Few dishes boast the global reach, cultural depth, and flavor-packed legacy of curry. Whether it’s fiery, fragrant, creamy, or comforting, curry has found its way into homes and hearts across continents. What started as a South Asian staple has evolved and adapted, with each region putting its own stamp on this beloved dish.
At Biteful, we’re dishing out a world tour of the most iconic curry dishes, celebrating how different cultures spice things up in the most delicious ways. Grab your spoon and let’s journey through the rich, simmering world of global curries.
🇹🇭 Thailand: Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan)
Origin: Central Thailand
Flavor profile: Spicy, aromatic, herbal
Thai Green Curry is a vibrant, punchy dish featuring green chilies, Thai basil, lemongrass, and creamy coconut milk. Whether made with chicken, beef, or tofu, it strikes the perfect balance between heat and sweetness. It’s a curry that dances on your palate—and it’s as beautiful as it is bold.
Try it with: Jasmine rice and a squeeze of lime.
🇮🇳 India: Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Origin: Delhi, India
Flavor profile: Creamy, mildly spiced, rich
No curry conversation is complete without Butter Chicken. Born in Delhi in the 1950s, this legendary dish blends marinated, tandoor-grilled chicken in a buttery tomato and cream-based sauce. Its smooth, velvety texture and subtle spicing make it a gateway curry for newcomers—and a forever favorite for seasoned fans.
Try it with: Garlic naan or basmati rice.
🇯🇵 Japan: Japanese Curry (Kare Raisu)
Origin: Introduced via the British in the 19th century
Flavor profile: Mild, slightly sweet, hearty
Unlike its spicier cousins, Japanese Curry is a thick, comforting stew often served with rice or udon noodles. Made with a roux-based curry block, it includes ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and meat. It’s the definition of Japanese comfort food—simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable.
Try it with: Pork katsu for the ultimate Katsu Curry.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Chicken Tikka Masala
Origin: United Kingdom (with South Asian roots)
Flavor profile: Creamy, tangy, lightly spicy
Often dubbed “Britain’s national dish,” Chicken Tikka Masala is a testament to the UK’s love affair with curry. Though inspired by Indian flavors, it was created in the UK, likely in Glasgow. Marinated chicken pieces are served in a tomato-based, cream-infused sauce that’s mild, tangy, and incredibly popular.
Try it with: Pilau rice and crispy poppadoms.
🇲🇾 Malaysia: Rendang (Beef Rendang)
Origin: Indonesia/Malaysia (Minangkabau culture)
Flavor profile: Deep, earthy, spiced
Rendang is a slow-cooked dry curry rich in spices like turmeric, galangal, and lemongrass. Traditionally made with beef, this dish is simmered until the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the sauce is almost caramelized. It’s a celebration dish—and one of Malaysia’s most treasured flavors.
Try it with: Coconut rice or roti canai.
🇿🇦 South Africa: Bunny Chow
Origin: Durban, South Africa
Flavor profile: Spicy, robust, savory
Despite its name, there are no bunnies involved! Bunny Chow is a street-food staple from Durban’s Indian community: a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy curry—typically lamb, chicken, or beans. It’s flavorful, messy, and iconic.
Try it with: Your hands—this is no knife-and-fork dish.
🇯🇲 Jamaica: Jamaican Curry Goat
Origin: Jamaica (with Indian influence)
Flavor profile: Spicy, herby, bold
Jamaican Curry Goat is a Caribbean classic, brought by Indian immigrants and blended with local spices like allspice, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers. Tender goat meat is marinated and slow-cooked to perfection, delivering layers of heat and flavor in every bite.
Try it with: Rice and peas or fried plantains.
🇵🇰 Pakistan: Nihari
Origin: Delhi/Lucknow, popularized in Pakistan
Flavor profile: Spiced, meaty, slow-cooked
Nihari is a deeply flavorful stew traditionally served as a breakfast dish in Pakistan. Made by simmering beef shank or lamb overnight with ginger, garlic, and garam masala, it develops a rich, luxurious gravy that’s soaked up with naan or paratha. It’s a dish that rewards patience—with unforgettable flavor.
Try it with: Warm naan and a wedge of lemon.
🇮🇩 Indonesia: Gulai Ayam
Origin: Sumatra, Indonesia
Flavor profile: Creamy, fragrant, turmeric-forward
A cousin of the Malaysian curry family, Gulai Ayam features chicken cooked in a turmeric-rich coconut curry infused with galangal, lime leaves, and chili. It’s lighter than rendang but still intensely aromatic and often served at festive gatherings.
Try it with: Steamed rice and a side of sambal.
🌍 Curry Culture: A Global Phenomenon
Curry isn’t just a dish—it’s a movement. It travels, evolves, and adapts. Across continents, curry has been reimagined by migrants, shaped by local ingredients, and embraced by diverse palates. From the creamy comfort of Butter Chicken to the fiery kick of Jamaican Curry Goat, every version tells a story.
Looking to recreate these world-famous curries at home? Check out our Global Curry Recipes and bring these legendary flavors into your kitchen.
Which curry do you crave most?
📩 Share your favorite curry or regional twist with us at Info@biteful.online and get featured in our next global food roundup!
Spice it up,
The Biteful Team