If you’re heading to a curry house in London, you may already be planning what you want to eat. India has a rich and varied culinary history and you’ll find a wide range of options on the menu, from dishes with rich or creamy sauces to drier masala dishes – and of course, a selection of sides and starters.
But what are the best combinations when it comes to choosing your starter and main course? Everyone is different, and it largely depends on personal preference, but we have a few suggestions to help you decide.
1. Meat samosa + vegetable biryani
Diners with a milder palate can start off with a crispy samosa filled with chicken and meat. This light street food won’t fill you up too quickly, making it a great choice if you tend to opt for a rice-based dish like a biryani. We recommend the rich flavours and crunchy textures of a vegetable biryani.
2. Daal soup + chicken tikka
For a protein packed dinner, opt for daal soup and chicken tikka. This healthy, hearty starter is made with lentils, onion and ginger, and is a flavourful way to kick off your meal. Follow it with diced, mildly spiced chicken cooked to perfection in a Tandoori oven, with a side of sag aloo. We promise both your tastebuds and your appetite will be satisfied!
3. King prawn butterfly + meat korma
If you love the rich creamy sauce of a korma, you’ll want to keep your starter light. King prawn butterfly is the perfect option, whetting your appetite with succulent, mildly spiced prawns fried in breadcrumbs. Choosing a meat korma, made with mutton, ensures you get a great balance of flavours.
4. Chicken chat + balti
For those who enjoy the combination of hot and sour, chicken chat and a balti is the ideal combo. You’ll start with fine pieces of chicken tikka, tossed with hot and sour spices and seasoned with Indian herbs, and follow up with the beautifully balanced balti and a side of naan.
5. Fish pakoora + Sylheti fish curry
Seafood fanatics can start with a crisp, golden fish pakora before moving onto a Sylheti fish curry. This is prepared to a traditional recipe from the Bengal region, and packed with flavour – ideal for anyone looking to explore authentic cuisine from the Indian sub-continent.
6. Onion bhaji + mixed vegetable curry
Vegetarians can enjoy this combination of traditional flavours, starting with onion bhaji. This classic street food is deep fried until crunchy and served with dips. The vegetable curry combines potatoes, peas and beans, and is cooked in authentic Indian spices.
7. Mulligatawny soup + meat vindaloo
Want to turn up the heat? Pair mulligatawny soup with a meat vindaloo for maximum punch. The richly flavoured starter has plenty of spices to get your tastebuds singing, and will set you up for the heat of a vindaloo. We recommend choosing the meat option, since the flavour of the mutton won’t disappear beneath the heat of the sauce.
Try our combos at Little India
If you’re in Kensington looking for ‘the best Indian curry near me’, stop by Little India and try one of the above starter and mains combos. Our carefully curated menu offers an authentic taste of the Indian sub-continent in London: the best curry, the best starters and the best service. Book your table today.
