10 Best Indian Curries You Need To Try

Okay, so we’ve all tried the Indian takeaway classics such as korma, madras and masala, so if you’re ready to up your Indian curry game and try something new and traditional, this is the list for you.

Butter Chicken

A traditional classic in Indian cuisine, butter chicken is the staple of Indian comfort food. The vibrant orange coloured sauce is thick, creamy and is full of spiced tomato flavour. If you’re visiting a more traditional Indian Restaurant, butter chicken also goes by the name of Murgh Makhani and pairs beautifully with a freshly baked naan.

Goan Fish curry

In Western culture, fish isn’t always the most popular choice when it comes to a curry but those of you who are a big fan of tasty seafood, this one is perfect for you. Bursting with outstanding flavour and colour, this tomato based curry will have you reaching for seconds without you even knowing it.

Chana Masala

Thought you knew everything there is to know about masala? Wrong! This is a beautiful vegetarian curry that has been lovingly spiced using garam masala, ginger, chillies, green mango (amchoor) and tomato. The word ‘Chana’ translates to chickpea and you guessed it, the main ingredient is chickpeas. This is a hot and flavoursome curry that will leave you full and satisfied.

Macher Jhol

Macher Jhol originates from West Bengal and is another wonderful fish curry. It’s versatile so you can use any type of fish you like and is vibrantly flavoured with fresh ginger, turmeric and a mixture of other Indian spices. This is a spicy curry so is best left to those who can handle the heat.

Chicken Chettinad

From the outside this dish looks creamy and inviting but don’t let it deceive you as it is incredibly spicy! It is a traditional dish that’s popular with Tamils and is eaten all over India. Its beautiful flavours come from cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, cashew nuts and fennel. Chettinad is made using a base of coconut and gets its spiciness from fresh black pepper, red chillies and other whole spices.

Palak Paneer

The word ‘Palak’ translates into spinach and paneer is a gorgeous traditional Indian cheese. The sauce is spinach based and is the magic ingredient that gives this curry its vibrant green colour. The aromatic flavours derive from garam masala, turmeric, cayenne pepper and heavy cream. Best served with basmati rice. this dish is a must try if you’re looking for a tasty and satisfying vegetarian option.

Meen Molee

The word ‘Meen’ translates into fish and the word ‘Molee’, into stew. This rich and creamy curry is made with a coconut base and is fragrantly spiced with curry leaves, green chillies, ginger and turmeric. This is a mild curry and is perfect if you’re looking for more flavour than heat.

Dopiaza

You may of read the name of this dish on an Indian Restaurant menu more than a few times but glanced over it looking for something more familiar. Dopiaza is a delicious curry which gets its name from being onion based. Double onion based, in fact! The first round of onions are richly spiced and then puréed to create a thick and flavoursome sauce. The second round of onions are fried and then added last.

Dhansak

Dhansak is a lentil based curry and although it is traditionally served with meat, it is more likely to be familiar with vegetarians than to meat eaters. This is a mild curry dish with plenty of soul warming flavour. Whether you opt for a vegetable or meaty variety, either option will leave your tastebuds satisfied with its wholesome sweet and sour taste.

Rajma Masala

A hearty and healthy vegetarian option that’s bursting with nutrition and flavour Rajma Masala’s main ingredient is kidney beans. This curry is built on a foundation of cooked onions and tomatoes and then lavishly spiced with garam masala, red chillies, turmeric, coriander and fenugreek.

All of these curries are luxuriously spiced and can be customised to suit your level of heat tolerance. They are packed full of exotic flavour and are only a handful of what Indian cooking has to offer.