What are Indian appetizers (starters)?

Indian appetizers consist of snacks (Pakora Kebab Samosa Chaat Papad), Salad Plate, Soups, and condiments (Pickles and Chutney)
Concept of appetizers does not exist in traditional Indian cuisine. The entire dinner is served on a Thaali (Platter). On the platter you have snacks, salad and condiments, curries, lentils and soups, rice and bread, and desserts. The entire meal is served at the same time.
During British Raj, the food service broke up into 3 basic courses.
1. Appetizers consisting of snacks, salads, soups, and condiments
2. Main Entree consisting of curries, lentils, bread and rice
3. Desserts

Appetizers

The appetizers can be broken up into 4 categories
1. Condiments
Condiments include various types of pickles (Achar), and Chutney. The condiments are not removed at the end of Appetizer course, condiments remain on the table through the main entree.
Popular pickles include 'Aam Achar' (Mango pickle), and 'Nimboo Achar' (Lime pickle).
Popular chutney include: 'Dhania Chatni' made with fresh cilantro onions and spices, and spicy sweet 'Imli Chatni' made with Tamarind sugar and spices.
2. Salad Plate
Do not confuse 'Salad Plate' with traditional western salads. Indian Salad Plate consists of: thinly sliced onions, sliced tomatoes, sliced Mooli (Indian white long radish), sliced cucumber, wedges of limes, fresh ginger root cut in the form of matchsticks, and fresh green hot chili peppers called 'Hari Mirch'. Salt, ground cayenne and few drops of Sirka (Sugarcane vinegar) or fresh lime juice may be used for dressing.
3. Soups
Hot and cold soups may be included. The cold soup is called Raita, grated onions and cucumbers are stirred in whipped yogurt with some spices. Popular hot soup served is Dal Bukhara (baked creamy whole black beans. Restaurants in UK and USA serve Mulligatawny soup made of pigeon-peas.
4. Snacks
Deep-fried Snacks: Samosa (May be baked), Pakora, Papad (May be dry-roasted), Kachori

Kebab or Tikka: Tandoori Jhinga (Prawn), Chicken Tandoori, Shami Kebab, Seekh Kebab, Paneer Tikka, Tandoori Aloo (Stuffed potatoes), Murgh Malai Kebab
Chaat: Goal Gappa, Aloo Chat, Fruit Chaat, Paapri, Dahi Bhalla.

Trivia Note

The world famous 'Bukhara Restaurant' is part of Maurya Sheraton Hotel located in New Delhi. On July 20, 2009 US secretary of state Hillary Clinton visited the restaurant and expressed a her desire to have a dish named after her. The chef obliged with 'Hillary Platter' consisting of: Paneer Tikka, Tandoori Aloo, Murgh Malai Kebab, Sikandari Raan, Tandoori Jhinga, Seekh Kebab, Dal Bukhara, and Mixed Raita.
Mrs Clinton was also served a variety of fresh fruit juices, and Naan. For dessert, Rasmalai was planned but changed to Kulfi by Mrs Clinton.

In 2000, President Clinton, first lady Clinton and daughter Chelsea dined at Bukhara leading to creation of non-vegetarian 'Presidential Platter', and a vegetarian 'Chelsea Platter'.

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