Tikka masala is a popular Indian dish, characterized by its creamy tomato sauce and tender, spiced chicken.
The rich flavors and aromatic spices make it a favorite for many, but finding the perfect side dishes to complement it is essential to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
To help you elevate your tikka masala, here is a list of the 16 best side dishes that pair beautifully with this Indian classic.
Looking for a quick answer?
The best side dishes to serve with tikka masala are basmati rice, naan bread, vegetable biryani, bhindi masala, cucumber salad, raita, aloo gobi, palak paneer, lentil dal, mango chutney, vegetable pakora, and papadum.
Each of these options offers a unique and tasty way to enhance your tikka masala experience, so try them all to find your favorite combination.
Table of Contents
1. Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is a fragrant, long-grain rice that serves as a perfect base for tikka masala. Its delicate aroma and fluffy texture help to soak up the rich, creamy sauce, providing a delicious and satisfying accompaniment to the dish.
2. Naan Bread
Naan bread is a soft, chewy flatbread that is ideal for scooping up tikka masala's flavorful sauce. Its mild flavor and slight char from the tandoor oven make it a must-have addition to your Indian meal.
3. Aloo Gobi
Aloo gobi is a delicious Indian potato and cauliflower dish that pairs well with chicken tikka masala. Its earthy flavors and tender vegetables complement the bold spices and creamy sauce, creating a well-rounded meal.
4. Raita
Raita is a cooling yogurt-based side dish that balances the bold flavors and spices of tikka masala. Made with cucumber, mint, or other fresh ingredients, raita provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy dish.
5. Palak Paneer
Palak paneer is a creamy and flavorful Indian dish made with spinach and paneer cheese. Its rich, velvety sauce and tender cheese pieces make it a great side dish to serve with tikka masala, as it complements the bold flavors of the dish.
6. Papadum
Papadum is a thin, crispy Indian cracker that adds a delightful crunch to your chicken tikka masala. Its light texture and mild flavor make it a great option for scooping up the sauce or enjoying alongside the other side dishes.
7. Saag Paneer
Saag paneer is a tasty spinach and cheese dish that adds a nutritious and flavorful element to your tikka masala meal. The creamy spinach and soft paneer cheese provide a pleasant contrast to the spiced chicken, making for a delightful combination.
8. Lentil Dal
Lentil dal is a warm and comforting Indian dish made from slow-cooked lentils and aromatic spices. Its hearty flavors and velvety texture make it a great side dish to serve with tikka masala, as it complements the dish's bold flavors.
9. Mango Chutney
Mango chutney is a sweet and tangy condiment that adds a fruity dimension to your tikka masala experience. The sweetness of the mango contrasts with the savory chicken and creamy sauce, creating a delectable balance of flavors.
11. Vegetable Pakora
Vegetable pakora are crispy, deep-fried fritters made with a variety of vegetables and chickpea flour. Their crunchy texture and savory taste make them a delightful side dish to enjoy alongside tikka masala, offering a pleasing contrast to the creamy sauce.
12. Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a refreshing and light side dish that pairs well with the rich flavors of tikka masala. The crisp cucumber slices and tangy dressing create a delicious and cooling contrast, adding a burst of freshness to your meal.
13. Jeera Rice
Jeera rice is a fragrant, cumin-flavored rice that adds a delicious and aromatic touch to tikka masala meal. The earthy cumin flavor and fluffy texture make it a satisfying side dish that complements the bold spices of the dish.
14. Vegetable Biryani
Vegetable biryani is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish that is loaded with vegetables and fragrant spices. Its bold flavors and satisfying texture make it a great side dish to serve with tikka masala, offering a more elaborate alternative to plain basmati rice.
15. Bhindi Masala
Bhindi masala is a spicy and flavorful okra dish that pairs nicely with tikka masala. Its tender vegetables and robust flavors create a delicious combination with the creamy sauce, adding another layer of spice and flavor to your meal.
16. Kachumber Salad
Kachumber salad is a simple, yet flavorful Indian salad made with tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers. Its fresh taste and crunchy texture provide a refreshing contrast to the rich tikka masala, making it a perfect side dish option.
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What To Eat With Tikka Masala
Ingredients
- 1 tikka masala
Instructions
- Make the best tikka masala using your favorite recipe.
- Make a side dish from the list above. You can eat tikka masala with basmati rice, naan bread, vegetable biryani, bhindi masala, cucumber salad, raita, aloo gobi, palak paneer, lentil dal, mango chutney, vegetable pakora, and papadum.
- Serve and enjoy a perfect meal 🙂