indian food has a huge heat(spice) range. Honestly, I would not do what your planning. I would go to a upper scale place and engage the owner/manager. Like a wine person, they will start you easy, and bring you along as you gain confidence. Unless you like really hot Buffalo wings you need to be cautious.
Things to know, the culture worships cows so no beef, no pork, great lamb. Lots of vegan type dishes. Vindaloo=hot. Lemon pickle is quite salty, ask for it and use it sparingly. While I mostly drink wine Indian beers pair really well, so go for a king fisher or tajmahal. Do get a nan (flat bread with just a hint of rising) too many to choose from. The “sauces” green, dark and red are amazing. I love onions the red stuff is onions, taste them one at a time then mix.
Raita, yogurt cucumber mint cooler to cut the heat.
Rice= Jasmine rice, just eat it its amazing.
No mater your experience post a blow by blow, good bad ugly. If you have ? feel free to ask.
Thanks, I’ll post the results of my “experiment!”
Mark