You know that moment. You’ve decided on Indian food, maybe typed Indian takeaway near me, found a decent-looking place… and then the menu hits you.
Page after page of curries. Some you recognise, some you don’t. Everything sounds good, but also slightly confusing. You end up scrolling, going back, second-guessing yourself, and sometimes just ordering the same thing you always do because it feels safer.
The thing is, Indian curries cover a huge range. Some are creamy and mild, others are rich and spiced, and a few are properly hot. Once you get your head around the basics, it all starts to make sense.
This guide is here to help you pick the best Indian curries to order without overthinking it.
What Are Indian Curries?
In simple terms, an Indian curry is a dish built around a spiced sauce. That sauce can be thick, smooth, oily, creamy… it depends on the style. Most curries you’ll see on a UK menu fall into a few main types.
You’ve got tomato-based ones, often called masala. These tend to be slightly tangy and balanced. Then there are cream-based curries like korma or butter chicken, which are softer, richer, and usually mild.
And then there are onion-based gravies. These are deeper, sometimes a bit heavier, and often used in dishes with more spice.
So when people talk about Indian curry dishes or popular curry options, they’re not all working from the same base. That’s why the flavours can feel completely different even if the names don’t mean much to you yet.
Why Indian Curries Are So Popular
There’s a reason Indian takeaway is such a go-to in the UK. It just covers a lot of bases. First, the variety. You can order something mild for yourself and something spicy for someone else, all from the same place. Not many cuisines give you that range in one menu.
Then there’s the flexibility. Chicken, lamb, prawns, paneer, veg. Most curries can be adapted depending on what you feel like. And if you’ve got a decent local spot, they’ll usually adjust spice levels if you ask.
But honestly, a big part of it is comfort. A warm curry, some rice, maybe a naan on the side. It’s filling, it’s easy, and it just works after a long day.
Best Indian Curries to Order
If you’re trying to branch out a bit or just want to understand what you’re ordering, these are some of the best curries to order from an Indian takeaway.
Butter Chicken
This one’s hard to get wrong. It’s tomato-based but finished with butter and cream, so it ends up smooth and slightly sweet. A lot of people stick with this because it’s reliable.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Probably the most recognisable name on the menu. Grilled chicken in a rich sauce that sits somewhere between mild and medium. If you’re unsure, this is usually a safe middle ground.
Lamb Rogan Josh
A bit deeper in flavour. Medium spice, not too creamy, and the lamb gives it a richer feel. Good if you want something that feels a bit more “proper” without going too heavy.
Chicken Korma
Very mild, quite creamy, sometimes slightly sweet, depending on the place. Some people love it, some find it a bit too gentle. It depends on what you’re in the mood for.
Paneer Butter Masala
Basically, the vegetarian version of butter chicken. Same kind of sauce, but with paneer instead of meat. Works well if you want something comforting without going for chicken.
Chana Masala
Chickpeas in a spiced tomato sauce. Slightly tangy, a bit lighter, but still filling. Good option if you don’t want something too rich.
Palak Paneer
Spinach-based, with paneer mixed in. It looks quite different from other curries, but the flavour is mild and earthy.
Not everyone’s first choice, but worth trying at least once.
Curries by Spice Level
This is where people usually get caught out.
Mild Curries
Korma, butter chicken, pasanda. These are low in heat and easy to eat. If you don’t handle spice well, start here.
Medium Curries
Tikka masala, rogan josh, jalfrezi. You’ll notice some heat, but it won’t overwhelm you.
Spicy Curries
Madras, vindaloo, phall. These are properly hot. If you’ve never tried them before, maybe don’t jump straight in with a vindaloo on your first attempt.
Vegetarian & Vegan Curry Options
You don’t have to go for meat to get a decent curry. In fact, some of the better dishes are vegetarian.
Chana masala is a solid go-to. Dal, whether it’s tadka or makhani, is simple but very comforting. Aloo gobi, with potatoes and cauliflower, is another one that shows up on most menus.
And vegetable curries in general are worth a try. They’re often lighter, which can be a nice change if you usually go for creamy dishes.
What to Order with Indian Curries
This part gets overlooked more than it should. Rice is the obvious one. Basmati works with pretty much everything. Naan is great if you want something to dip into the sauce, especially garlic naan.
Chapati or roti are lighter if you don’t want something too filling. And then there are sides. Samosas, pakoras, maybe even a bit of raita if you’ve ordered something spicy. It all adds up to a better meal.
Tips for Ordering the Best Indian Curry
A few small things can make a big difference. Be honest about spice. People sometimes order something hotter than they can handle and end up not enjoying it.
Try mixing things up if you’re ordering for more than one person. One creamy dish, one spicier one, maybe a veg option. It stops everything from tasting the same.
And don’t just stick to the same curry every time. Add one new dish alongside your usual order. That’s how you figure out what you actually like.
FAQs
What is the most popular Indian curry to order?
Butter chicken and chicken tikka masala are probably the most commonly ordered in the UK.
Which Indian curry is best for beginners?
Korma and butter chicken are good starting points since they’re mild and easy to enjoy.
What is the spiciest Indian curry?
Vindaloo and phall are known for being very hot.
Are there vegetarian Indian curry options?
Yes, plenty. Chana masala, dal, and paneer dishes are widely available.
How do I choose the right curry?
Think about spice level first, then whether you want something creamy or not. That usually narrows it down.
Wrapping Up
Once you understand the basics, ordering Indian food becomes a lot less of a guessing game. There’s a lot of choice, which is great, but it can feel overwhelming at first.
Start with what sounds comfortable, try something new now and then, and you’ll quickly figure out your favourites. Next time you’re scrolling through a menu, you won’t feel stuck. You’ll actually know what you’re picking—and why.
