Whether you’re eating in one of the most popular Indian restaurants in London or ordering a takeaway from your local curry house, pairing your chosen dish with a tasty side is part of the fun. There are so many options to choose from, including rices, breads and dips – but what are the best pairings that never fail to satisfy? Here are a few of our favourites.
1. Dall with plain or garlic naan
Just like a stew with freshly baked bread, dall and naan are a perfect combination. Whether you prefer tarka dall, dall makhani or another variation, these warming and hearty lentil dishes go beautifully with a soft, pillowy naan bread. Plain or garlic naans pair best, as they don’t overpower the flavours of the dall.
2. Madras with peshwari naan
The sweetness of a peshwari naan provides a cooling and complementary flavour to the madras. Ingredients such as coconut, almonds and sultanas balance the intense spice of this curry, creating a taste sensation that you’re sure to love.
3. Roti with vegetable curry
Roti and vegetable curry is a great pairing for those looking to watch their calorie intake or enjoy a healthier option. Roti is ideal for scooping up gravy-like sauces and is more nutrient-rich than options such as naan, being made from whole wheat flour and containing less fat.
4. Sylheti Lebu Mossala and plain rice
A Sylheti Lebu Mossala is best enjoyed with a relatively plain side like boiled basmati rice. This allows the bright, zingy flavours of the hathkora (wild lemon) to shine through, and provides a light, fluffy texture to complement the tender meat or chicken in the dish.
5. Chana mossala and mushroom rice
The savoury, earthy flavour of mushroom rice is a wonderful accompaniment to curries such as chana mossala. The rice provides a mild base that absorbs the tangy gravy of the dish, and the mushrooms offer a texture contrast to the firmness of the chickpeas that is delightfully satisfying.
6. Biryani and raitha
Made with cucumber, yoghurt and light spices, raitha has a mild, fresh taste that cuts through the rich, aromatic flavours of a biryani. It balances the bold and fragrant spices of the dish such as cardamom, cloves and saffron, providing a clean, cooling note that’s irresistible.
7. Butter chicken and lassi
Butter chicken is a popular Indian food with British diners thanks to its mild, velvety sauce and tender chunks of meat. Whether you choose the mango option or the traditional salted version, lassi is an ideal pairing for this dish, providing a tangy note that offsets the rich creaminess of the sauce.
Explore curry pairings at Little India
At Little India, we have a wide selection of rices, breads and sundries on our menu, offering plenty of opportunities to pair your curry with the perfect side. And if you’re unsure what to choose, our friendly staff are happy to make recommendations. Find us in South Kensington by searching ‘popular Indian restaurants near me’ and book a table or drop in for authentic Indian cuisine and attentive, personalised service.
