You know the feeling. It’s late. You're hungry. And you’re scrolling through the usual suspects on your favourite food app. You have typed in “indian takeaway near me” as the usual cravings of chicken tikka masala, garlic naan and biryani start to set in.
But what if this time, you didn’t go for biryani?
Don’t get me wrong. Biryani’s a classic. It’s earned its place on the menu. But there’s a whole other world of Indian rice dishes out there that never quite make the front page of your local takeaway’s site. Some are light and zesty, others warm and comforting. All of them deserve a look in.
If you’re in the UK and regularly order from an Indian restaurant, this might just be the reset button your takeaway routine needs. Here are five rice dishes that don’t shout for attention but quietly impress all the same.
1. Jeera Rice, Not Just Plain Rice with Cumin
Jeera rice is the side dish you didn’t know you needed. It’s often sitting there under the radar, but once you try it, plain rice just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Long-grain basmati rice, toasted cumin seeds, a hint of ghee, and sometimes a clove or two. That’s it. No colour. No heavy spices. But the aroma alone will tell you you’re in good hands. It’s a perfect match for saucy mains or daal, especially if you’re trying to balance out stronger flavours.
There’s something about that smoky cumin that feels familiar, even comforting, like something your kitchen would cook up on a slow Sunday. It doesn’t scream for attention. It just quietly wins you over, spoon by spoon.
And for those looking for easy rice dishes with few ingredients, this is the gold standard. Simple, elegant, and endlessly reliable.
2. Lemon Rice, A Tangy Wake-Up Call
Scrolling through the menu and see something yellow and unfamiliar? That’s probably lemon rice. And it’s a game changer.
Lemon rice is a South Indian favourite, and it gets its kick from lemon juice, turmeric, and a little tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves and green chillies. Some chefs also add roasted peanuts for extra texture. The end result is a bright and zippy dish.
The kind of dish that snaps you out of your work-from-home slump or perks up a drizzly Tuesday evening. You eat it and feel lighter somehow, like your palate just had a spring clean.
If you're the kind of person who thinks rice should have personality, this is the one. And yes, it pairs beautifully with grilled meats or yoghurt-based dishes.
3. Tamarind Rice, Deep Flavour, Big Attitude
Tamarind rice doesn’t hold back. It has a sour tang, prepared with earthy spices, making it a memorable rice dish.
This is a bold rice dish made with tamarind paste, curry leaves, jaggery and dry chilli. It’s what you order when you’re in the mood for something completely different. Think of it as the rebellious cousin in the Indian rice family. It goes particularly well with plain yoghurt, or even just on its own.
It's not on every menu, but if your local Indian takeaway specialises in regional dishes, it’s worth hunting down.
4. Vegetable Pulao, Everyday Luxury
Pulao doesn’t shout. It doesn’t try to wow you with layers of masala or drama. But what it offers is balance.
Cooked with lightly spiced rice, mixed vegetables and whole spices, it’s the sort of thing you might get in a proper home-cooked Indian meal. Not too heavy. Not too plain. Just right. The best Indian restaurant London has to offer will almost always have a decent pulao on the menu. And with good reason.
Pulao feels like food that looks after you. It’s not demanding. It works with almost anything: paneer, chicken, raita, even a side of pickles. And when done right, it’s one of the most comforting meals you can order without breaking a sweat.
Order it with a rich curry or eat it solo with a spoonful of raita. Either way, it holds its own.
5. Khichdi, Soul Food, Indian Style
Now this one’s a bit of a wildcard.
Khichdi is often thought of as comfort food in India. Made with rice and lentils, flavoured with turmeric, cumin, and ginger, it’s warm, nourishing and famously easy on the stomach.
But here’s the twist: more Indian takeaways in the UK are starting to offer elevated versions. You can order khichdi with vegetables, ghee, with a fried egg on top and a crispy papad on the side. Order this if you want a quiet night in when you are looking to break away from your usual takeaway order.
The Real Deal With Indian Rice Dishes
There’s more to Indian rice than biryani. A lot more. And with so many restaurants offering delivery options, it’s never been easier to explore what else is out there.
You might have a hard time breaking food habits, but you might be pleasantly surprised when you mix things up a bit when you are looking to order food online. Let your rice do the talking for once.
Looking for more ideas? Check out our guide to healthy Indian takeaway dishes, or explore the top Indian dishes to order from home.
FAQs
1. Are these rice dishes vegetarian? Yes, all the dishes mentioned here are vegetarian, and some of them are also vegan-friendly. You need to check with the restaurant when ordering.
2. Is it easy to find these rice dishes in the UK? Some are more common than others. Jeera rice and pulao are widely available. Lemon and tamarind rice might need a bit more hunting, but many regional Indian takeaways now offer them.
3. What should I pair with these rice dishes? Jeera rice goes well with curry, lemon rice with grilled meat or raita, tamarind rice on its own or with plain yoghurt, pulao with dal or curry, and khichdi with pickle or papad.
