Most people order the same few dishes from their local Indian takeaway. Not because the menu is small, but because many of the curry names sound similar, and it’s not always clear what the difference is. So people stick to what they know: korma, masala, or tandoori.
This Indian takeaway curry guide is written to clarify things. No complicated cooking terms, no long history lessons. Just a simple guide to help you understand what you’re ordering and maybe try something different next time.
Why Knowing Your Curry Styles Actually Makes a Difference
When ordering an Indian takeaway, most people stick to what they know. They scroll through food delivery apps, pick a familiar name, and hope for the best. However, the reality is that Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse; a Madras or Jalfrezi at one local restaurant might taste completely different at another.
The problem? Curry names on a menu don't always translate to the flavour profile or spice level you expect. One kitchen might prioritise a tangy tomato base, while another focuses on aromatic dry spices or a creamy coconut texture.
Korma: The Mild & Creamy Choice
Let’s start with korma. Korma is usually the mild one. Creamy. Slightly sweet. Soft on the spice. If you don’t enjoy heat, korma is often your safest bet from any indian takeaway near me search result. But here’s where people get it wrong. Mild doesn’t mean boring.
What Actually Goes Into a Korma
A typical korma includes:
- Cooked onions as a base
- Cream, coconut milk, or ground almonds
- Gentle spices rather than chilli-heavy ones
- Chicken, lamb, prawns or vegetables
It’s thick. It coats the rice properly. It feels rich without being fiery. If you are ordering for a family, especially with kids or anyone who avoids spice, korma makes sense.
Read Also: New to Indian Food? Try These Mild Indian Dishes for Newbies
Common Korma Mistake
People assume every korma tastes identical. Some lean sweeter because of the coconut. Others are creamier and heavier. If you’re ordering from the best Indian restaurant London locals recommend, you’ll probably notice a better balance. The sweetness won’t overpower everything else.
If you’re unsure, ask whether their korma is coconut-based or cream-based. It actually changes the feel of the dish.
Chicken Tikka Masala: The Balanced Classic
Chicken tikka masala is almost a national takeaway habit in the UK. If korma feels too mild and you’re not ready for something properly spicy, masala is your middle lane. This Indian curry guide would not be complete without saying this clearly: masala is about balance.
What Makes Masala Different
Masala usually includes:
- Grilled chicken tikka pieces
- Tomato-based sauce
- Cream for smoothness
- A moderate spice blend
The big difference is that the chicken is cooked separately first. That grilled flavour adds depth before it even hits the sauce. That’s why masala feels more layered than korma.
Read more - Why Chicken Tikka Masala Is Still the UK’s Favourite
Tandoori: The Dry, Smoky Option
This is where most people get confused. Tandoori is not a sauce like korma or masala. It’s a cooking method. When you order tandoori chicken from an indian restaurant, you’re getting meat marinated in yoghurt and spices, then roasted at high heat in a clay oven. It usually arrives without a thick sauce.
What Tandoori Actually Tastes Like
Expect:
- Smoky flavour
- Slight char on the outside
- Juicy inside
- Spiced yoghurt notes
You’ll often get salad and mint sauce on the side rather than a heavy gravy. If you’re ordering indian takeaway and want something less saucy, tandoori is a solid option.
When Tandoori Makes More Sense
Choose tandoori if:
- You prefer grilled food
- You don’t want creamy sauce
- You’re sharing sides like naan and dips
It’s also a good choice if you want something that feels lighter without giving up flavour.
3 Simple Ways to Decide What to Order
Standing on a menu page can feel overwhelming. So here are the 3 simple steps to order Indian curry from a takeaway
Step One: Be Honest About Spice
Ask yourself:
Do I actually enjoy heat?
Or do I always regret ordering something too spicy?
Korma is mild. Masala is mild to medium. Tandoori has spice but not heavy chilli sauce. That alone narrows things down quickly.
Step Two: Think About Texture
Do you want:
- Thick and creamy
- Smooth tomato-based sauce
- Dry and grilled
Texture matters more than most people realise.
Step Three: Think About Who You’re Ordering For
If you’re feeding a group, safer options win. If it’s just you and you feel adventurous, you can mix a tandoori starter with a different curry sauce on the side. Ordering becomes easier when you stop guessing.
Why This Indian Takeaway Curry Guide Saves You From Bad Orders
Typing “Indian takeaway near me” gives you options. Too many sometimes. Menus are long. Descriptions are short. Photos can be misleading. This Indian takeaway curry guide helps you decode what those dish names actually mean, so you’re not clicking randomly.
It also helps when trying a new indian restaurant. Even if the house style changes slightly, korma, masala and tandoori still follow a general structure. Understanding that structure is what makes you a smarter customer.
Mistakes People Make When Ordering Indian Takeaway
Even regular customers slip up.
Ordering Based on Habit
You always choose the same thing. Then complain you’re bored. Try pairing one safe dish with one new one next time you order food online.
Ignoring Portion Expectations
Tandoori dishes can feel smaller because there’s no sauce. Add rice or naan if you want something more filling.
Assuming All Restaurants Cook the Same Way
They don’t. The best Indian restaurants recommended by London food lovers usually have a clear house style. Some restaurants are known for richer, creamier curries, while others are known for hotter, spicier dishes. If you read reviews carefully, you often see people give this away without realising. They might mention that the sauces are rich, that the food has a proper kick, or that the flavours are more traditional.
A Small Insider Tip
If you’re unsure about spice levels, call the restaurant. Most indian takeaway kitchens are happy to adjust the heat slightly. You don’t have to stick rigidly to the menu description. A two-minute call can improve your whole meal.
FAQs About Indian Takeaway Curries
1. What is the safest curry to order if I don’t like spice?
Chicken Korma is usually the mildest option in most UK indian takeaway menus.
2. Is chicken tikka masala very hot?
No. It is normally mild to medium, depending on the restaurant.
3. Does tandoori come with sauce?
Not usually. It is grilled and served dry or with small dips.
4. How do I choose between korma and masala?
Go for korma if you prefer creamy and sweet. Choose masala if you want tomato based sauce with a bit more spice.
5. Are all Indian takeaway dishes heavy?
No. Tandoori options tend to feel lighter than cream-based curries.
