Indian cuisine has been popular in Britain since the Victorian era, with many recipes being adapted to suit British tastes, and new curries even being created here. But passing our love of Indian flavours to our children can prove tricky; often kids don’t like strong spices and need a more gentle introduction to this delicious food. Here are our favourite curries to help little ones develop a taste for Indian cuisine.
1. Chicken korma
A firm favourite among those with milder tastes, chicken korma features some of the warming spices associated with the best Indian cuisine, but has very little heat. Instead, it has a nuttier flavour thanks to the addition of almonds, cashews and/or coconut, while the creamy texture is sure to be popular with little ones.
2. Sag panir
Sag panir offers a good introduction to Indian cuisine for kids, combining soft cheese with spinach and mild spices. Depending on which restaurant you visit, it may or may not also be cooked with fresh cream. Paired with some plain or pilaw rice, it allows children to experience some of the aromatic flavours of Indian cuisine while offering familiar ingredients.
3. Tandoori butter chicken
Meat cooked in a traditional tandoor oven has a distinct flavour that is synonymous with Indian cuisine. Tandoori butter chicken gives your child a taste of these flavours combined with a mild sauce and ingredients such as green pepper and onion. The chicken is juicy and tender, giving it a melt-in-the-mouth quality, while the spices are warming and aromatic rather than hot.
4. Jeera chicken
Mildly spiced and carrying the earthy flavour of cumin, jeera chicken is a great option for little ones. Again, the spices are warming and slightly peppery, and there’s not much sauce for kids who prefer drier foods. Pair it with naan or rice and a raitha dip, which will allow your child to explore the new flavours alongside familiar ones.
5. Lamb pasanda
Lamb pasanda has similar flavours to korma, being nutty and creamy. It’s another mild option that uses yoghurt or cream to balance the spices, making it more palatable for young children. Many restaurants serving the best Indian cuisine near me will offer this dish so if your little one likes it, it’s an easy choice to find on the menu.
6. Sag gosth
If your child is ready for a little bit more of a kick to their food, sag gosth is a good choice. Medium spiced mutton pieces are cooked with fresh spinach, making for a fragrant dish that has a little more heat. Again, this can be accompanied with a side of plain rice or a roti.
If you’re searching ‘best curry house near me’ and looking for places that offer a wide range of choices that are suitable for kids, why not head to Little India? Our menu has dishes that suit British tastes as well as authentic options from the Indian subcontinent, each prepared with the freshest ingredients. Book your table today.
