Walk into any Indian restaurant and the chicken curry section can feel like a puzzle. Butter chicken, tikka masala, karahi, korma, vindaloo: they all sound delicious, but which one is creamy, which one is spicy, and which one is right for you tonight?
We’re Desi Dhaba on North Mary Avenue in Sunnyvale, a halal Indian restaurant serving the Sunnyvale community. If you’re curious about what that means, our post on what halal actually means explains our commitment.
Here’s a simple guide to eight chicken curries on our menu, from the mildest and creamiest to the boldest and spiciest, so you can order with confidence.
Butter Chicken
Let’s start with the most loved curry of all. Traditionally, butter chicken is tender chicken simmered in a silky, mildly spiced tomato sauce enriched with butter and cream. It’s rich, smooth and gently sweet, with almost no heat, which makes it the perfect first curry for anyone new to Indian food, and a favorite with kids too. Scoop it up with garlic naan or spoon it over plain rice, and you’ll see why it’s a classic everywhere.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Close cousin, different personality. Traditionally, chicken tikka masala starts with marinated chicken tikka, grilled for a smoky char, then finished in a creamy, spiced tomato and onion sauce. Compared to butter chicken, it’s a little more savory and robust, with more onion and spice coming through. It’s still mild enough for most people, and it’s a great pick when you want something creamy but with a bit more depth. Pair it with rice or naan.
Karahi Chicken
Want something bolder? Karahi Chicken is named after the karahi, the deep, wok-like pan it’s traditionally cooked in. The chicken is cooked over high heat with tomatoes, ginger, garlic, green chilies and fresh spices, so the sauce is thicker, drier and more intense than the creamy curries. It’s a dhaba-style favorite with real flavor and a pleasant kick. If you like your curry punchy and fresh, this is the one to order.
Chicken Korma
Prefer it mild and fragrant? Traditionally, korma is a gentle, aromatic curry made with yogurt, cream and ground nuts, with warm spices like cardamom rather than heat. It’s smooth, nutty and comforting, and it’s one of the mildest curries on our menu. It’s a great choice for anyone who doesn’t like spice, and it pairs beautifully with a fluffy biryani or plain rice. It’s a lovely option for a cozy weeknight family dinner.
Mango Chicken Tikka
Looking for something a little different? As the name promises, our Mango Chicken Tikka brings together chicken tikka and the sweet, tropical flavor of mango. The fruit balances the warm spices, so it’s sweet, savory and gently tangy in every bite. It’s a fun pick for anyone who loves sweet-and-savory food, and it’s a nice contrast if you’re ordering a few curries to share. Try it alongside a spicier dish for balance.
Hyderabadi Chicken Curry
Hyderabad, in southern India, is famous for its rich, royal cooking, and traditionally Hyderabadi chicken curry is known for bold spices, tangy notes and a deep, flavorful gravy. It’s a step up in heat and complexity from the creamy curries, without being overpowering. It’s a great choice for curry lovers who want to explore beyond the usual favorites. Pair it with our biryani for a true Hyderabadi-style feast at home.
Chicken Saag
Want some greens with your curry? Traditionally, saag is a slow-cooked spinach and mustard-green sauce, and chicken saag simmers tender chicken right in it with garlic, ginger and gentle spices. It’s earthy, hearty and a little lighter than the cream-based curries, so it’s a great pick when you want comfort food that still feels wholesome. It’s also delicious with warm naan, which is perfect for scooping up every bit of the sauce.
Chicken Vindaloo
Finally, for the heat seekers. Traditionally, vindaloo comes from Goa and is known for its fiery chili heat and tangy vinegar kick. It’s bold, sour, spicy and not for the faint of heart, so it’s the one to order if you love real heat. Have a cool mango lassi or some rice ready on the side. Love grilled chicken too? Our tandoori chicken guide explains how to choose from 4 to 16 pieces.
Feeding the office or a family gathering? Our catering page covers halal catering for corporate events and birthdays, and our goat curry guide is next if you love curry. For everything else, order straight from us through our own online ordering: ordering direct means we get the full order with no app commission, and you’ll earn reward points on every direct order.
See you soon at Desi Dhaba on North Mary Avenue.