In any restaurant, customers want to feel welcomed and respected. In the very least, they expect staff to acknowledge them quickly and seem gracious that they've come.

Indian cuisine also features a variety of flatbreads popular in different regions. Patel recommends trying rotli, paratha, and bhakri. And once you've found a great restaurant, don't play it safe ...

"India has so much to offer, and each dish is rich with history," Patel said. "Growing up, we tried foods from many different regions that have enriched my palate and helped shape me as a chef." ...