This article was updated on the 13th of September 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your samosas, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 16 of the most popular side dishes for samosas.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with samosas are vegetable korma, onion bhajis, lentil dahl, kachumber, or Bombay carrot salad. The best dips to serve with samosas are mango chutney, tamarind sauce, cucumber raita, and cilantro mint chutney. If you’re having the samosa as a snack, serve them with chai tea.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Dips and Chutneys
Samosas are always served with a dipping sauce, so it’s no surprise we have a roster of sauces and chutneys you can try.
Tamarind Sauce
4.7 ⭐️ (9 ratings) | 55 mins
Although it takes 30 minutes to make, this Indian tamarind sauce is worth the trouble.
It has a tart flavor that balances the richly flavored samosas, with a hint of sweetness that keeps you coming back for more. What I like to do is make a big batch, since it lasts for up to a month in the fridge and six months when frozen. That way, I’ll always have it ready to use when I need it!
Once you learn how to make this authentic tamarind sauce, you’ll never choose a store-bought one again.
What readers are saying…
“Wow, this sounds like such an intense flavor and so delicious!”
“This sounds so delicious! I’d love to dip some samosas into it!”
“We love the tamarind Sauce that you get in the restaurants – However I never managed to get the exact flavors .. Can’t wait to try this easy recipe.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Cucumber Raita
5.0 ⭐️ (33 ratings) | 15 mins
Enjoying a plateful of fiery samosas for dinner? Serve them alongside a yogurt-based dip like cucumber raita.
The creamy yogurt and refreshing cucumber help balance out any heat from the spices in your samosas. And this combination also refreshes your palate, preventing the meal from getting too overwhelming.
Feasting At Home recommends using thin-skinned cucumbers like English, Persian, or Japanese varieties. You can also use waxy cucumbers, but you’ll need to scrape out the seeds.
What readers are saying…
“I thought this raita was the best I’ve ever had.“
“Perfect recipe, quick, easy and delicious. I’ll be coming back for more.”
“Excellent dish! I accidentally added a little cumin to it and that tasted great too. Happy mistake. Thank you for sharing.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Mango Chutney
4.4 ⭐️ (57 ratings) | 25 mins
Okay, this is the last dip, I promise. But I couldn’t finish the list without mentioning my favorite Indian condiment — mango chutney!
It’s sweet and tangy with a hint of spice that’ll tickle your taste buds. You can buy a jar of this chutney in stores, but making it from scratch is just as easy. You only need six ingredients (plus a few optional extras, but that’s always the case with Indian food). and the process simply involves simmering everything together into a thick, sticky mixture.
Dip your crunchy samosas into this vibrant mango chutney and enjoy every bite.
What readers are saying…
“Awesome recipe. Used maple syrup and all the spices. Delicious!”
“Fantastic and so easy. Second time making it today. Made it exactly as written…”
“I just made this for the first time and it won’t be the last time! I appreciate how simple and flavorful the recipe is!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Light and Fresh
Samosas are typically enjoyed as a snack, but why not pair them with a fresh and light side dish to make it a complete meal? These sides will help fill you up but won’t weigh you down.
Kachumber Salad
4.3 ⭐️ (31 ratings) | 10 mins
Brighten up your samosas with a serving of kachumber on the side.
This Indian salsa is simple and incredibly easy to put together (it only takes 10 minutes).
Diced cucumber and tomatoes are tossed in lemon juice with cayenne pepper, cumin, and red onions. Then your work is done! The citrusy notes of lemon will help to cut through the greasiness of your samosas and keep the meal fresh.
What readers are saying…
“This is such a simple and yet refreshing addition to an Indian meal.”
“This salad is superb. Thank you for sharing it with us!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Bombay Carrot Salad
4.9 ⭐️ (77 ratings) | 10 mins
Are you in a rush? This carrot salad is here to save the day.
There’s zero cooking needed — all you need is to toss everything in a bowl and give it a mix.
Once mixed, you get to enjoy the crunch from the carrots and the cashews, while the raisins bring a fruity touch that rounds off the dish’s entire flavor profile. And as a bonus, its vibrant colors bring a summery feel that’s guaranteed to make any plate look amazing.
And if you end up with leftovers, no worries. This salad maintains its crunch and can be stored for up to 5 days! You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner the next day.
What readers are saying…
I’ve made this recipe 4x and it never disappoints. Leftovers keep really well in the fridge.
“Absolutely love this salad. Definitely a new family favorite. I love all the flavor. I added cranberries to mine, it was very tasty.“
“This has been my go-to potluck salad for the past couple of years now. It’s a hit every time! 🤩”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Fruit Chaat Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (6 ratings) | 10 mins
This isn’t your regular fruit salad.
Instead of heavy cream or honey, the fruits are dressed with a mixture of amchur, roasted jeera powder, and chaat masala. This blend infuses the fresh, sweet fruits with a tangy-spicy kick that’ll make your taste buds sing.
The great thing about this salad is you can use any fruit you like. I usually throw together whatever’s in season to keep this salad budget-friendly.
Enjoy this colorful fruit salad with your samosas or as a post-meal sweet treat!
What readers are saying…
“That’s one beautfiul and vibrant fruit salad! Love that it has spices in it, how comforting. Can’t wait to try it out!”
“Love the combination of the refreshing fruit with the spices and the mint is the perfect garnish.”
“I made this for dessert last night and it was delicious. My whole family loved it!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🔥 Grilled Fruit Kabobs with Sweet and Spicy Glaze
🥛 Fresh Fruit Salad with Condensed Milk
Soups and Stews
If you’re in the mood for a heartier meal, you can’t go wrong with pairing your samosas with a piping hot bowl of these soups and stews. You may be too full to walk afterwards, but at least you’re satisfied, right?
Vegetable Korma
5.0 ⭐️ (153 ratings) | 30 mins
Curry and samosas are a classic combination. The flaky pastry and stuffed insides are perfect for soaking up a tasty curry sauce.
Any curry will work, but I had to pick one. So I went for the universally loved korma. It’s not spicy, so you don’t have to worry if the samosas have a little heat. And the creamy sauce is oh-so-comforting.
Plus, vegetable korma is also a great way to use up any old veggies you have lying around in your fridge! It’s also naturally vegan and gluten-free.
What readers are saying…
“Mmmm not vegan nor am I Paleo buuut I want a bowl of that- YES to anything simmered in coconut milk!“
“I like how accessible this is. I can’t do heavy fats and most cow’s milk dairy, so this definitely makes this an option. Also, I love the smorgasbord of veggies.“
“This looks like the most perfect bowl of comfort food EVER!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Tomato Rasam
4.9 ⭐️ (77 ratings) | 30 mins
Tomato rasam is an Indian version of the classic tomato soup.
As you’d expect, it’s packed with flavor and a little complicated to make. But don’t be intimidated. This recipe from Dassana walks you through the entire process (complete with pictures!). And once you have the first bite, you’ll be hooked.
Serve it alongside your samosa for a warm, comforting meal. And don’t forget to save a bite of samosa to wipe the bowl clean at the end.
What readers are saying…
“Mmmm not vegan nor am I Paleo buuut I want a bowl of that- YES to anything simmered in coconut milk!“
“I like how accessible this is. I can’t do heavy fats and most cow’s milk dairy, so this definitely makes this an option. Also, I love the smorgasbord of veggies.“
“This looks like the most perfect bowl of comfort food EVER!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Chana Masala
5.0 ⭐️ (30 ratings) | 40 mins
Chana masala is a hearty chickpea curry. I sometimes like adding kidney beans and mushrooms for variation and to make it even heartier.
But what I really like about this dish is it’s freezer-friendly, so you can make a big batch and warm it up whenever you fancy.
And when you add a few crunchy samosas on the side, you’ll have a satisfying, vegan meal that everyone can enjoy.
What the chef says…
“We pressure-cook dried chickpeas for an ultra-tender and creamy texture. If you use canned chickpeas, you will need to simmer them in the blended mixture for longer in order to soften them up.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Lentil Dahl
4.8 ⭐️ (373 ratings) | 20 mins
Potato-filled samosas are mostly carbs, so why not add a healthy dose of protein to the meal with this lentil dahl?
It’s rich, creamy, and has the right amount of heat from the combination of chilies, spices, and ginger. I like using the samosas to scoop this curry up for the perfect bite — it’s comfort food at its finest.
Psst… add a dollop of raita on the side and you’ve got a winning meal.
What readers are saying…
“This is by far the tastiest and best dhal I have ever had. Definitely our go to meal, totally delicious and so easy to make.”
“This recipe was the nicest vegetarian dish I’ve EVER tasted!!
Will definitely be making this again!!“
“Made this yesterday – super simple and quick, tastes amazing and will be a regular addition to my weekly meals.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Butter Chicken
5.0 ⭐️ (179 ratings) | 45 mins
Butter chicken is one of the most popular Indian takeaway dishes, but did you know it’s also one of the easiest to make from scratch?
It’s all about getting that vibrant sauce right! And you’ll be pleased to know that you only need salt, chopped tomatoes, onions, a couple of spices, and a blender to make this sauce.
Serve this homemade butter chicken with a side of potato-filled samosas for the ultimate Indian “fake-away” meal.
What readers are saying…
“This recipe made me a hero. Husband loved it. Restaurant quality.”
“This was absolutely amazing! I didn’t purée the sauce, but it turned out great! Even had enough sauce to spoon over the paneer I made!”
“This was a wonderful dish, turned out well considering it’s fairly simple. I make curries quite a lot but I will often come back to this recipe! for sure!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Snacks and Beverages
Samosas are a tasty treat on their own, but why not make it a complete feast by serving them with other Indian snacks and beverages?
Onion Bhajis
4.5 ⭐️ (28 ratings) | 20 mins
No Indian-themed party would be complete without a platter of onion bhajis!
They’re delightfully crispy, with a lightly salty-spicy flavor combo that makes them oh-so-addictive. And just like samosas, you can dip them in a sauce or a chutney of your choice! I especially love them with raita.
These treats are traditionally deep-fried, but this version from Happy and Harried uses the air-fryer, which helps make these a bit healthier.
What readers are saying…
“Thank you for this great recipe! I have coeliac disease so this healthy, gluten-free recipe is fab!“
“Just tried these in my new air fryer, Came out lovely.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
⏲ Baked Carrot and Nigella Seed Bhajis
😋 Indian-style Onion Rings
Ginger Chai
4.5 ⭐️ (28 ratings) | 20 mins
The British have tea and biscuits, and India has chai and samosas. And if you’ve never tried chai before you’re in for a treat.
It’s creamy, aromatic, and soothing. It’ll revitalize and give you a little pick me up if you’re feeling run down.
And what I love about making it is you can easily tweak it to your preference. You can play around with different sweeteners or even with the ratios of milk and water to make it creamier. Anything goes with chai!
What readers are saying…
“So good! I’ve made the tea several times using local honey. Thanks for another great recipe!”
“I just made the tea and my family just loves it and they want me to make it at all times.”
“I’ve bought so many chai tea bags and loose leaf teas hoping to match my husband’s family’s chai “bite”… This is much closer and oh so delicious!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Dahi Puri
4.9 ⭐️ (18 ratings) | 1 hr 5 mins
Complete your Indian feast with a platter of dahi puri.
This classic Indian street food features crunchy puri shells filled with boiled potato, cooked gram, and cooked whole moong. They’re also topped with different chutneys, which you can also use for your samosas!
Psst… these go soggy quickly so only assemble them when you’re ready to serve.
What readers are saying…
“I tried them at my home and it comes out mouth watering…Everyone liked it a lot. Great Recipe.”
“V.good. It was so easy and tasty making it.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Paneer Pakora
5.0 ⭐️ (11 ratings) | 15 mins
Since you’re already frying up samosas, why not whip up a batch of paneer pakora too?
Paneer slices are coated with a spiced batter that forms into golden, crisp crusts when deep-fried. The creaminess of the cheese, combined with the warm spices creates a mouthwatering combination that makes these treats highly irresistible.
These paneer pakoras pair superbly with chutneys, just like samosas. But I also love dipping them in a mayo and ketchup combo.
What readers are saying…
“These make a great snack and they are easy to make.”
“Crispy, creamy and so good!”
“This is a wonderful snack! This recipe is great to have saved for entertaining guests or a party.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Mango Lassi
5.0 ⭐️ (2 ratings) | 5 mins
Whenever the weather gets too hot, I serve samosas with mango lassi.
This classic Indian drink is made with sweet ripe mangoes blended with ice and yogurt. It’s deliciously fruity, creamy, and oh-so-refreshing. The yogurt adds a hint of tang that helps cleanse your palate of the greasiness from your fried samosas.
Psst… can’t find mango? Use any pulpy fruit like bananas, berries, and peaches!
What the chef says…
“Must try❣️😋 First time I tried this and it was really good😋“
“I absolutely love mango lassi. I never had a homemade one before and I had no idea they were so easy.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
What To Serve With Samosas
Ingredients
- 1 portion samosas
Instructions
- Prepare your samosas according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: tamarind sauce, kachumber salad, vegetable korma, cucumber raita, onion bhajis, tomato rasam, chana masala, mango chutney, lentil dahl, Bombay carrot salad, and Indian ginger tea.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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