When it comes to ordering Indian takeaway dishes, there’s no denying that the best meal would include a selection of the delicious sides available to you.
After all, Indian cuisine isn’t just curry. It offers such a large selection of options to choose from, including:
- samosas
- naan
- rice
- onion bhajis
As such, no matter which Indian restaurant you order from, you can pretty guarantee they will have something for everyone - catering to a wide variety of tastebuds.
Indian rice dishes are no exception.
A List of Indian Rice Dishes to Order Today
Choosing an Indian rice dish to accompany your main curry can be a difficult and complex task.
Why?
- There are lots of options.
- You are overwhelmed.
- It’s difficult to climb out of your comfort zone.
If you’re the type of person who is so used to ordering basmati rice, you might never have thought about trying something new.
Now is your chance.
Ideally, the traditional rice Indian dish you select would become a favourite of yours, pairing well with the rest of your food.
1. Basmati Rice
Sometimes referred to as ‘plain’ or ‘boiled’ rice on a menu, basmati rice is a popular order up and down the country.
It is a plain Indian rice dish served without any additional seasoning; making it the perfect side for any main curry dish.
A variety of long-grained rice that originates from India and Pakistan, basmati is flavourful by itself - blending a kick of spice with a sweet, almost nutty tang.
2. Pilau Rice
You’ll recognise this one. This famous Indian rice dish is bright yellow in colour, containing a huge range of spices like turmeric and saffron. Restaurants will usually add cardamom, too.
Pilau Rice is typically cooked in a vegetable-based broth, and the results are a powerful taste that will resonate no matter what you pair it with.
3. Mushroom Rice
Mushrooms are quite a controversial vegetable, wouldn’t you agree? You definitely need to like them if you’re ordering this rice.
Made from thinly sliced button or field mushrooms, restaurants will use tasty basmati rice to make the base of this side, adding different spices added to finish it off.
What’s more? This rice dish from India doesn’t have an incredibly strong flavour; pairing well with the majority of main courses.
4. Keema Rice
You can almost guarantee to find this on any Indian menu the same way you usually find a keema naan.
Tasty, spiced mincemeat makes up the heart of the dish along with numerous spices, onions and peppers.
Some people order this Indian rice dish as a meal in itself. Just remember that it is incredibly filling and packed full of ingredients if you want to pair it with your main.
5. Vegetable Rice
This next rice India dish is exactly what you would expect from the name.
However, depending on the Indian restaurant you purchase from, this dish may differ slightly. Why? The vegetables used will differ as will the spices. Regardless, you can expect this option to be similar in taste to pilau rice - though with additional vegetables and maybe even potatoes. It has a strong and fragrant flavour that will perfectly complement your order.
6. Palak Rice
Of all the rice dishes, this is probably one of the least well-known. It deserves its time in the spotlight.
It’s a healthy and delicious type of Indian rice dish which is made using spinach and a range of mild spices.
What’s more? Lots of restaurants will use lemon juice in their recipe for this dish - creating a unique flavour with a little bit of zest.
Therefore, if you want to try something really different… this is the dish to go for.
7. Biryani Rice
Another plain Indian rice dish that’s suitable for a wide variety of tastebuds (with a certain tolerance to spice) is Biryani.
It’s a simple, vegetarian side that blends a variety of common herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, peppercorns and star anise into a delightful, aromatic palette that usually has a fiery kick to it.
The addition of green chillies and onions, which some restaurants will use as a default, makes for a meal that is bursting with irresistible flavour.
8. Jeera Rice
A favourite in North India, Jeera Rice is an interesting blend of rice and cumin seeds.
The combination of these two ingredients results in a dish unlike any other.
Believed to be a super healthy side full of filling carbohydrates, this is an option beloved by all ages.
It’s easy to make, cooked in ghee, and has a rich and earthy taste that is often enjoyed alongside eggplant curries.
9. Coconut Rice
Light, fluffy, and flavourful, Coconut Rice is featured over the entirety of Asia (in Thailand, China, Japan, and India) due to its versatility and the flexibility of this dish.
Truly, it goes with everything.
With a sticky and sweet texture that perfectly compliments the crunchy lentils and cashew nuts added by Indian restaurants, you might find that Indian rice dish quickly climbs the ranks as one of your favourite sides… ever.
10. Pongal Rice
This dish comes in both a sweet and savoury form so, before ordering, be sure to clarify which your local restaurant specialises in:
A. Chakarai Pongal is often made with cashews and raisins.
B. Venn Pongal is often made with ginger and curry leaves.
Some Pongal Rices are enjoyed in the morning for breakfast, while others are served as a part of the main meal - making it critical to decipher which one you are ordering. However, both are enjoyable.
11. Khichdi Rice
Now, it’s time for an Indian rice dish that has a slightly different texture from all the rest.
Rather than having most of the vegetable stock it’s cooked in drained off (or absorbed), Khichdi Rice has a wet, “sloppy” texture made from sweet, mushy lentils.
Traditionally, it would be one of the first solid foods that babies are served in India.
This makes it less suitable for pairing with curries and absolutely perfect for dry tikka dishes or kebabs - offering your tastebuds a range of flavours to enjoy.
12. Bhindi Rice
Have you heard of okra?
It’s an interesting vegetable that is used in multiple meals, and, of course, it had to feature in a rice Indian dish at one point or another.
Lightly spiced, this is a side with a slightly tangy but earthy texture that is topped off with a pinch of salt before getting served.
13. Curd Rice
Also known as “yoghurt rice”, this is an option much akin to a British rice pudding.
Only, instead of being enjoyed with a whole heaping of honey or jam, you’ll find yourself with a whole heaping of savoury sesame oil, ginger, and curry leaves.
It’s an interesting proposition, isn’t it?
Curd Rice is a comforting summer food intended to help people stay cool during the long summer, and is usually adorned with pickled onions.
Although it might sound a little strange, it’s a delicious and famous Indian rice dish that you would be remiss not to try at least once.
14. Pulihora Rice
An easy South Indian style rice dish, this is a recipe with a history.
Why? Well, it’s usually made in temples to use up ingredients for a holy event.
The taste, therefore, can vary depending on which kitchen it comes from and the hand that makes it.
Typically, though, it will incorporate the usual spices (like ginger) and a heaping of dal.
Popular Indian Rice Dishes - FAQs
There’s truly a whole world of amazing rice dishes out there for you to try, but, admittedly, India serves up some of the very best.
If you still can’t decide which is the best option for you, perhaps these FAQs will point you in the right direction…
What rice is used for Indian dishes?
Without a doubt, Basmati Rice. It’s a white, slightly spiced and nutty grain of rice that can be eaten on its own. No complicated recipe required.
Which is the most common Indian rice dish?
In the UK, Biriyani Rice. Suitable as a side for the majority of curries and main courses, it’s no wonder this one is added to almost every order.
What is the healthiest rice?
Any form of brown rice is suitable for those trying to be more healthy or lose weight. Basmati Rice is available in most stores and has brown and white grains.
What is a famous Indian rice dish?
Pulao Rice is widely loved across India, second only to Biryani Rice. Faintly sweet in taste, it’s well worth trying alongside a range of other meals.
How to Order Indian Rice Dishes Near You - Chef Online
Next time you order a takeaway or go to a restaurant, throw away your default. Try getting a couple of new rice-based Indian dishes.
The only way you’ll experience the amazing flavours used in these tasty and memorable sides is by trying them out.
Besides… if you really love Indian food (which we know you do), then we can pretty much guarantee that you will love them all anyway.
There’s just something special about each one.
To order your meal online, visit our website and view the huge range of takeaway menus delivering near you. Soon, you’ll be able to find all of the Indian rice dishes you want to try.
Yum!
