The Top 12 Indian Takeaway Dishes You Can't afford to Miss

Thinking about ordering an Indian takeaway but not sure what to choose? You’re not alone. With so many curries, breads, and starters on the menu, it can be overwhelming — especially if you’re new to Indian food or simply want to try something different.

Indian cuisine is one of the most popular takeaways in the UK, thanks to its variety, rich flavours, and comforting dishes that suit every palate. From mild curries for beginners to fiery favourites for spice lovers, there’s something for everyone.

This guide brings together the best Indian dishes to order; a mix of vegetarian delights, meaty mains, and indulgent desserts. These are the most popular Indian takeaway meals that will give you the full flavour of India right from your local restaurant.

Why Indian Takeaway Is So Popular in the UK

Indian cuisine has been part of British dining culture for over 200 years. Today, dishes like chicken tikka masala, korma, and biryani are household names. People love it because:

• It offers variety — vegetarian, meat, seafood, snacks, and desserts.

• Spice levels can be adjusted from mild to extra hot.

• Many dishes are great for sharing, making them ideal for family dinners.

• Leftovers reheat beautifully, so it’s value for money.

No wonder so many people search for the best Indian takeaway near me when hunger strikes.

12 Most Popular Indian Takeaway Dishes to Order

Ordering from an Indian takeaway is always exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming with so many curries, breads, and starters on the menu. If you’ve ever wondered “what’s the best Indian dish to order?” or “which curry is most popular in the UK?”, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ve rounded up the best Indian takeaway dishes that capture the true flavour of Indian cuisine.

1. Saag Paneer

When it comes to ordering Indian food in the UK, certain dishes stand out as timeless favourites. One such option is Saag Paneer, a comforting vegetarian classic made with cubes of paneer cheese and leafy greens like spinach and mustard leaves. It’s rich without being too heavy and is perfect for those who want something nutritious yet indulgent. It pairs beautifully with naan or rice, making it one of the most balanced vegetarian choices on a takeaway menu.

2. Chicken Makhni

For meat lovers, Chicken Makhani, better known as Butter Chicken, is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Its buttery, tomato-based sauce is creamy, mildly spiced, and appeals to both adults and children. If you’re ordering for the family, this dish is a safe bet that everyone will enjoy, especially when paired with fluffy naan or pilau rice.

3. Masala Dosa

If you’re looking to try something outside the typical curry house staples, Masala Dosa brings a taste of South Indian street food to your plate. This crispy rice-and-lentil pancake is stuffed with spiced potatoes and served with chutneys, making it an excellent lighter choice for vegetarians and anyone seeking gluten-free options.

4. Daal 

Daal, another vegetarian-friendly dish, is a cornerstone of Indian cooking. Made with lentils and seasoned with onions, tomatoes, and spices, daal can be prepared soupy or thick, depending on where it’s ordered. It’s wholesome, protein-packed, and one of the healthiest Indian dishes you can add to your takeaway order, especially when eaten with steamed rice.

5. Chicken Tikka Masala

When it comes to the most famous UK-Indian dish, Chicken Tikka Masala undoubtedly tops the list. Though it was created in Britain, it remains one of the most popular Indian takeaway curries thanks to its tangy tomato-cream base and tender marinated chicken. It’s mild enough for those who don’t like too much heat but still full of flavour, a must-try for anyone new to Indian food.

6. Korma 

Korma is another dish that works well for those who prefer milder flavours. Slow-cooked meat, often chicken or lamb, is gently braised in a sauce enriched with coconut milk, cream, and almonds. Lightly spiced with cardamom and saffron, it delivers comfort in every bite and is best enjoyed with naan bread.

7. Biryani

Of course, no list of the best Indian takeaway dishes would be complete without Biryani. This fragrant rice dish layers marinated meat or vegetables with saffron-infused basmati rice, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s filling, aromatic, and a brilliant choice for sharing with family or friends.

8. Aloo Gobi

Vegetarians can also enjoy Aloo Gobi, a simple yet delicious dish made with cauliflower and potatoes, often combined with peas or carrots. Its warm spices and nutty undertones make it a healthy but hearty option, and it tastes even better when paired with cooling yoghurt or raita.

9. Vindaloo 

For spice lovers, Vindaloo is the curry of choice. Originally from Goa and influenced by Portuguese cooking, it’s fiery, tangy, and typically made with pork, lamb, or chicken. It’s one of the hottest curries on a British Indian takeaway menu, best served with plain rice to balance the spice.

10. Madras Curry

If Vindaloo feels too intense, Madras Curry is a fantastic middle ground. Spicier than Korma but less extreme than Vindaloo, this tomato-based curry packs plenty of flavour without overwhelming the palate. It’s especially popular for those who want something bold without venturing into extreme heat.

11. Gajar Ka Halwa

Indian meals are not complete without a sweet ending, and Gajar Ka Halwa offers just that. This warm carrot pudding is slow-cooked with milk, sugar, and cardamom, often enjoyed during festivals but equally comforting as a dessert after curry.

12. Gulaab Jamun

Finally, Gulab Jamun brings a touch of indulgence with deep-fried milk dumplings soaked in rose-flavoured syrup. Soft, sweet, and utterly satisfying, it’s the perfect finale to any Indian takeaway feast.

Best Indian Takeaway Dishes – At a Glance

Popular Vegetarian Indian Takeaway Dishes

Indian cuisine is a paradise for vegetarians, and many of the best Indian takeaway dishes in the UK are completely meat-free. They’re not just side options, but wholesome, flavour-packed mains in their own right:

• Saag Paneer – creamy spinach and paneer cheese, satisfying and protein-rich.

• Chana Masala – chickpeas simmered in a tangy tomato and spice gravy, high in fibre.

• Aloo Gobi – potatoes and cauliflower cooked with turmeric, a comforting classic.

• Vegetable Biryani – fragrant rice dish packed with spiced vegetables, a complete meal in itself.

These dishes are great for anyone looking for healthy Indian takeaway meals or simply wanting to cut down on meat without missing out on flavour.

Dry Indian Takeaway Dishes Worth Ordering

Not all Indian meals come swimming in curry sauce. Some of the most popular Indian takeaway dishes in the UK are actually “dry-style,” meaning they’re cooked with spices but served without a heavy gravy. They’re lighter, often healthier, and pair beautifully with rice or bread.

• Tandoori Chicken – marinated in yoghurt and spices, cooked in a clay oven for a smoky flavour.

• Seekh Kebabs – spiced minced meat skewers, perfect as starters or with naan.

• Bhindi Masala – stir-fried okra with onions and spices, a vegetarian gem.

• Chicken Tikka – juicy chicken pieces grilled until tender, great for those who want flavour without sauce.

These dry Indian dishes are ideal for people who prefer lighter meals, want to avoid extra calories, or like pairing spiced mains with a cooling yoghurt dip or fresh salad.

Wrapping Up

Indulging in Indian food will definitely make you want to keep coming for more. All of these dishes are the perfect comfort food for anyone. Delve into the world of Indian cuisine with these must-try dishes. The best way to enjoy them is by ordering so you can eat them in the comfort of your home.

If you are wondering whether there is takeaway near my location, check out ChefOnline. It lets you order the best takeout food near you and deliver you piping hot meals in no time. Check out their website for more information!