A Beginner’s Guide to Curry: Exploring the Top Curries in the UK

Curry is a beloved dish in the UK, and for good reason. Its bold flavours and varied spices make it a delicious, versatile meal that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. However, if you are new to the world of curry, knowing where to start can often be overwhelming. So, we’ve put together this beginner’s guide to curry, exploring some of the top curries in the UK.

What is Curry?

Before we dive deeper into the different types of curry, let’s first define what curry is. Curry is a dish that originated in India but has since spread throughout the world and taken on many different forms. At its core, curry is a combination of spices and aromatics that are cooked with meat, vegetables, or legumes in a sauce made from tomatoes, yoghurt, or coconut milk.

Different Types of Curry

There are many different types of curry, each with their own flavour profile and spice level. Some of the most popular curries in the UK that you can find available to order at the best Indian restaurant in Bristol include:

• Tikka Masala: Tikka masala is arguably the most popular curry in the UK and some would even say it is the national dish. It is a creamy, tomato-based curry that typically features chicken, but it can also be made with lamb, fish, or paneer. It is usually served with rice and naan bread.
• Rogan Josh: This Kashmiri-style curry is usually made with lamb or mutton. It is a spicy dish made with a blend of aromatic spices including cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
• Vindaloo: Vindaloo is a fiery, hot curry that originated in Goa, India. It is usually made with beef or pork in the UK, and features a mix of spices like coriander, chilli powder, and cumin.
• Butter Chicken: This is a mild and creamy curry made with a generous amount of butter and tomatoes, with some mild spices.
• Saag: Saag is a Punjabi-style curry made with spinach and either chicken, paneer, or potatoes. It’s healthy, flavourful, and ideal for vegetarians.

Choosing Your Spice Level

When ordering curry in a restaurant, it’s important to consider the spice level. Some curries are much hotter than others. If you’re new to curry or eating spicy food in general, it’s a good idea to start off with a mild dish and work your way up to spicier dishes as you become more accustomed to the heat.

Making Curry at Home

You can also try making curry at home if you want to eat it more often. There are lots of different recipes available online, and with the right blend of spices, making your own curry is easier than you think. It’s important to have a good mix of spices at hand – a visit to an Asian supermarket is a good idea, as you’ll often get more of a range here compared to the general supermarket. Some basics to get include coriander, turmeric, chilli powder, garam masala, and cumin.

Curry is a versatile, tasty dish that is loved by many in the UK. Whether you love a mild and creamy korma or a hot vindaloo, there’s a curry out there for everyone.

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