Ever stood at the counter (or scrolled through an app) trying to decide whether your curry needs rice, naan, or both? You’re not alone. Choosing the best indian side dishes to go with your main is one of those small decisions that can completely change how satisfying your meal feels, and most people get it wrong simply because nobody ever explained the logic behind it. That’s exactly what we’re fixing today.
Here’s the short answer first: rich, creamy curries like korma or butter chicken pair beautifully with plain rice or a simple naan, while drier, spicier dishes love a cooling raita and some crispy papadum on the side. But there’s a lot more nuance worth knowing, especially if you’re ordering from us here on Fleet Street or nearby Blackfriars and Temple.
Why Indian Side Dishes Matter More Than You Think
A curry on its own is good. A curry with the right accompaniment is memorable. In Indian cooking, side dishes aren’t an afterthought; they’re built into the meal’s structure. Bread soaks up sauce, rice balances heat, yoghurt cools the palate, and pickles wake up your taste buds between bites. Get the combination right and even a simple dish feels like a full experience.
Bread-Based Indian Sides: Naan, Roti and Paratha
This is where most people default, and honestly, it’s a great instinct.
- Naan is soft, slightly chewy, and perfect for scooping up thick gravies. Garlic naan works wonders with milder curries; peshwari naan (stuffed with coconut and dried fruit) suits spicier mains that need a touch of sweetness to balance.
- Roti and chapati are lighter, wholewheat, and a healthier daily option if you’re eating Indian food regularly rather than as a treat.
- Paratha is layered and slightly crisp, great when you want something more indulgent than roti but not as rich as naan.
If you want to explore the regional origins and differences between these breads further, the Michelin Guide’s breakdown of Indian breads is a great starting point. You’ll find all of these fresh off our griddle on our main menu.
Rice-Based Sides: Should You Order Rice or Naan?
This is one of the most searched questions we see, and honestly, the answer is: it depends on the curry. Plain basmati rice is the neutral choice, letting the flavours of a rich curry shine without competing. Pilau rice, with its whole spices and subtle aroma, works well alongside drier dishes like tandoori items. If you’re torn, ordering both isn’t unusual, particularly for sharing platters or when a curry is on the spicier end.
For a wider view on why starchy sides like rice matter in a balanced meal, the British Nutrition Foundation’s guide to a healthy balanced diet is a solid, evidence-based read. Both our basmati and pilau rice are available directly on the main menu.
Indian Vegetable Side Dishes Worth Trying
If you want to eat lighter or add more variety to your table, vegetable-based sides are the answer.
- Saag (spinach, usually with garlic and spice) pairs beautifully with tandoori meats.
- Bhindi (okra) and aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower) are dry, spiced dishes that add texture without heaviness.
- These are also some of the best indian vegetable side dishes for anyone eating vegetarian, since they stand confidently on their own.
We keep a rotating selection of these on our main menu, made with fresh, seasonal vegetables.
Cooling and Dairy-Based Accompaniments
Raita, a yoghurt-based dip with cucumber or mint, exists for one job: cooling your mouth down after a spicy bite. It’s not just tasty, it’s functional. If you’ve ordered anything labelled hot or extra hot on the menu, raita isn’t optional; it’s essential.
Crispy Extras and Chutneys
Papadum, mango chutney, mint sauce, and lime pickle round out the table. They add crunch, sweetness, and sharpness in small amounts, which is exactly what keeps a meal interesting from the first bite to the last.
What to Have With a Curry: A Quick Pairing Guide
| Curry Type | Best Side |
|---|---|
| Korma, Butter Chicken (creamy) | Plain rice or garlic naan |
| Vindaloo, Madras (spicy) | Raita, plain rice, papadum |
| Vegetarian curries | Roti, saag, or a dal side |
| Tandoori dishes | Pilau rice, mint sauce |
Vegan and Vegetarian Indian Side Dishes
Good news if you’re plant-based: dal, chana masala, most vegetable sabzis, and plain rice are naturally vegan. Pulses like lentils and chickpeas are also naturally low in fat and a strong source of fibre and protein, according to NHS dietary guidance, which makes dal a genuinely smart choice, not just a vegetarian default. Just double-check naan, since traditional recipes use dairy. Many places, including our own menu, now offer vegan naan as an alternative, and it’s always worth asking about our current promotions if you’re planning a bigger vegetarian or vegan spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best side dishes to order with an Indian curry?
Rice or naan for creamy curries, and raita with papadum for spicier ones, cover most situations well.
What’s the difference between naan and roti?
Naan is leavened, soft, and often brushed with butter or ghee. Roti is unleavened, lighter, and made from whole wheat flour.
Is rice or naan healthier?
Plain rice is generally lower in fat than naan, which often contains butter or ghee, though portion size matters more than the choice itself.
What is raita made of?
Raita is a yoghurt-based side, typically mixed with cucumber, mint, or cumin, served to cool the palate after spicy food.
What are good vegan Indian side dishes?
Dal, chana masala, most dry vegetable sabzis, and plain rice are naturally vegan-friendly.
Should I order rice AND naan, or just one?
For a single curry, one is usually enough. For sharing or spicier dishes, ordering both is common practice.
Final Thoughts
The best indian side dishes aren’t complicated; they’re really about balance: bread or rice to anchor the meal, something cooling to manage the heat, and a little crunch or tang to keep things interesting. Next time you’re ordering from The India Restaurant near Fleet Street, try building your plate this way instead of picking at random. Craving a curry tonight? Book your table, browse our full menu and add your favourite sides; we’re just a short walk from Temple and Blackfriars. And if you enjoyed this guide, there’s more on our blog to help you get the most out of your next Indian meal.