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If you’re wondering what to serve with your tikka masala, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I list 13 of the most popular side dishes for tikka masala.

In a rush? Here’s the short answer.

The best dishes to serve with tikka masala are pilau rice, garlic naan, jajik, and mint chutney. Try baingan bharta, cabbage stir fry, and kachumber for healthier options. For vegan tikka masala, serve saag aloo and tarka dal. You can also try halloumi fries, onion pakora, and poori for fun choices.

Ready? Let’s jump right in.

Pilau rice

Rice is my go-to side for dishes like tikka masala.

Just imagine scooping a generous serving of your saucy tikka masala over this bed of fluffy, fragrant rice.

Delightful.

Plain basmati rice works well, but if you want an upgraded meal, try this pilau rice recipe isntead.

This dish involved cooking your rice in a spiced broth, infusing them with bold and delicious flavors.

This easy pilau rice requires minimal effort and can be made in less than 30 minutes.

Garlic naan bread

Don’t feel like having rice with your tikka masala? (Or do what I do and have both!)

Go with garlic naan bread instead.

Don’t confuse naan with pita bread – naan is made with an enriched dough that makes it soft as a cloud.

Perfect for soaking up the sauce from your tikka masala.

These are traditionally made in a tandoor, but this garlic naan bread recipe has been modified so you can cook them over your stovetop.

Roasted cauliflower

This roasted cauliflower dish is an excellent accompaniment to tikka masala, whether you’re making a meat-based or plant-based version.

This dish is pretty straightforward – you just have to prep and season your cauliflowers, then let the oven do its job.

30 minutes later, you’ll have crispy cauliflower florets seasoned with warm spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric.

This turmeric roasted cauliflower recipe is so good – I won’t blame you if you devour these before dinner starts.

Jajik

Tikka masala is a heavy dish, so if you want a light side dish, give this jajik recipe a try.

Also known as cucumber mint salad, this is a no-cook dish that’ll take you mere minutes to make.

The combination of yogurt and mint provides a cool and refreshing bite, ideal for rich dishes like tikka masala.

Give this jajik recipe a try for your next Indian feast.

Kachumber salad

Brighten up your tikka masala with a serving of kachumber salad on the side.

This Indian dish is simple and incredibly easy to put together.

The cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions are tossed with lime juice and cilantro, infusing them with a zesty flavor.

And the citrusy notes of lime help to cut through the richness of the tikka masala.

This kachumber salad recipe from Whisked Affair features the addition of pomegranates for added crunch and sweetness.

Baingan bharta

Looking for a Punjabi dish that’ll go superbly with your tikka masala?

You can’t go wrong with baingan bharta.

Never heard of it?

It’s a dish featuring mashed roasted eggplant cooked with onion, tomatoes, and masala.

The eggplant is traditionally roasted over a direct flame in a tandoor, but you can also achieve the same effect over your stovetop.

If you know someone who’s not a fan of eggplant, baingan bharta may well make them think twice.

Halloumi fries

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/406379566381669485/

Add a fun and tasty twist to your tikka masala with a serving of these halloumi fries on the side.

You get a crispy exterior with a firm middle that’s reminiscent of mild feta cheese.

Try dunking these fries in your tikka masala for the perfect cheesy bite.

These halloumi fries are highly addictive – I advise making a double batch.

Cabbage stir fry

Complete your tikka masala with this healthy cabbage stir fry.

Also called gobhi ki sabzi, you only need 10 minutes to put this dish together.

Your humble cabbage is elevated by seasoning it with spices including cumin, turmeric, and red chili powder.

Want to make it even more nutritious? You can easily add other vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes.

The best thing about this Indian spiced cabbage stir fry recipe is how adaptable it is.

Poori

Try something new with your tikka masala — skip making the garlic naan bread and make poori instead.

Poori is a puffy, fried bread that’s both crispy and fluffy at the same time.

You can use them to scoop your tikka masala’s flavor-packed gravy and meat.

You won’t regret making these delightful poori puffs.

Cilantro mint chutney

This cilantro mint chutney is an excellent condiment to serve with your tikka masala.

It’s light and refreshing, with a prominent zesty flavor and a slight kick.

it also has a touch of creaminess, courtesy of the yogurt.

The recipe for this dish is effortless – just throw everything in your blender and blitz until smooth.

You won’t find a dish easier than this cilantro mint chutney.

Onion pakora

Want to add a crispy side dish to your Indian spread?

Look no further than onion pakora. It’s the Indian version of a fritter, made with chickpea flour.

They’re deep-fried, making them ultra crispy and oh-so-delicious.

Plus, they’re a breeze to make.

Check out the Gourmet Gourmand’s onion pakora recipe for a detailed guide.

Saag aloo

Making a vegan tikka masala?

Serve it with this delectable saag aloo for the ultimate meatless Indian meal.

This dish features spinach and potatoes, flavored with a traditional mix of spices including garam masala, turmeric, and cumin seeds.

It has the perfect balance of flavors – a nice spicy kick, but not too hot.

Saag aloo is guaranteed to join your weekly meal plan rotation.

Tarka dal

Want something comforting to go with your tikka masala?

Look no further than this protein-filled tarka dal. It’s a lentil dish that’s the perfect accompaniment to plant-based renditions of tikka masala.

You can make it on your stovetop, but I like to use my instant pot for an effortless cooking process.

Serve a fresh bowl of tarka dal alongside your vegan tikka masala for the ultimate comfort meal.

The best side dishes for tikka masala

Pilau rice
Garlic naan bread
Roasted cauliflower
Jajik
Kachumber salad
Baingan bharta
Halloumi fries
Cabbage stir fry
Poori
Cilantro mint chutney
Onion pakora
Saag aloo
Tarka dal