When it comes to enjoying Indian cuisine, the magic doesn’t stop with just the main dish. Indian food is a symphony of flavours, textures, and aromas, and choosing the right sides and drinks can truly amplify the experience. Whether you’re indulging in a creamy curry or savouring a fiery biryani, the right accompaniments can elevate your meal into an unforgettable feast. Let’s talk about some brilliant combinations and how you can seamlessly piece together the perfect Indian dining experience.
Indian meals are all about balance. Rich, spiced dishes shine when paired with complementary sides that tone down or mimic their flavours. Likewise, your choice of drink can either cleanse your palate or enhance the warmth of the spices. It’s a joyful exercise of culinary creativity, and once you master it, bringing authentic Indian dining into your home becomes effortless.
We all lead busy lives, right? That’s why it’s so helpful to have high-quality, frozen Indian options at the ready, like those you’ll find at Express Indian Delivered. With beautifully crafted meals available in your freezer, you can focus on building the perfect combinations without starting everything from scratch.
No Indian meal feels quite complete without some soft, chewy bread to mop up those delicious sauces. The classic naan bread comes in a variety of options—garlic, butter, or even stuffed versions like keema (packed with minced meat) or peshwari (sweetened with nuts and raisins). These different styles can cater to whichever flavour profile your main dish follows.
If you’re after something lighter, go for chapati or roti. Both are thinner, wholewheat flatbreads that perfectly complement dishes like lentil-based dals or lighter vegetable curries. They’re practical too—easy to reheat and serve with minimal fuss, making them ideal for those midweek dinners.
Parathas, on the other hand, add a flaky, layered bite. Aloo parathas, which are stuffed with spicy mashed potatoes, work beautifully with yoghurt-based dishes or mild curries, adding a little kick to softer flavours. Having a variety of naan or flatbreads on hand allows you to explore these combinations without feeling limited.
Rice, in one form or another, is a staple across Indian meals. Plain steamed basmati rice is a simple yet elegant side that pairs wonderfully with saucy, heavily spiced curries. Its fluffy grains absorb the rich gravy beautifully, creating a wholesome and satisfying sensory experience.
Jeera rice, flavoured with cumin seeds, adds a gentle nuttiness, making it a fantastic option to serve alongside creamy dishes like butter chicken or paneer makhani. For something bolder, biryanis or pilafs (known as pulao in India) can function as both a side dish or a standalone delight. Opt for vegetable pulao with show-stopping dishes like lamb rogan josh to strike the perfect balance.
A top tip here: don’t overlook the little extras like fried onions, fresh coriander, and a squeeze of lime over your rice! Small details can take a dish from tasty to utterly unforgettable.
Pairing the right drink is where things really get exciting. Indian cuisine can be on the spicier side, and drinks are not just an afterthought—they play an important role in offsetting or balancing spice levels.
Non-Alcoholic Options
For a refreshingly authentic experience, nothing beats a lassi. This yoghurt-based drink comes in both savoury and sweet options. Mango lassi, with its tropical sweetness and cooling effect, contrasts wonderfully with aromatic dishes like chicken tikka masala or spicy vindaloo.
Masala chai is another popular choice, especially if you’re craving something warm. The blend of tea, milk, and aromatic spices like cardamom and cinnamon provides a soothing pause between fiery bites. It's the perfect companion for snacks like pakoras or samosas.
If you prefer something fizzier, a sparkling lemonade or soda infused with fresh mint can cut through rich curries and give your taste buds a much-needed refresh.
Alcoholic Options
For alcohol enthusiasts, beer is a classic companion to spicy foods. A chilled lager or wheat beer complements the heat of dishes like jalfrezi or madras, while an Indian pale ale (IPA) enhances deeper, smoky flavours.
Wine lovers might lean toward off-dry whites. A Riesling or Gewürztraminer, with their touch of sweetness, works wonders with spicy dishes, balancing the heat with their fruity undertones. For red wine drinkers, a light Pinot Noir or a Grenache keeps tannins low while still holding up to the flavours of red meat dishes.
And let’s not forget cocktails! A mango or tamarind mojito adds a tropical, tangy flair, perfect for dinner parties or relaxed weekend meals.
If you’re looking to take your meal to the next level, don’t miss out on condiments and side salads. Raita, a yoghurt-based dish often mixed with cucumber or mint, is a cooling companion for spicy curries. A tangy mango chutney or a spicy lime pickle adds bursts of flavour to simpler dishes like biryani or mild curries.
Don’t underestimate the crisp, refreshing crunch of kachumber salad—a fresh mix of cucumber, tomatoes, and onions, dressed with lime juice and salt. This simple side perfectly balances the richness of traditional Indian mains.
And here’s a little gem of advice: much of the delight in an Indian meal comes from layering contrasting textures and adding pops of flavour. Take your meal game up a notch with papadums—a crispy, crunchy addition that works like a charm with chutneys or pickles.
Cooking or assembling an Indian feast at home doesn’t have to be an overwhelming project, especially when you have options that simplify the process without sacrificing flavour or quality. Brands like Express Indian Delivered bring authentic Indian frozen meals straight to your freezer, offering all the taste and freshness of a home-cooked meal without hours in the kitchen.
When you’ve got that rich butter chicken or aromatic veggie korma ready to go, all it takes is adding a side or two and a thoughtfully paired drink to make it a meal worth remembering. Whether it’s a Tuesday night dinner or a weekend family gathering, you’ll be serving happiness, one plate at a time.
So, pair that spicy curry with pillowy naan, spoon some fragrant rice under your favourite sauce, and pour yourself a chilled mango lassi—it’s the little things that turn a good meal into a great one.
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