the premium prep time.

Made any of these? Tag us on Instagram @boombayway with your creations! Let's see how you make your continental food favorites, but healthy. Boombay style.

FAQ

Q. What exactly counts as "continental" on Indian menus?
Continental food on Indian menus refers to European cuisines, primarily Italian, French, and Mediterranean dishes. This includes pasta, pizza, risotto, grilled meats with light sauces, and baked dishes. The term distinguishes European cooking techniques (roasting, baking, light sauces) from heavily spiced Indian preparations. Most Indian restaurants use "continental" to describe dishes that emphasize ingredient flavors rather than complex spice blends.

Q. Is pizza and pasta considered continental food?
Yes, pizza and pasta are considered continental dishes on Indian menus since they originate from Italian cuisine, which falls under the European "continental" category. Italian food represents one of the most popular segments of continental cuisine dishes in India. Restaurants classify these dishes as continental to distinguish them from Indian, Chinese, or other Asian cuisines available on their menus.

Q. What are the best veg continental dishes in India?
The top 10 continental food options for vegetarians include Veg Au Gratin, Mushroom Risotto, Penne Alfredo, Aglio e Olio pasta, and Margherita Pizza. These continental dishes offer satisfying meals without meat while showcasing classic European flavors and cooking techniques. Most Indian restaurants also offer vegetarian versions of Caesar salad and various baked vegetable preparations that qualify as continental cuisine.

Q. Can I get egg-free Caesar salad or veg Caesar?
Yes, many Indian cafés offer egg-free Caesar salad using vegan mayonnaise instead of traditional egg-based dressing. They also typically skip anchovies to make it completely vegetarian. The continental food adaptation maintains the creamy, garlicky dressing profile while accommodating Indian dietary preferences. Always confirm with your server about egg and anchovy ingredients when ordering Caesar salad.

Q. What's the difference between continental and oriental food?
Continental food refers to European cuisines (Italian, French, Mediterranean) that use techniques like roasting, baking, and light sauces. Oriental food refers to East and Southeast Asian cuisines (Chinese, Thai, Japanese) that typically feature stir-frying, steaming, and soy-based sauces. On Indian menus, this distinction helps diners choose between European-style continental dishes and Asian-style preparations based on their flavor preferences.

Q. Are continental dishes spicy in Indian restaurants?
Most continental cuisine dishes in Indian restaurants maintain mild to medium spice levels to stay true to European cooking styles. However, some dishes like Arrabbiata pasta include moderate heat that suits Indian palates. Restaurants often ask about spice preferences and can adjust heat levels in dishes like pasta sauces. The focus remains on herbs, cheese, and cooking techniques rather than the intense spicing typical of Indian food.