• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About Greedygirlgourmet
  • Recipes
  • SEO for Food Blogs
  • Authentic South East Asian Recipes
  • Privacy policy
  • Subscribe
  • Accessibility

Greedy Girl Gourmet

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Under 30 min
  • Recipes
  • Blogging
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Under 30 min
    • Recipes
    • Blogging
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Side dishes

    Published: Sep 8, 2023 by Zen · This post may contain affiliate links.

    What to Serve with Curry (17 sides)

    Sharing food makes everyone happy! :)

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    • Yummly
    • Flipboard

    What to serve with Curry other than rice (although I do suggest some easy rice sides as well): the best side dishes for a warming bowl of curry, be it Thai Green Curry, Indian Curry, Japanese S&B Curry or Singaporean Chicken Curry!

    Someone scooping up a bite of simmered fish in coconut milk and jasmine rice.
    Jump to:
    • Rice
    • Protein
    • Bread
    • Appetizers
    • 💬 Comments

    There are many different types of curry, be it Thai Pork Curry, Malaysian Curry Chicken, Japanese Pork Curry or Indian veggie curry.

    You can never go wrong by serving curry with a bowl of white rice but, if you want more variety in your meal, scroll down for more suggestions!

    Rice

    Let's start with rice since it's the most popular side dish for curry.

    White Rice

    A Singporean meal with 2 types of pandan rice, fried egg, eggplant and sambal kangkong.

    There are so many varieties of rice: Thai Curry goes beautifully with jasmine rice, Malay curry with Pandan Rice, Indian curry with basmati and Japanese or Korean curry with short-grain sushi rice!

    However, if you don't have the specific variety of white rice, you can always substitute with 1 of the others, or even with a bowl of brown rice!

    To prepare rice, pop it in the rice cooker OR simply cook it in water or broth over the stove. This allows the grains to absorb the liquid and become tender.

    Note: Basmati rice is a fragrant and flavorful long-grain rice originating from South Asia that complement the rich flavors of curry. If you like fluffy individual grains, this is the rice to go for! This versatile rice can be served plain or with warm spices, such as turmeric, saffron or cumin, which I'll touch on below.

    Turmeric Rice

    Golden turmeric rice with raisins and cashews on a white plate.

    Turmeric rice is another fantastic option to serve with curry, as its earthy flavor goes really well with curry. (In fact, turmeric is often an ingredient in curry spice powder!) Not to mention how beautiful the vibrant yellow color of the rice is!

    The key ingredient that gives turmeric rice its distinct color and flavor is turmeric powder, which also offers potential health benefits from its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

    To create this eye-catching accompaniment, simply add a teaspoon of turmeric powder (or 2, depending on how much rice you're cooking) to your rice during the cooking process. For a full recipe- I include other spices to bring out the turmeric flavor- click through below!

    Easy Turmeric Rice (One Pot, Rice Cooker)
    This delicious and easy Turmeric Rice is a one-pot recipe that is made in the rice cooker. It has a tinge of sweetness from the raisins, crunch from the cashews and a gorgeous golden color from the turmeric! Plus all the main ingredients are from the pantry!
    Click here for the golden turmeric basmati rice.
    Close-up of turmeric rice with raisins on a wooden spoon.

    Cauliflower Rice

    For a low-carbohydrate alternative, consider serving your curry with cauliflower rice.

    Made by grating or processing raw cauliflower into small, rice-like grains, this is an excellent choice for those wanting a lighter, more nutritious alternative to traditional rice with a lower GI.

    Cauliflower rice has a distinctive flavor that can be off-putting to some but the strong taste of the curry will help to cover it. Moreover, its texture closely mimics that of cooked rice. It can easily be cooked by sautéing in a pan with a little oil or steaming for a few minutes.

    However, I have to confess that I'm not the biggest fan of this rice substitute!

    Coconut Rice

    Lastly, coconut rice is a creamy and delicious way to enhance your curry.

    Made by cooking rice with coconut milk - often with a touch of sugar and herbs such as lemongrass - the rich, slightly sweet coconut rice helps to balance spicy curries.

    To prepare coconut rice, you can use either basmati or jasmine rice. Do note that the latter will give you a slightly stickier consistency (less desirable.) The trick is adding enough coconut to flavor the rice, but not so much that the rice clumps.

    You will need to cook the rice in a mixture of coconut milk and water (I like to use coconut water), or the rice will become a sticky mess. Don't forget to add a pinch of salt for added depth of flavor!

    Protein

    Fish Curry

    Someone holding up a plate of coconut fish curry with white rice.

    Using a variety of herbs and spices, Indian fish curry can be made using Indian spices such as turmeric and garam masala.

    Alternatively, you can make Southeast Asian fish curry, which is seasoned with tamarind and fish sauce, creating a unique taste that is rich but tangy. (Recipe in the link below.)

    Singaporean Tamarind Coconut Fish Curry
    An 8-ingredient curry with flaky fish in a spiced, creamy curry sauce. The tamarind juice gives the flavorful Singapore Tamarind Coconut Fish Curry a delicious citrusy acidity (and makes sure there is no fishy flavor)- unusual for a curry, but makes for a super satisfying meal with white rice. (Dairy-free) (Stovetop)
    Click here for the Assam Fish Curry with Coconut recipe.
    Close-up of a white plate of tamarind fish curry with coconut and rice.

    Chicken Curry

    Someone scooping up thick pumpkin chicken curry with white rice.

    Chicken curry is a popular choice for many, as it is familiar, comforting and versatile. It is actually 1 of the most popular Singaporean home cooked recipes! You can add carrots to bulk it up, or pumpkin as I've done below.

    The combination of tender chicken cooked in a flavorful coconut sauce made from a mix of herbs, dry spices, and aromatic components makes this dish irresistible.

    Alternatively, Indian chicken curry uses garam masala and turmeric as key ingredients- ever so delicious with white rice or naan bread.

    Easy Pumpkin Chicken Curry from Scratch
    This easy pumpkin chicken curry is made of juicy, tender chicken morsels simmered in a deliciously aromatic sauce that is full of warm spiced flavor. It's well- spiced but not spicy and can be bulked up with healthy veggies, all in one pot. Plus it's super flexible: it can be made with coconut cream, regular cream, pumpkin puree or none of the above!
    Click here for the Curry Chicken Recipe.
    A plate of jasmine rice and chicken pumpkin curry with coriander.

    Dhal

    If you're vegetarian or vegan, lentils and dhal are great go-to proteins.

    Lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and other nutrients, making them a great alternative to meat. Dhal, sometimes spelt Dal, is a dish of split lentils cooked in a range of spices and herbs, is a classic choice in Indian cuisine.

    Note: This hearty and flavorful option is sometimes served alongside white rice or roti for a satisfying, nutritious meal.

    Bread

    Mantou

    6 green & white mantou buns on a serving board.

    You may be wondering why Chinese steamed buns are making an appearance in a post about curry! However, thanks to the melting pot of cultures that is Singapore, both steamed and fried mantou buns are actually often served with curries here!

    Spiral Pandan Mantou (Steamed Chinese Buns)
    Click here for the steamed mantou recipe.
    A few steamed spiral mantou buns on a serving board.
    2 green matcha buns with a Chinese tea pot.
    Easy Matcha Buns (1-rise Mantou)
    An easy matcha bun (Chinese mantou bao) recipe which only requires 1 proof (1 rise), along with a mantou FAQ section on how to use a metal steamer (instead of the traditional bamboo steamer) and why your naturally vegan matcha buns aren't smooth.
    Click here for the green tea mantou recipe.
    1 matcha green tea bun before being steamed.
    Close-up of a half-bitten mochi cheese bread ball.
    Cheese Mochi Bread
    This delicious Cheese Mochi Bread Recipe is crisp on the outside and soft and oozy on the inside! It's also a super easy recipe: you just mix everything and bake. Plus no sugar is used so you don't have to feel guilty about snacking! (Baked) (Air Fried)
    Click here for the cheeseball recipe.
    Close-up of a half-bitten mochi cheese bread ball.

    Mochi Waffle

    Holding up a slice of cheese waffle mochi.
    Cheese Mochi Waffles Recipe
    This delicious Cheese Mochi Waffles Recipe- also known as Moffles!- is crisp on the outside and soft and oozy on the inside! Thanks to the glutinous rice flour, these waffles stay crispy and don't become soggy as easily. On the table in 15-20 minutes, they're perfect for breakfast or brunch! (This recipe works with both a traditional and vertical waffle maker. It is NOT just putting a mochi in a waffle machine!) (Gluten-Free)
    Click here for the cheese waffle recipe.
    Holding up a slice of cheese waffle mochi.

    Naan Bread

    Naan bread is a popular choice to serve with curry due to its soft and fluffy texture. It is an excellent way to scoop up curry and soak up the flavorful sauce.

    This leavened flatbread originated in India and is made from a dough consisting of flour, water, yeast, and sometimes spices.

    The dough is typically rolled out and cooked in a tandoor oven or on a hot griddle, giving it its characteristic charred spots and bubbly appearance.

    Naan can be enjoyed plain. However, flavored naan which includes various ingredients such as garlic, butter, or even stuffed with fillings like cheese or meat, is also very popular.

    Roti

    Roti, another traditional Indian flatbread, is an unleavened bread made from wheat flour, water and salt that is easy to make at home.

    The dough is rolled out into thin circles and cooked on a hot skillet until it puffs up and develops brown spots. The soft and pliable texture of roti makes it perfect for wrapping around bite-sized pieces of curry.

    Paratha

    Paratha is a flaky, layered Indian flatbread made from a dough of whole wheat flour, water, and a small amount of oil or ghee. Served with curry or sugar, it's a very popular breakfast in Singapore and Malaysia and goes well with these side dishes!

    It is made by rolling, folding, and re-rolling the dough multiple times, creating signature flaky layers. Parathas can be enjoyed plain or stuffed with various fillings such as spiced potatoes, lentils, or grated vegetables.

    They are typically cooked on a hot griddle with a little oil or ghee until golden brown and crispy. The rich and buttery flavor, along with the multi-layered texture, makes paratha an ideal bread option to pair with curry dishes, adding a satisfying crunch and a delicious contrast to the soft and saucy curry.

    Sadly, they're not super healthy so consume in moderation!

    Appetizers

    Samosas

    A plate of samosa with 2 dipping sauces: red tomato and green cilantro.

    Samosas are a well-loved appetizer that can be served with curry.

    These triangular pastries are typically filled with a mixture of spiced potatoes, peas, and occasionally cheese or meat. The spicy filling, usually flavored with ingredients like cumin and coriander, perfectly complements the rich and creamy flavors of curry made with coconut milk.

    Samosas taste best when served with a variety of flavorful chutneys, such as tamarind, mint or tomato dipping sauce.

    5 baked samosas on a plate with ed rchilies and coriander.
    Easy Baked Samosa Recipe
    This Easy Baked Samosa Recipe can be made with both puff pastry and phyllo pastry. (I also show you how to make homemade dough, but I don't recommend it for baking, as it won't taste as good without all the oil and fat of deep-frying!) 
    Click here for the baked samosa recipe.
    A baked samosa with a puff pastry exterior.

    Curry Puff

    A hand holding a half-bitten mini curry puff.
    Curry Puff Recipe (Potato)
    A savory, flaky and crispy curry puff recipe with potato filling- easily made vegan or vegetarian- that uses cupboard staples. Delicious and perfect for meal prep as it tastes good hot and cold!
    Click here for the reinvented samosa recipe.
    Vegan potato curry puff fried to a crisp golden brown on a plate.

    Vegetable Pakoras

    Vegetable Pakoras are a nutritious and flavorful appetizer for curry dishes.

    This popular Indian dish consists of a mixture of vegetables, such as sliced onions, cauliflower, and spinach, dipped in a spiced chickpea flour batter and deep-fried to a crisp, golden brown. A great way to add some greens to your meal if you're having a meat curry!

    The spices used in the pakora batter also add a touch of heat to the appetizer, making it a perfect precursor to a flavorful curry.

    Bombay Potatoes

    Bombay Potatoes, also known as Aloo Bombay, is a popular Indian side dish that can be served as an appetizer alongside curry.

    This dish features diced potatoes cooked with a blend of flavorful spices, such as mustard seeds, turmeric, and cumin, creating a subtly spicy and aromatic dish. The dish is usually garnished with fresh herbs, like coriander or mint, and served with raita to form a refreshing contrast to the spicy curry.

    Which of these curry side dishes is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

    I have other recipes you may like here! :)

    • 6 Korean Chicken lettuce wraps on a white plate.
      Korean Chicken Lettuce Wraps (30 min)
    • Side shot of Chinese steamed salmon fish in a soy based sauce with spring onions.
      Chinese Steamed Salmon (25 min)
    • A bowl of garlic and chilli mixed with calamansi lime and soy sauce .
      Toyomansi Sauce (Calamansi Soy Sauce)
    • Teriyaki chicken wings and Japanese salad on a white plate.
      Teriyaki Wings (Stovetop, No Cornstarch)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Greedygirlgourmet eating 2 sandwiches in Scotland

    Hi I'm Zhen also known as GGG! I couldn't boil water till I was 18! However, I love creating community and nurturing people, so when I lived abroad (in St. Andrews then London) for 11 years, I started hosting regular parties for friends, and that's how I started cooking and helping out in professional kitchens. (Couldn't cook before that!) I even organised a supper club for charity (which strangers came to!) Learning to cook late, I make sure my recipes go into enough detail for those new to Asian cuisine or who love a test kitchen approach to cooking!

    More about GGG ->

    Spring Meals

    • A glass of matcha coconut latte with pineapple.
      7 Matcha Lattes Spring Drinks
    • 3 Thai chicken lettuce wraps on a white plate.
      Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps (20 min)

    Summer Dinners

    • A white spoon holding up a cucumber mango salad mix.
      24 Quick Summer Dinner Ideas
    • A cup of iced guava black tea.
      9 Summer Starbucks Drinks
    • 3 bowls of vegan pumpkin curry and white rice.
      39 Easy Lemongrass Recipes (Sweet + Savory)
    • A plate of coconut jelly and pandan jelly arranged as a flower.
      Pandan Jelly (Agar Agar)

    Quick Dinners

    • Close-up of a plate of spicy Thai basil spaghetti.
      Easy Drunken Noodles (Spaghetti Pad Kee Mao)
    • A wooden spoon picking up some Japanese teriyaki shrimp stir fry.
      EASY Teriyaki Shrimp Stir Fry (20 Min)
    • Many chicken lettuce wraps on a white plate.
      Vietnamese Chicken Lettuce Wraps (25 min)
    • A plate of Chinese lo mein spaghetti noodles with green veggies.
      Lo Mein Spaghetti Noodles (Veggies)

    Popular Recipes

    • 3 chicken thighs baked in teriyaki sauce with sesame seeds and green onions.
      Easy Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
    • A wooden chopstick picking up a Japanese chicken teriyaki meatball from a plate of rice.
      Teriyaki Meatballs 照り焼き豆腐ハンバーグ

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Greedygirlgourmet
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy
    • All Recipes

    Newsletter

    • Sign up here!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Buy Me a Coffee 🙂

    As an Amazon Associate, at no cost to you, I earn from qualifying purchases 🙂

    Copyright © 2024 GreedyGirlGourmet

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required