Given its extensive spread across the world and the many cultures that celebrate and enjoy a curry in their cuisine, we feel there is truly something special about curry and curry recipes. Whether you like it mild or extra spicy ( Indian hot, as some people may say), curry is undeniably a comfort food that nearly everyone enjoys. And with the rise of vegetarian curries, an ever-increasing number of people are now able to discover and relish their deliciousness.
Indian curries in particular are known throughout their home country as a dish that brings people together, either for a quick snack or a decadent meal shared by family and friends. This is a trend that has been brought to many countries with Indian communities, and undoubtedly when most people think ‘curry’, they think of delicious Indian food.
When looking at different curries, they usually have at least one or two things in common. Some of the most popular types of curries are red, yellow, green, massaman, panang. These curries vary depending on region, but have some similarities in their makeup, like chilies, veggies, and spices.
POPULAR CURRIES AROUND THE WORLD
The true glory of a dish really does lie in its adaptability which is one of the many reasons why curry is a global phenomenon. Let’s look at how various regions have created their own unique curry.
- Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia curries have a distinct taste that comes from the usage of coconut milk. Some call it their power curry ingredient. This base is infused with spicy chilies, coriander, and garlic, but without the usual cumin that you would expect from an Indian curry. Even within countries, regional, variants of curry dishes have developed. In Thailand, for instance, there are green, red, and massaman curries, among others.
Popular curries of Southeast Asia:
⦁ Kapitan curry, Singapore: The least Spicy Malaysian Curry made with turmeric and shrimp paste
⦁ Burmese Chicken Curry, Vietnam: A delicious combo of Indian and Thai flavors, like lemongrass and garam masala - East Asia
Japan was first introduced to curry by the British and hence, the taste was massively influenced by Indian curry. However, it became so popular that the Japanese adapted it to work a variety of vegetables like onions, potatoes, and carrots into their version while mixing it with the meat. Today, due to its uncontested popularity, some call it its national dish.
Popular East Asian curries:
⦁ Japanese Curry, Japan: A rich curry sauce served over rice
⦁ Chinese Curry, China: Yellow curry with meat, fish, or vegetables
⦁ Korean Curry: More of a stew-like consistency, it consists of chicken over rice. - MIDDLE EAST
Middle Eastern curries are often dry curries cooked in a small amount, the sauce essentially evaporates and leaves the spices crusted on the meat. As you bite into the meat, you immediately taste the incredible mix of spices, which becomes the highlight of your experienced!
Popular Middle East curries:
⦁ Mutton and onion curry with whole spice: Mutton and onion in a curry made of chilies, cinnamon, and other spices.
INDIAN CURRY
While there are practical as many Indian curry variations as there are provinces and sub-regions in India, many of the most popular dishes are recognizable the world over. We have the famed chicken tikka masala, and versions that led to the making of the legendary butter. Among others are regional favorites like korma and Chettinad curry and many more! Most any Indian restaurants in the world will feature some or all of these delicious offerings.
Popular Indian curries
⦁ Chicken Tikka Masala
⦁ korma curry
⦁ Chicken coconut curry
⦁ Chicken Biryani
⦁ Butter Chicken
UNITED KINGDOM
British curry is modified from Indian curry, so it makes sense that they are rather similar. In fact, one of the most popular curries in the UK is chicken tikka masala! Some of the earliest curries in the UK included a rabbit curry with an Indian pickle. Turmeric is arguably the most important ingredient in British curry. Likewise, curry is one of the most popular dishes in Britain.
Popular United Kingdom
⦁ Chicken TIkka masala
⦁ Lamb curry with Tomatoes
SOUTH AFRICA
One of the most popular South African curries, Durban curry, comes with a long history of ingredients and is steeped in tradition. Durban curry has a deep red color indicative of the spice level, oil, and if it’s not a fish curry, large chunks of soft potatoes known as
“gravy soakers”.
Other Popular south african curries:
⦁ South African chicken curry
⦁ South African Lamb curry
WEST INDIES
Bahamian and Jamaican style curry are among the two most popular curries in the West Indies. Standard Bahamian curry is made with chicken and ghost pepper, so it doesn’t mess around in spiciness. Jamaican curry, on the other hand, uses chicken and has the option of adding in a habanero pepper so you can control the level of spiciness.
One can conclude then, that curry comes in many forms and with many flavors. Besides the few common ingredients between them all. it’s safe to say that what really makes a curry is its level of heat.