What To Serve With Curry: 40 Easy And Delicious Curry Sides

Looking for the perfect curry sides? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of 40 easy and delicious options that will take your curry meal to the next level.

I love a curry, whether it’s homemade, in a restaurant or from a takeaway (my personal favourite!), or even using a store-bought jar, the complex flavours are just perfect!

For family dinners, we tend to go for something fairly mild, like a Tikka Masala, Korma or Butter Chicken, but when we order a date night takeaway, I like to try different options.

But whatever you order, it’s often the sides that make it.

The sides give you a way to enjoy the lashings of sauce you always get with a curry, as well as adding their own flavours and textures.

I love to order a few different options for us all to share, mixing and matching to get the best of everything. Ideally, I want something like rice or bread (who am I kidding, I want both!) to mop up the sauce, but also some sides to enjoy separately like an onion bahji, and then, of course, things like chutney and poppadoms just to finish it all off.

When I order a curry, it’s a feast!

Getting those sides right balances the meal, adding flavour and completing the experience. Because that’s exactly what a curry night should be!

Rice-Based Dishes

I like rice. It’s certainly an easy side that doesn’t take away the flavour of the curry. It’s filling, versatile and tasty, but with rice, the curry will always be the hero of the meal.

If I had to pick one, bread would always be my first choice of all of the curry sides. But rice is still fabulous.

Coconut Rice

Lightly fragrant and slightly sweet, it pairs well with spicy curries.

Basmati Rice

A classic option for Indian curries, fluffy and aromatic.

Lemon Rice

A South Indian favourite with fresh lemon juice and spices.

Pilau

Pilau is a fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, stock, and sometimes vegetables or meat, making it a flavourful and aromatic side for curry. My personal favourite.

Fried Rice

A great side for Thai and Malaysian curries, made with vegetables and egg.

Bread-Based Dishes

I need the bread. Whatever else is coming, bread is a must!

Naan Bread

Soft and fluffy, they are perfect for scooping up curry sauces. Garlic naan is my go-to side dish, and I love making my own at home.

Paratha

A flaky, layered Indian flatbread, ideal for pairing with vegetable curry.

Garlic Bread

A surprising but tasty option, especially with creamy curries.

Vegetable-Based Dishes

Many curries contain vegetables, but even more don’t. If you are ordering a chicken curry from a restaurant, for example, it’s usually chicken, onion and sauce, maybe with a little more, but certainly don’t always.

So, whether you are adding something like rice or naan bread or not, you might want to add some vegetables for texture, flavour and colour.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

A quick and healthy side, made with red onions, peppers, and spices.

Vegetable Curry

A lighter curry side, packed with seasonal vegetables.

Aloo Gobi (Potatoes And Cauliflower)

A classic Indian vegetable dish with spices and turmeric.

Saag Paneer (Spinach And Cheese)

A creamy spinach-based dish with soft paneer cubes. This is one of my favourites!

Crunchy And Fried Sides

These options are great if you want something more filling, either as a starter or side dish.

Samosas

Crispy pastry pockets filled with spiced potatoes and peas. I had a friend that used to bring her mum’s samosas into school for us all. These were good days!

Bhajis

Deep-fried onion fritters, packed with flavour. I’m obsessed with onion bahjis. They are the first things on my order.

Poppadoms

Light and crispy, perfect for dipping into chutneys and raita or in your leftover curry sauce at the end of the meal.

Often, even when I’m stuffed, I can sit and nibble on a poppadom.

Pakoras

Deep-fried vegetable bites, often made with chickpeas, onions, and spices.

Chips

A British twist on curry sides, especially with fish curry.

Fresh And Light Sides

For some variation, add something lighter to your table.

Chutneys

Fresh and tangy options like mango, mint, or tomato chutney. For me, it’s mango. Perfect for dipping poppadoms or serving with my onion bahji and some salad.

Kachumber Salad

A refreshing mix of cucumber, tomato, red onion, lemon juice, and spice.

Bombay Potatoes

Spiced, crispy potatoes are a great side for any Indian main course.

Non-Indian Side Dishes for Curry

While traditional Indian side dishes like naan, bhajis, and chutneys are popular, there are plenty of non-Indian options that can pair well with different types of curry. Whether you’re serving Thai, Japanese, or Jamaican curry, these side dishes can bring out the best in your meal.

Steamed Jasmine Rice

A staple for Thai and Malaysian curries, jasmine rice is soft, fragrant, and absorbs sauces beautifully.

Coconut & Lime Rice

Popular in Caribbean and Thai cooking, coconut rice adds a slightly sweet and creamy touch, which works well with spicy curries.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet and slightly caramelised, roasted sweet potatoes balance out the heat of spicy curries, particularly Jamaican or Thai green curry.

Asian-Style Stir-Fried Vegetables

A simple mix of stir-fried vegetables like peppers, carrots, baby corn, and mushrooms can add freshness and crunch. A splash of soy sauce and garlic makes it even better.

Miso Soup

For Japanese curry dishes like kare raisu, a light miso soup on the side offers a savoury contrast without overpowering the meal.

Crispy Tofu

Pan-fried or air-fried tofu is a great vegan-friendly side that adds a crispy texture, especially with Thai or Japanese curries.

Cucumber and Carrot Slaw

A fresh and zesty slaw with lemon juice, a hint of chilli, and coriander pairs well with rich, coconut-based curries.

Flatbreads

Pita bread, Middle Eastern lavash, or even a soft tortilla wrap can be used in place of naan to scoop up curry sauces.

Grilled Pineapple

For Caribbean or Thai curries, grilled pineapple brings a sweet and tangy contrast, especially when paired with spicy jerk or coconut-based dishes.

Crispy Roast Potatoes

A hearty and filling option, crispy roast potatoes work well with thicker curries like Japanese kare raisu or even a mild korma.

Creative and Unusual Side Dishes for Curry

If you’re looking to switch things up and try something a little different, there are plenty of creative and unusual sides that can pair surprisingly well with curry. These options bring new flavours, textures, and excitement to your meal.

Air Fryer Halloumi Fries

Salty, crispy halloumi fries cooked in the air fryer are a great alternative to poppadoms or pakoras. Their slight chewiness and golden crust work well with rich curry sauces.

Spiced Corn on the Cob

Grilled or roasted corn brushed with butter, garlic, and a sprinkle of curry spices adds a smoky sweetness that complements both mild and spicy curries.

Garlic Butter Roast Mushrooms

Mushrooms roasted with garlic butter and a pinch of garam masala create an earthy, umami-packed side dish that pairs beautifully with tomato-based curries.

Cheesy Garlic Bread

A twist on traditional naan, cheesy garlic bread is a fun option that works particularly well with milder, creamier curries like korma or butter chicken.

Kimchi

For an unexpected hit of heat and tang, serve a small side of kimchi. The fermented crunchiness pairs surprisingly well with Thai and Japanese curries.

Loaded Potato Skins

Crispy potato skins filled with spiced mashed potatoes, cheese, and a sprinkle of red onions make a hearty and indulgent curry side.

Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Spices

Brussels sprouts get a makeover with a crispy air-fried texture and a dusting of cumin, turmeric, and salt. They add a punchy, slightly bitter contrast to rich curry dishes.

Mango and Avocado Salsa

A fresh and fruity salsa made with diced mango, avocado, red onion, and a squeeze of lemon juice offers a cooling contrast to spicy curries.

Sweet Potato Wedges with Curry Mayo

Crispy sweet potato wedges paired with a simple curry-spiced mayo create a satisfying, slightly sweet side that balances spicier curries.

Crunchy Peanut Slaw

A slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, red onion, and a peanut dressing adds crunch and a nutty depth that works well with Thai and Malaysian curries.

Drinks to Serve with Curry

A great drink can enhance the flavours of your meal, balance out spices, and refresh your palate. Whether you’re after something cooling, fruity, or even a bold pairing, here are some of the best drinks to serve with curry.

Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Options

Mango Lassi

A classic Indian yoghurt drink, mango lassi is creamy, slightly sweet, and helps cool down the heat from spicy curries.

Coconut Water

Naturally hydrating and mildly sweet, coconut water is a great match for Thai and Malaysian curries, offering a refreshing contrast to bold spices.

Chilled Lemonade with Mint

Fresh, tangy lemonade with a handful of mint leaves is a light and cooling option that works well with both Indian and Thai curries.

Iced Chai Tea

Spiced but not overpowering, iced chai tea provides a fragrant and slightly sweet contrast to savoury curries.

Kachumber Cooler

Inspired by kachumber salad, this is a refreshing drink made with cucumber, lemon juice, and a hint of salt for a light, palate-cleansing sip.

Alcoholic Pairings

Crisp Lager

A light, refreshing lager like Cobra, Kingfisher, or Singha cuts through the richness of curry without overwhelming the flavours.

IPA (Indian Pale Ale)

For those who enjoy a bit of bitterness, an IPA’s hoppy notes complement the depth of curry spices, particularly with chicken or lamb dishes.

Dry Riesling

A slightly sweet white wine like a dry Riesling balances the spice in curries while enhancing the aromatic ingredients.

Sauvignon Blanc

Zesty and citrusy, Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with lighter curries like Thai green curry or fish-based dishes.

Spiced Rum with Ginger Beer

For something a little different, a spiced rum and ginger beer cocktail adds warmth and sweetness, making it a great match for Caribbean or Jamaican curries. This is a big favourite in our house, with curry or not!

Warming Drinks for Mild Curries

Masala Chai

A hot, spiced tea with milk, masala chai pairs beautifully with mild and creamy curries, adding a comforting touch.

Turmeric Latte (Golden Milk)

A soothing and slightly spiced turmeric latte is a great caffeine-free alternative that complements the warming spices in Indian food.

FAQs

What side dishes would pair best with an Indian curry?

Naan, rice, samosas, bhajis, and Bombay potatoes are all great choices.

What are the best side dishes for chicken curry?

Coconut rice, paratha, and kachumber salad balance the richness of the chicken curry.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Thai curry?

Steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, and crispy poppadoms work well.

What vegetables taste good with curry?

Cauliflower, potatoes, spinach, chickpeas, and red onions are all popular choices.

What are some recommended dishes to pair with Japanese curry rice (kare raisu)?

Japanese pickles, steamed rice, and vegetable tempura complement the mild sweetness of kare raisu.

Conclusion

Curry is a dish that can be served with a huge range of traditional and alternative sides. I always offer options for a feast and so that everyone can take the bits that they like.