What to eat and serve with curry – the best Indian side dishes
Updated 6th May 2026
So, you’ve made a mouth-watering curry. It’s filled to the brim with spices and a depth of flavour Marcus Wareing would be proud of… But what side dish are you going to serve with it?
Because let’s be honest, even the most glorious curry deserves a delicious supporting cast. From fluffy carbs that soak up every last drop to punchy extras that bring crunch, coolness and crispy deliciousness, the right side can take your curry night from great to seriously unforgettable.
We’ve pulled together a list of our favourite curry accompaniments, ranging from classics to more out-there options. Ready to tuck in?
Flatbread
There’s nothing better than mopping up a delicious curry with a beautifully soft and sumptuous naan – it's the ideal side dish. Few things feel more satisfying than tearing off a warm piece, scooping up a rich sauce and getting stuck in. Naan, as we know it today, originates from the Indian subcontinent and these days mostly refers to a leavened, oven-baked, thick flatbread. It’s known for its pillowy texture, lightly charred bubbles and irresistible chew. The thinner, softer style of flatbread is sometimes known as chapati and is equally as delicious as naan bread, especially if you prefer something lighter alongside a bold, spicy curry or even a creamy tofu curry.
Typically, these breads involve mixing white or whole wheat flour with active dry yeast, salt and water and then kneaded for a few minutes, left to rise, divided up and then flattened. Sometimes, they’re seasoned, which makes them the perfect accompaniment to curry dishes, as you can flavour them based on your personal preference!
Rice
We know what you’re thinking, “of course rice is a curry accompaniment!” But don’t be fooled. You don’t always have to serve rice with curry. In fact, curry is often enjoyed with flatbreads alone and dishes like Biryani show that rice isn’t always the default pairing we’ve come to expect in Western culture.
That said, rice earns its place at the table for good reason. It’s naturally gluten free and brilliant at balancing spices. Cooked white rice is low in fat and provides a steady source of carbohydrates for energy, while jasmine rice brings a delicate floral aroma and soft texture that’s perfect for soaking up rich, saucy curries like a scrumptious Thai green curry!
Like flavoured flatbreads, rice can be dressed up too. Spiced varieties such as Pulav, Chitranna, Ghee and Jeera add subtle layers of flavour that pair effortlessly with curry. From gently fragrant to buttery, spice-kissed grains, rice doesn’t just sit next to your curry, it joins the party!
Samosas
Samosas are the perfect vegetarian side dish to curry; whether you’re looking for a starter to get you in the mood or a bit of crunch to pair with the main attraction, samosas have it all! Traditionally fried or baked with a savoury filling of potatoes, onions, peas and lentils, they’re a very filling snack.
We’ll admit that Samosas are simply carbs wrapped in pastry but boy, do they taste good! The good news, however, is that they’re very easy to make vegan – so they’re perfect to serve with a vegan or vegetarian curry!
Salads
When people think of curry, they don’t usually think of pairing it with salad. Believe it or not, a fresh salad can make the perfect vegan side dish, so let us introduce you to Kachumber. Light, crunchy and refreshing, it’s the kind of side that brings balance to spicy dishes.
Kachumber is an Indian-style salad made with fresh chopped tomatoes, cumbers, onions, lemon juice and, sometimes, chilli peppers. It’s all about contrast with crisp veg, zippy citrus and just enough heat to keep things interesting. When you add cabbage and zingy flavours, this is also known as Kachumber Sambharo, delivering even more crunch and texture.
Whip up a spicy curry like our Vegan Tofu Katsu Curry and pair it with a Kachumber salad to take your dish to a new level of flavour. Fresh, fiery and totally satisfying!
Chutney
Thinking of what to eat with curry? Chutney and curry go together like falafel and hummus! Basically, they were made to go together, and you can’t have one without the other! When it comes to curry sides, chutney is a true crowd pleaser, adding sweetness, sharpness and a little zing that brings every bite to life. Traditionally, chutney can be anything from spicy coconut dip to a dahi, but more recently, we’ve come to know them more specifically as tart fruit sauces that are the ideal accompaniment to curry.
Many mass-produced chutneys are made with ample sugars and vinegars in order to preserve their shelf life, which can sometimes overpower the curry itself. The lovely Richa has a spicy vegan mango chutney recipe over on her blog. It’ll take you less than an hour, and trust us, it’ll be worth it! So next time you’re building the ultimate lineup of curry sides, why not try and make your own?
Sauces
Whilst chutney may well be top of the charts when it comes to dips on the side, there’s a whole world of tasty sauces to serve with curry. If you’re ever wondering what to serve with curry, sauces are an easy win adding contrast, balanced heat, and bring extra layers of flavour to the table.
Raita is a classic Indian sauce. This yoghurt-based dip is made with herbs and chopped fruit or veg to add a creamy cooling effect to curries, especially the spicier ones like a hearty Tofu, Spinach & Chickpea Curry. Most often, it is made with yoghurt, cucumber, onions, coriander and mint. Raita can also easily be made vegan with a dairy-free substitute like almond, cashew or coconut yoghurt, so everyone can get stuck in.
As well as raita, there are also loads of other amazing sauces to serve up alongside a curry. From an avocado sauce to an Indian-style chimichurri - there are loads of amazing sauce recipes to mix up your usual curry spread and bring fresh inspiration to what to serve with curry night after night.
Drinks
In Western culture, it would be reasonable to assume the perfect drink with curry was a lager - and although a refreshing craft beer is just as beautiful a pairing, it’s not the only great flavour combo. When you’re figuring out what to serve with a curry, drinks deserve just as much thought as sides.
If you’re looking for a soft drink, why not try a ginger ale? The fiery flavour goes perfectly with the spiciness of your curry and helps refresh the palate between bites. Or a soft, fruity pinot goes well, as does an Italian white that won’t overpower the dish. For something a little different, why not try a medium-dry cider? The fruity tones cut through heat beautifully and go well with any spicy dish!
We’ve concentrated on curry accompaniments from the Indian subcontinent here, but there are incredible curry recipes from all across the globe. Once you’ve nailed what to serve with a curry, glass in hand, you’re halfway to the perfect meal. We’ve pulled together our favourite curries that use our Cauldron Tofu so you can cook them up at home - check out all our Indian cuisine inspired recipes and dive in!
Get stuck in
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