In this infographic we share the UK’s top ten favourite curry dishes.

Here’s what makes the list:

  • Balti
  • Biryani
  • Dhansak
  • Jalfrezi
  • Korma
  • Madras
  • Rogan Josh
  • Saag
  • Tikka Masala
  • Vindaloo

Check out the infographic for more detail.

the-uks-10-most-popular-curry-dishes

 

Curry has become an integral part of British cuisine, with a rich and diverse history that stretches back to the 18th century. The love for curry in the UK has evolved over the years, and today, it’s hard to imagine British cuisine without the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the UK’s 10 most popular curry dishes, each offering a unique taste and cultural experience. From mild and creamy to fiery and spicy, these dishes cater to a wide range of palates, making curry a beloved choice for people of all backgrounds.

 

Balti

Originating from Birmingham in the 1970s, Balti is a spicy and aromatic curry cooked in a wok-like pan that shares its name. The term “Balti” refers both to the dish and the cooking vessel itself. Balti curries are known for their fresh ingredients and quick cooking process.

Here are some key features of this curry:

  • Ingredients: Balti typically includes marinated meat (chicken, lamb, or prawns) or vegetables cooked with a blend of spices, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
  • Flavor Profile: Balti offers a vibrant and tangy flavor profile, often enhanced with coriander and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
  • Heat Level: The heat in a Balti curry can vary, but it’s generally medium to hot, depending on the amount of chili used.
  • Serving Style: Balti is traditionally served in the same pan it’s cooked in, adding to its rustic charm. It’s usually accompanied by naan bread or rice.

 

Biryani

Biryani is a fragrant rice dish that’s beloved across the UK and around the world. While it’s not strictly a curry in the traditional sense, it’s a staple in Indian cuisine and a go-to option for many curry lovers.

Here’s what you need to know about Biryani:

  • Ingredients: Biryani features long-grain Basmati rice cooked with aromatic spices, marinated meat (chicken, lamb, or beef), or vegetables.
  • Flavor Profile: The spices in Biryani create a complex and flavorful experience, with a perfect balance of heat, herbs, and fragrance.
  • Heat Level: Biryani can range from mild to moderately spicy, depending on the recipe and individual preferences.
  • Serving Style: Biryani is often served with raita (yogurt sauce), pickles, and sometimes a hard-boiled egg, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

 

Dhansak

Dhansak is a Parsi-inspired curry that brings together the flavors of India and Persia. It’s known for its unique blend of sweet and spicy elements.

Here’s more about this distinctive curry:

  • Ingredients: Dhansak typically includes marinated meat (usually lamb or chicken), lentils, vegetables, and a mix of spices, including cumin, coriander, and fenugreek.
  • Flavor Profile: Dhansak is a sweet and sour curry, with the sweetness coming from jaggery or sugar and the sourness from tamarind or lemon juice.
  • Heat Level: It’s usually mild to moderately spicy, making it a great choice for those who prefer a milder curry.
  • Serving Style: Dhansak is commonly served with brown rice and garnished with chopped coriander. It’s a wholesome and comforting dish.

 

Jalfrezi

Jalfrezi is a spicy stir-fry curry that’s known for its bold flavors and vibrant colors. This dish has its roots in Bengali cuisine but has become a favorite in the UK.

Here’s what you should know about Jalfrezi:

  • Ingredients: Jalfrezi features marinated meat (chicken, lamb, or prawns) or vegetables stir-fried with onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a blend of spices.
  • Flavor Profile: Jalfrezi is characterized by its rich, spicy, and tangy taste, achieved through the use of tomatoes and chili peppers.
  • Heat Level: It’s a medium to hot curry, so be prepared for a fiery kick.
  • Serving Style: Jalfrezi is often served with naan bread or steamed rice. The combination of the stir-fried ingredients and bold spices creates an enticing dish.

 

Korma

Korma is a mild and creamy curry that’s perfect for those who prefer a less spicy option. Its luxurious and velvety sauce is a true comfort food.

Here’s what makes Korma a popular choice in the UK:

  • Ingredients: Korma typically includes marinated meat (chicken, lamb, or beef), vegetables, or paneer (Indian cheese) cooked in a creamy sauce made from yogurt, cream, ground nuts, and aromatic spices like cardamom and cinnamon.
  • Flavor Profile: Korma boasts a mild and sweet flavor profile, with a hint of nuttiness and a delicate blend of spices.
  • Heat Level: It’s one of the mildest curries available, making it suitable for those who can’t handle too much heat.
  • Serving Style: Korma is often served with naan bread or fragrant Basmati rice. The creamy sauce is a delightful contrast to the spicier curries.

 

Madras

The Madras curry, named after the city of Chennai in southern India, is known for its robust and spicy flavors. It’s a classic choice for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Here’s what you need to know about Madras curry:

  • Ingredients: Madras curry features marinated meat (usually chicken or lamb) cooked with a blend of spices, including chili, coriander, cumin, and mustard seeds, along with tomatoes and coconut milk or cream.
  • Flavor Profile: Madras is all about the heat, with a bold and spicy flavor that’s tempered by the creamy coconut milk or cream.
  • Heat Level: It’s a hot curry, so be prepared for a fiery experience.
  • Serving Style: Madras curry is typically served with rice or naan bread. The cooling effect of the coconut milk or cream helps balance the spiciness.

 

Rogan Josh

Rogan Josh is a fragrant and rich curry that hails from Kashmir, in the northern part of India. It’s known for its deep red color and exquisite taste.

Here’s more about this popular curry:

  • Ingredients: Rogan Josh features marinated meat (usually lamb or goat) cooked with a blend of spices, including Kashmiri chili, ginger, and garlic, in a tomato-based sauce.
  • Flavor Profile: Rogan Josh offers a rich and slightly smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes and warmth from the spices.
  • Heat Level: It’s typically a medium-spiced curry, making it accessible to a wide range of palates.
  • Serving Style: Rogan Josh is traditionally served with steamed rice or naan bread. The vibrant red color adds to its visual appeal.

 

Saag

Saag curry is a nutritious and flavorful dish made primarily from leafy greens, often spinach or mustard greens. It’s a vegetarian delight that’s also enjoyed in the UK.

Here’s what you should know about Saag:

  • Ingredients: Saag curry is made from cooked and pureed leafy greens (saag), often combined with other vegetables or paneer (Indian cheese). It’s seasoned with garlic, ginger, and spices.
  • Flavor Profile: Saag has a earthy and slightly bitter flavor from the greens, which is balanced by the spices and creaminess.
  • Heat Level: The heat level can vary, but it’s generally mild to moderately spicy.
  • Serving Style: Saag curry is usually served with naan bread or rice, and it’s a great choice for vegetarians looking for a nutritious meal.

 

Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is arguably one of the most iconic curry dishes in the UK. It’s known for its creamy tomato-based sauce and tender pieces of marinated chicken.

Here’s what makes Tikka Masala so beloved:

  • Ingredients: Tikka Masala features marinated and grilled chicken pieces served in a creamy tomato-based sauce, enriched with spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander.
  • Flavor Profile: Tikka Masala offers a mild and creamy taste with a slightly sweet undertone from the tomatoes.
  • Heat Level: It’s a mild curry, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a less spicy option.
  • Serving Style: Tikka Masala is commonly served with naan bread or rice. The tender chicken and creamy sauce make it a comforting and indulgent choice.

 

Vindaloo

Vindaloo is a spicy and tangy curry that’s not for the faint of heart. It has its origins in Portuguese cuisine but has been adapted and embraced in the UK.

Here’s what you need to know about Vindaloo:

  • Ingredients: Vindaloo typically features marinated meat (often pork or lamb) cooked with a blend of spices, including chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
  • Flavor Profile: Vindaloo is known for its intense heat and bold, tangy flavor from the vinegar and spices.
  • Heat Level: It’s one of the hottest curries you can find, so brace yourself for a fiery experience.
  • Serving Style: Vindaloo is often served with plain rice or naan bread. The cooling effect of yogurt-based raita can help offset the spiciness.

 

Conclusion

Curry dishes have found a special place in the hearts and palates of people throughout the UK. From the mild and creamy Korma to the fiery Vindaloo, each curry offers a unique culinary experience.

Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or prefer milder flavors, there’s a curry dish to suit your taste. The rich tapestry of Indian cuisine has become an integral part of British food culture, and these 10 popular curry dishes are a testament to the diversity and deliciousness that curry has to offer.

So, the next time you’re dining out or cooking at home, consider trying one of these iconic curry dishes to savor the flavors of India right in the heart of the UK.