Make an amazing curry for dinner and wondering what to serve it with to make it even more delicious. Here is a list of 20 easy and authentic Indian side dishes to serve with curry, from flatbreads to rice, salads, and raita.
When serving curry, it’s essential to complement its bold and aromatic flavors with suitable side dishes. Consider pairing your curry with fragrant basmati rice, which provides a neutral and fluffy base that perfectly balances the spice and richness of the curry.
Additionally, a refreshing raita and salad can be a delightful accompaniment, offering a cool and creamy contrast to the heat of the curry.
Table of Contents
Rice
Most often, curry is served with rice, either plain rice or flavored rice. Here, I am sharing my favorite basmati rice, pulao, and biryani recipes to serve along with curry.
Basmati Rice
As a North Indian, I prefer white basmati rice over any other variety. This plain rice pairs perfectly with meat, veggie, or lentil curry. If you prefer brown rice, it is also perfect for pairing with curry.
Get the Basmati Rice recipe.
Cumin Rice
Perfectly cooked Basmati Rice flavored with cumin and whole spices. Enjoy these aromatic Instant Pot Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice) with any curry of your choice.
Get the Cumin Rice recipe.
Turmeric Rice
This fragrant and flavorful Indian Turmeric Yellow Rice is a healthy alternative to your usual white rice. Try my recipe to learn how to make this vibrant rice easily on the stovetop or in the instant pot.
Get the Turmeric Rice recipe.
Pulao
Veg Pulao, or Vegetable Pilaf, is an easy one-pot rice dish mixed with various vegetables and mildly flavored with spices. This vegetable rice pairs well with meat curries; you don’t need an additional vegetable side dish. It’s a win-win!
Get the Pulao recipe.
Biryani
Fragrant basmati rice, cooked with lots of vegetables and aromatic whole spices and herbs, makes this vegetable biryani a delight. This delicious, flavorful Veg Biryani is ready in less than 30 minutes and is perfect for a weeknight dinner paired with your favorite curry!
Get the Biryani recipe.
Bread
In my opinion, the best way to enjoy curry is to scoop it with soft, pillowy flatbreads. The variety of Indian flatbreads will amaze you!
Naan
Naan is a versatile flatbread that may be served as a side dish with Indian curries, giving even the most ordinary foods an authentic flavor.
Get the Naan recipe.
Roti
Roti, also known as Chapati or Phulka, is a staple in most Indian homes. This whole wheat Indian flatbread is typically enjoyed as a side with curries or lentils.
Get the Roti recipe.
Paratha
Paratha, one of India’s most popular unleavened flatbreads, is perfect to enjoy alongside curry and yogurt raita for lunch or dinner.
Get the Paratha recipe.
Salad & Condiments
An Indian meal is incomplete without condiments. Salads, pickles, chutneys, and raita are a must-include for your Indian dinner.
Cucumber Raita
This easy homemade Indian Cucumber Raita is so refreshing. It is a perfect, easy side dish made with grated cucumber yogurt and flavored with spices. Serve it as an accompaniment to curry to balance the spicy flavors.
Get the Cucumber Raita recipe.
Green Chutney
An excellent, spicy, and tangy green chutney. This no-cook mint cilantro chutney is a must-try accompaniment to Indian meals.
Get the Green Chutney recipe.
Ginger Chilli Pickle
An easy ginger chili pickle that tickles your tastebuds with its wonderful flavors. This fresh ginger chili pickle can be made within minutes with staple ingredients in your home.
Get the Ginger Chilli Pickle recipe.
Kachumber Salad
This healthy, satisfying kachumber salad is so easy and refreshing. Made with chopped veggies and seasoned with spices, serve it as a side with any Indian food.
Get the Kachumber Salad recipe.
Sprouts Salad
A nutrition-packed Sprouts Salad made with mung beans, crunchy onions, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and spices. This refreshing salad has fresh and tangy flavors and can be enjoyed as a great protein-rich side with any meal.
Get the Sprouts Salad recipe.
Mango Lassi
Who doesn’t love a sweet mango lassi along with Indian curries? Mango Lassi, a favorite at Indian restaurants, can be easily made at home in no time!
Get the Mango Lassi recipe.
Snacks / Appetizers
Who doesn’t want some crunch with their Indian meals? Samosas, pakoras, and a variety of Indian appetizers are a wonderful addition to your Indian meal.
Samosa
Crispy samosas are a favorite Indian appetizer around the world. They are the best starter for any Indian meal. Serve alongside green chutney and tamarind chutney.
Get the Samosa recipe.
Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori Chicken is a flavor-packed spicy dish from the Indian subcontinent; it is popular worldwide. Chicken is marinated in yogurt, ginger, garlic, spices, and lime juice, then grilled in an air fryer or oven.
Get the Tandoori Chicken recipe.
Onion Bhaji
Learn how to make this traditional fried Indian snack, onion bhaji. These crispy onion fritters are made with gram flour, onions, and spices from your pantry. These vegan and gluten-free onion pakoras are another great option to kickstart a fancy Indian dinner.
Get the Onion Bhaji recipe.
Vegetable Sides for Curry
When eating meat or lentil curries, including a vegetable side dish is always a good idea. Of course, we love our potato sides, but there are a variety of vegetable side dishes that you can pair with curry.
Bombay Potatoes
Baby Potatoes cooked with aromatic spices are perfect to serve as a side dish. These delicious and easy Bombay Potatoes take just 20 minutes to make in the Instant Pot or stovetop.
Get the Bombay Potatoes recipe.
Aloo Gobi
Aloo Gobi is a delicious and easy 20-minute Indian potato and cauliflower stir-fry. A vegan and gluten-free side dish that pairs perfectly with roti, naan, or parathas.
Get the Aloo Gobi recipe.
Saag
Want to pair greens with your curry? This traditional, authentic saag recipe is a great side dish. It is mildly spiced, so the flavors of the greens shine.
Get the Sarson ka Saag recipe.
Baingan Bharta
Baingan Bharta, a popular smoky and zesty dish from North India, is made with roasted and mashed eggplant and sauteed in onion, garlic, tomatoes, and Indian spices.
Get the Baingan Bharta recipe.
Want to make a complete Indian meal? Check out Indian dinner menu ideas and fusion Indian recipes.
What do you like to serve with your Indian curries? Share in the comments your favorite sides.
