Adhering to a strict diet can be challenging enough. When you’re missing your favourite foods, however, it gets even harder.
We’ve all been there.
Soon, the cravings kick in, calling your name. Your mind plays tricks on you; tempting you into making “just one” deviation from your diet plan.
This is a decision that starts to spiral pretty quickly. Before we know it, we’re off track and feeling disgruntled and unlikely to forgive ourselves…
But, there is good news on the horizon. It doesn’t have to be this way.
Our Favourite Low Carb Indian Takeaways for a Keto Diet
Did you know that there’s a whole world of options out there that are diet-suitable, like keto-friendly takeaways?
When you already have a complicated relationship with food, you don’t want to make it worse by avoiding the meals you love.
So, from frozen meals stacked on supermarket shelves to takeaways that are accidentally (but joyfully) suitable for keto diets…
Please know that there’s absolutely no reason you can’t enjoy a flavourful and interesting range of dishes throughout the dieting process.
You don’t have to go crazy having the same food day after day.
Top 3 Rules When Choosing Keto Indian Takeaways
Think back to when you committed yourself to a keto diet. How many sacrifices have you had to make since then?
It’s difficult enough being dictated to about what you can and can’t eat, but add in the social pressure and the constant availability of food… it gets overwhelming.
Already, you might have been forced to down the offer of dinner with your friends - preferring to cook at home to maintain control over what you consume. Later, you’ll have scrolled through Facebook and felt the sharp wrench of disappointment to see everyone enjoying themselves without you.
If only there was an easier way… (there is). Over time, you’ll have come to sorely miss a variety of cuisines, such as Indian food. You don’t have to. With this guide, it’s entirely possible for you to enjoy a fulfilling, warming, and delicious keto Indian takeaway.
Just be mindful of your goal and follow these simple rules as you pick up the phone and begin your order.
Rule 1: Avoid Traditional Side Dishes
In the moment, one slice of naan bread and a handful of vegetable pakoras sounds like an incredible addition to your order.
It’s imperative that you resist the urge.
If you were to take the time to research the ingredients of the majority of Indian sides, you’ll soon find out why exactly they aren’t recommended for keto. Full of carbs, these addictive morsels are bound to counteract the hard work you’ve put into your diet.
It’s not worth it.
Rule 2: Keep Your Dish Simple
What’s more? When you’re browsing through a range of suitable foods, try choosing just one keto-friendly Indian takeaway meal instead of heaps and heaps. This will help you limit your portion sizes and stay on track with your goal.
While it might tempting to sample a few different dishes, you have to remember what you are trying to accomplish. Wherever possible, be sure to remind yourself that there’s plenty of time for you to work through all the options available to you.
Rule 3: Avoid Sugary Drinks
You might find that multiple takeaway restaurants near you offer meal deals, discounting drinks when you order food. At face value, this seems relatively harmless. Why wouldn’t you get something refreshing with your meal?
However, in reality, consuming fizzy drinks like lemonade can leave you feeling unsatisfied or worse, bloated; making it a sensible decision to avoid them altogether. If you have to, choose something unsweetened like a black chai - which is suitable for diets as well as being a popular Indian drink.
The 10 Best Keto-Friendly Indian Takeaways You Need to Order
Previously, dieting has always been about:
- What you can’t do.
- What you shouldn’t eat.
- What you have to sacrifice.
With this list of Indian takeaways that are keto-friendly, say goodbye to compromise. Seriously.
Embrace the opportunity to have a celebratory meal with your family with none of the unhealthy guilt that rears its head the next day. There’s a world of potential out there.
1. Paneer Tikka Masala
Grilled paneer cheese (made from curdled milk) in a spicy tomato and onion gravy, Paneer Tikka Masala is an oily and fattening curry perfect for keto-diet Indian takeaways.
Stuffed full of dairy with very few carbs, this dish gets marinated in yoghurt, bathed in curry powder, and lovingly stirred over high heat.
A complete experience that delivers an explosion of flavour, this is a classic and comforting meal that will soothe your desire for tasty food in one delicious sweep.
Delightful to the tastebuds and satisfying for your stomach, this smooth curry is ideal for anyone watching what they eat.
2. Matar Paneer
Also made from cubes of addictive cottage cheese, Matar Paneer is one curry that’s the absolute perfect blend of spicy and sweet.
It’s so delicious, it feels sinful.
Enjoyable to eat out, order in, or make at home - there’s something special about this dish that will fill you with absolute bliss. Due to its incredibly high content of calories, Matar Paneer will do exactly what you need it to during a keto diet, forcing your body to break down fat rather than carbs.
The simple ingredients of peas, spices, and paneer make this a simple yet satisfying option for Indian keto takeaways.
3. Murgh Korma
If you aren’t a fan of cheese, then you might instead lean towards Murgh Korma; a dish of meat and/or vegetables that are served in a smooth and silky sauce flavoured with aromatic spices.
An incredibly versatile curry, it’s one that can be typically adjusted to suit all manner of dietary requirements - such as allergies - but just so happens to be perfect for keto already.
It has a surprisingly sweet undertone (from almonds, cashews, coconut, or poppy seeds) that complements the spice perfectly, making it enjoyable for all manner of tastebuds. As Little India in Denver said best:
“Mixed together with butter and cream, and often combined with yoghurt-marinated meats that are slow-cooked, kormas are definitely for those who want zest without the burn.”
4. Saag Paneer
Suitable for vegetarians, Saag Paneer is made from a mixture of green leaves (like spinach and mustard) that are then ground up and turned into a thick, flavourful paste.
Topped with a squeeze of lemon juice, a crunch of garlic and onion, and a handful of traditional spices, it’s no wonder this smooth and cheesy dish has become a beloved keto-friendly Indian takeaway in the UK.
That’s not all.
It’s low in calories, high in fats, and incredibly filling - helping you maintain consistent portion sizes while also feeling full at the end of a lovely meal. Bursting in nutrients, you would be remiss to dismiss this dish.
5. Baingan Bhartha
Full of long-lasting and fiery heat, Baingan Bharta is a fire-roasted eggplant curry absolutely bursting with spices.
Ordering one will take you on an enjoyable and delectable adventure that will feel very out of the norm compared to some of the substitute meals you’ve been forced to settle for throughout your keto diet.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to cook at home. When the cravings kick in and you find yourself hungry for more the next day… adorn your chef hat, tie up your apron, and embrace the world of traditional Indian cuisine.
6. Murgh Punjabi Masala
Boneless chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, garam masala, and a heaping of other spices, Punjabi Murgh Masala might have a misleadingly simple ingredient list but the end result is far from it.
Wonderfully rounded in flavour, this curry somehow combines floral notes with peppery punches and aromatic flavours of cardamom, fennel and coriander.
It can be enjoyed in smaller portions as a starter or served as a full meal. Either way, you’ll be grateful to rediscover what you’ve been missing with this keto Indian takeaway.
7. Paneer Makhani
A celebration of one of the best punjabi dishes in existence, Paneer Makhani deserves its own feature.
Expertly crafted of paneer, tomatoes, cashews, spices, and, of course, smooth cream, this sweet and tangy dish is bound to woo your tastebuds.
Who needs carbs when there is keto-friendly Indian takeaway meals like this one just waiting to be ordered? It is incredible and won’t soon be forgotten.
8. Kalimirch Prawns
Seafood is incredibly versatile and present in cuisines across the world. Indian takeaways are no exception.
Cooked in a variety of spices and a whole heaping of black peppercorn, these prawns are crispy and delicious - looking like a snack whilst feeling like a whole meal.
Akin to a much healthier (and carb-free) version of fried chicken, you’ll fall in love with Kalimirch Prawns and their fiery, addictive kick.
9. Lamb Chettinad
When was the last time you had lamb? As meat that’s not regularly featured in readily-available keto-friendly meals, it might have been a while. Luckily, Lamb Chettinad swoops to the rescue; fusing the strong (and incredibly hot) flavours of South India with a westernized style of curry cooking.
Be warned, though. If you decide to order this as a part of your keto Indian takeaway, be sure to have some soothing drinks stocked in the house - or you might find yourself with more of an experience than you bargained for.
Perfect for spice lovers, Lamb Chettinad has an intense yet enjoyable flavour, bursting with chilli.
10. Karahi Paneer
If you’re thinking “sweet” and “creamy” because of Karahi Paneer’s cottage cheese base… you’d be wrong. This is not a curry for the lighthearted. Order it swimming in sauce or completely dry, and you’ll soon be swooning (and sweating) over a mouthwatering, carb-free popular Indian takeaway dish that is beloved up and down the country.
Keto-Friendly Indian Takeaways: FAQs
As you’re starting to discover, there are plenty of low-carb keto Indian takeaway options. Each can be enjoyed alongside an otherwise healthy and balanced diet.
Still have questions? That’s completely normal when you’re learning something new. Check out these insightful FAQs that might be able to point you in the right direction.
- What Indian food can’t you eat on a keto diet?
Any dish which contains carb-rich ingredients like chickpeas, dal, and potato, especially fried, should be avoided.
- Can you eat curry on a keto diet?
Yes, you can eat some different types of curry. If there is one you are interested in, check the ingredients, and be sure to avoid adding rice or naan. - What Indian takeaways are low carb?
Kebabs, some curries, and the majority of tandoori dishes are incredibly low in carbs, making them a delicious and keto-friendly meal. - What Indian foods are low in calories?
Fish Tikka Masala and Ragi Dosa are two low-calorie Indian meals that will fill you up, making you feel warm and comfortable.
How to Order Keto Indian Takeaways UK
Are you now itching to order an Indian takeaway that’s keto-friendly? Or are you starting to consider booking a table at one of the many fantastic keto restaurants in London?
If so, your delicious meal is just a few clicks away.
With ChefOnline, you can browse high-quality restaurants in your area until you find one serving the meals you’re eager to try. Then, decide whether to order delivery or head to the venue yourself.
Who said sticking to a diet had to be complicated with everything made from scratch? Order your keto Indian takeaway today.
