Let’s be honest, for many of us, Friday night isn’t Friday night without curry. After a long week, there’s nothing better than slumping onto the sofa, scrolling through “Indian takeaway near me,” and lining up a proper feast. The curry decision? Usually sorted. But then comes the real debate, the one that has divided households across Britain: garlic naan or plain naan?
You’d think it wouldn’t matter, it’s just bread. But naan is more than bread. It’s the thing that turns a good curry into a great one, the soft, warm “curry scoop” we can’t do without. And let’s face it, everyone has a favourite.
Garlic vs Plain Naan, Which One’s the Real MVP?
Plain naan is the steady old mate, the one who doesn’t need to shout for attention. This naan is slightly sweet and fluffy, making it perfect to accompany dishes such as korma, butter chicken, or tikka masala.
Garlic naan, though… that’s a bit of a show-off. It hits you with a wall of aroma before it even hits the table. Warm, chewy, and dripping with garlicky butter, it’s the naan that dares you to take one bite, and suddenly you’re halfway through the basket. It works wonders with spicier curries like chicken madras or lamb rogan josh, adding a punch that makes you think, “This is what I was craving all week.”
The general consensus these days? Garlic naan probably has the upper hand. Brits love big, bold flavours, and garlic is just impossible to resist. But plain naan? Don’t count it out, it’s the quiet hero that never lets you down.
Why We Can’t Quit Naan
Naan isn’t just a side dish; it’s part of the whole ritual of a curry night. It’s the bit you save until the end to scoop up every last drop of sauce. It’s the reason you “accidentally” over-order, even though you know you’ll be stuffed after half a naan.
Naan became popular a few decades ago when Indian restaurants were opening up on high streets. Now, from local takeaways to the best Indian restaurant London has to offer, naan is as essential as poppadoms or mango chutney.
The Best Curry and Naan Pairings
Choosing the right naan is like selecting the perfect drink to accompany your meal; it can make all the difference. Here are some pairings that always hit the spot:
- Butter Chicken + Garlic Naan: The creamy, mellow sauce gets a lift from the garlic; they’re a perfect duo.
- Lamb Rogan Josh + Plain Naan: Rich, hearty, and spicy? A plain naan balances it perfectly.
- Paneer Tikka Masala + Peshwari Naan: pairing a sweet naan with a rich vegetarian curry is a combination you will keep returning to.
- Chicken Madras + Chilli Naan: This combination is perfect for those who want to try out a very spicy dish.
So, next time you order food online, you can consider mixing it up. Get one garlic, one plain, and see which disappears first.
More Naan Than You Think
Think naan is just garlic or plain? The reality is, there are many different types of naan bread, each with a unique quality.
- Peshwari Naan: Sweet, nutty, and filled with coconut and raisins.
- Keema Naan: Packed with spiced lamb mince. You’ll be full after one of these.
- Cheese Naan: For when you want a proper indulgence.
- Chilli Naan: Not for the faint-hearted, this one packs heat.
The next time you’re browsing takeaways near me, don’t just stick to the usual. Go on, order a wild card.
Making Garlic Naan at Home
Sure, nothing beats naan fresh from a tandoor, but you’d be surprised how close you can get with a frying pan. A quick garlic naan recipe only needs flour, yoghurt, yeast, and a bit of patience. Cook it on a hot pan, brush it with garlic butter, and boom, you’ve got naan that’s dangerously moreish. Bonus: your kitchen will smell like a proper curry house for hours.
Why Garlic Naan Steals the Show
Garlic naan feels special, like the naan equivalent of a treat-yourself dessert. It is good enough to eat on its own. You can also use its leftovers to have with breakfast the next morning. Garlic naan with scrambled eggs can be a delicious choice.
Plus, garlic naan travels well. After you order the food online, you can expect a heavenly smelling warm dish to arrive at your doorstep..
FAQs
1. Which naan works best with spicy curries?
Garlic naan. It cuts through the heat while adding its own kick.
2. What’s Peshwari naan?
A soft, sweet naan filled with coconut, almonds, and raisins, perfect with rich, savoury dishes.
3. Do all takeaways offer different naan types?
Most decent Indian takeaway near me options will have garlic, plain, and usually a couple of special ones like Peshwari or keema.
Final Word
So, garlic vs plain naan, which team are you on? Garlic naan is bold and aromatic, while plain naan is the dependable classic. Honestly, there’s no wrong answer. The real trick? Don’t choose, order both. You’ll thank yourself when there’s a fight over the last piece.
