What To Serve With Naan Bread (25+ Best Side Dishes)

Naan bread is a staple in Indian cuisine and a beloved side dish for many. This soft and fluffy flatbread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauces and spices of Indian dishes.

But, what makes naan bread even better? The perfect accompaniment, of course!

From creamy curries like paneer tikka masala and saag paneer to flavorful biryanis and tandoori chicken, these recipes will complete your Indian feast. And let’s not forget about the classic side dishes like raita, mango chutney, and papadum.

So, if you’re looking for an Indian food feast to go with your naan, you’ve come to the right place!

1. Paneer tikka masala

Paneer tikka masala is a delicious and popular Indian dish made with soft paneer cheese, cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices.

The soft and chewy texture of naan bread is a perfect vehicle for scooping up every last bit of the mouthwatering paneer tikka masala sauce.

To make it a complete meal, serve the paneer tikka masala with some basmati rice and a side of yogurt sauce for a refreshing balance to the rich and spicy dish.

We love: Paneer Tikka Masala (by 40 Aprons)

2. Lamb vindaloo

Lamb vindaloo is a bold and flavorful dish. The spicy and tangy curry sauce of vindaloo needs to be scooped up with the soft and buttery naan bread.

This classic Indian dish is made with a blend of spices such as fennel seeds, cumin powder, and coriander powder, creating a burst of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.

It’s a must-try for any chili-loving meat-eater!

We love: Lamb Vindaloo Recipe (by Peel with Zeal)

3. Saag paneer

Saag paneer is a classic and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with naan bread and more curries.

The creamy texture of the saag paneer is the perfect accompaniment to the fluffy and slightly chewy naan bread.

While not traditional you can boost your saag paneer with more vegetables, like green peas, chickpeas, or sweet potatoes, to make this a one-pot vegetarian dinner to serve with garlic naan.

We love: Authentic Saag Paneer Recipe (by A Spicy Perspective)

4. Vegetable korma

Naan bread is a staple in Indian cuisine and pairs well with a variety of dishes. One dish that stands out as a perfect accompaniment to naan is vegetable korma.

This creamy and flavorful vegetarian dish is made with vegetables, like green beans, green peas, and sweet potato, in a richly flavored sauce. It is the perfect balance of spice and creaminess, making it a great companion to the soft and fluffy naan bread.

You can also add other Indian side dishes like dal tadka or chickpea salad for a complete and satisfying meal. I love to serve this vegetable curry with whole wheat naan.

We love: Creamy Indian Vegetable Korma (by The Wanderlust Kitchen)

5. Tandoori chicken

Tandoori chicken is the perfect dish to serve with naan bread. The tender and flavorful chicken pairs well with the warm, slightly chewy texture of the Indian bread.

This classic Indian dish, marinated in a blend of fragrant spices like turmeric, cumin, and mustard seeds, is a flavor-packed showstopper. You can use the same aromatic sauce to make tandoori shrimp if you feel like something lighter.

For a complete Indian feast, serve the tandoori chicken with turmeric rice, naan bread and a side of raita.

We love: One Pan Tandoori Chicken with Spiced Coconut Rice (by Ambitious Kitchen)

6. Dal makhani

One of the best side dishes to eat with naan bread is dal makhani—the iconic comforting lentil curry. Made with black lentils, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, this dish is spiced perfection.

The makhani sauce is similar to that of butter chicken.

The rich and creamy texture of the dal pairs well with the soft and fluffy naan bread. Serve with a side of lemon rice for an extra burst of flavor.

My favorite dal recipe is without a doubt the black dal served at Dishoom restaurant. But if you’re not heading to London, you can make your own delicious black dal makhani at home!

We love: Instant Pot Black Dal (Dishoom-Inspired Dal Makhani Recipe) (by Instant Pot Eats)

7. Chana masala

Chana masala is a flavorful and hearty side dish. This Indian dish is made with chickpeas and a blend of spices, creating a delicious and flavorful accompaniment to any meal.

The combination of soft naan bread and spicy chana masala is the perfect match. Use the bread to scoop up the chickpeas and absorb the tasty sauce.

We love: Creamy Chana Masala (by Olive & Mango)

8. Chicken tikka masala

Chicken tikka masala is a flavorful and delicious British favorite. The creamy tomato-based sauce and tender chicken pieces make for a satisfying and flavorful meal when eaten with a side of naan bread.

This dish is comfort food perfection. Plus, the soft texture of the bread complements the rich and hearty flavors of the chicken tikka masala. Find more side dishes to serve with chicken tikka masala.

We love: Crock Pot Chicken Tikka Masala (by The Roasted Root)

9. Vegetable samosas

These crispy and flavorful pastries are a staple in Indian cuisine. I love to serve them as an appetizer when naan bread makes an appearance for dinner.

Filled with a mixture of finely chopped vegetables (most often potato and green peas), spices such as cumin seeds and turmeric powder, and sometimes paneer or lentils, samosas add a delicious crunch to every bite.

You can also find ready-made samosas at most Indian restaurants and markets. Or try making your own at home.

We love: Vegetable Samosa (by NISH KITCHEN)

10. Aloo gobi

Aloo gobi is a classic Indian vegetable dish. The flavorful combination of cauliflower and potatoes, cooked in aromatic spices and served with soft and fluffy naan bread, is divine.

With its simple ingredients and easy one-pot preparation, aloo gobi is a great option for a quick and delicious side dish.

We love: Aloo Gobi (Indian Spiced Potatoes and Cauliflower) (by Slimming Eats)

11. Butter chicken

Naan bread is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of Indian-inspired dishes. One of the best options is butter chicken (chicken makhani).

This creamy and flavorful dish made with tender pieces of chicken cooked in a rich and spicy tomato sauce with loads of cream and butter won’t be the same without fluffy garlic naan!

We love: Butter Chicken (by Spend With Pennies)

12. Palak paneer

Palak paneer is a creamy and flavorful dish made with spinach and chunks of paneer cheese. Its rich and creamy texture is delicious with the soft and slightly chewy texture of naan bread.

For a complete Indian meal, serve palak paneer alongside other popular dishes like dal, and Bombay aloo (spicy baby potatoes) for a vegetarian feast. And don’t forget to top your naan bread with some garlic butter for a burst of flavor.

We love: Palak Paneer Recipe (Indian Spinach Paneer) (by Shweta in the Kitchen)

13. Keema matar

This North Indian dish is made with minced meat, peas, and aromatic spices, making it a hearty and satisfying option to serve alongside naan bread.

Add more Indian side dishes to the table for a satisfying meal. Try it with moong dal or aloo gobi to add vegetables to the meal.

15. Baingan bharta

Naan is the perfect vehicle to scoop up baingan bharta, a deeply flavorful Indian eggplant dish. The Indian side dish has a spreadable texture perfect for dipping fluffy pieces of bread, with a deeply smoky and savory flavor.

Serve this dish as a side to your favorite Indian-inspired meals, or as a main course with naan bread.

We love: Baingan Bharta – Roasted Eggplant Mash (by Cook With Manali)

16. Rajma masala

This Indian curry recipe is made with red kidney beans cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce, spiced with a blend of aromatic spices and red chili powder.

The creamy texture and robust flavors of rajma masala make it a perfect match for the soft and buttery naan bread. The dish also offers a great balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying and filling meat-free accompaniment to the flatbread.

Add a dollop of yogurt or sour cream with a sprinkle of crispy curry leaves for an intense flavor boost.

We love: Rajma Masala – Kidney Beans Curry (by Cook With Manali)

17. Vegetable biryani

Vegetable biryani is a flavorful rice dish packed with spices and vegetables, making it a great accompaniment to any meal.

The only thing that makes this one-pot meal even better, is delicious Indian bread to go with it. And don’t worry, if you don’t have access to freshly made naan bread, you can always use frozen naan that can easily be warmed up in the oven.

We love: Restaurant style Vegetable Biryani (by Cook With Manali)

18. Chicken biryani

This traditional Indian dish consists of spiced rice and chicken cooked together until tender. It is one of the most comforting Indian recipes and I make it regularly.

I always serve biryani with a refreshing raita, kachumber salad, a spicy salsa, and Indian bread. It is delicious with buttered naan bread, but roti or paratha also make for a delicious Indian meal.

We love: Chicken Biryani (by Gimme Delicious)

19. Raita

Raita is a traditional yogurt-based condiment that is a must-have side dish when serving naan bread. It’s a cool and refreshing accompaniment to any spicy Indian-inspired meal.

Whether you’re making a long list of Indian spiced dishes or just looking for something soothing to pair with your naan bread, raita is a delicious and super easy side dish that will complete your Indian feast.

We love: Easy Raita (by The Modern Proper)

20. Mango chutney

This popular Indian condiment is often served with street food, but I love it with any menu featuring naan.

The sweet and tangy flavors of the chutney complement the spicy savory flavors of Indian food. Serve it alongside your favorite curries. Or spoon it over your favorite flatbread before you load it with fresh veggies for the perfect light meal or snack.

We love: The BEST Mango Chutney Recipe (by Live Eat Learn)

21. Papadum

This thin and crispy Indian flatbread made from gram flour (chickpea powder) is a popular accompaniment to many Indian dishes.

While they typically serve the same purpose as naan as a side dish—a vehicle for scooping up saucy curries—I often serve the two together.

It’s a delicious and easy side dish that adds a nice crunch to any meal. Plus, it’s easily available in most grocery stores, making it a convenient addition to any Indian-inspired meal. But you can always try to make them from scratch!

We love: How to Make Papadums From Scratch (by The Cinnamon Jar)

22. Creamy cucumber salad

Cucumber salad is a perfect side dish with spicy dishes like chicken vindaloo or lamb curry.

The crisp and cool texture of yogurt and cucumber is delicious with hot naan bread and spicy Indian dishes.

Not only is cucumber salad a delicious addition to any meal, but it is also a gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions.

We love: Creamy Cucumber Salad (by Budget Bytes)

23. Masala chai

Masala chai is the perfect warming drink to serve with naan bread. This delicious Indian tea is made with a blend of black tea, milk, and aromatic spices like cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon.

We love: Authentic Masala Chai Recipe (by The Flavor Bender)

24. Gulab jamun

To finish the meal, look no further than this traditional Indian dessert. It’s is a must-try for any Indian feast.

Gulab jamun is a sweet and syrupy treat made from milk solids and flour, lightly spiced with cardamom and saffron. The soft and spongy balls of dough are fried and then soaked in a sugar syrup.

It’s the perfect way to end your meal.

We love: Easy Indian Gulab Jamun with Milk Powder Recipe (by Chef De Home)

25. Kheer

Kheer, a traditional Indian rice pudding, is a creamy and sweet dessert.

This vegetarian-friendly dish is made with different grains, coconut oil, and spices like garam masala, making it a flavorful and satisfying accompaniment to any main course. It’s a popular dessert in many Indian households and is a must-try for anyone who loves Indian cuisine.

We love: Rice Kheer | Indian Rice Pudding (by Honey, Whats Cooking)

26. Mango lassi

I may have been saving the best for last. Mango lassi is a refreshing and versatile drink that’s perfect on a hot day.

Whether you’re enjoying a spicy curry or a simple Indian-style roast chicken, mango lassi will cool things down in the best way possible.

We love: The Best Mango Lassi Recipe (by The Wanderlust Kitchen)

Frequently asked questions

Now that you have a list of delicious dishes to serve with naan bread, it’s time to get cooking! These main and side dishes are the perfect accompaniment to any Indian spread and are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Don’t forget to let me know what you served with your naan bread in the comments below.