Supermarket curry kits have been a huge hit with home cooks, offering an easy introduction to India’s rich culinary heritage. Lately, some of the top marquee brands got a taste test, comparing flavor, quality and cost. The tasting included amazing samples from Patak’s, Holy Cow, The Spice Tailor, and Sharwood’s. Every brand had its distinctive flavor profiles and varying degrees of preparation difficulty.
Of all the challengers, Patak’s Punjabi-style tikka masala curry kit was the overall winner and reader favorite. You can pick up this kit for just £3 in Tesco for a 270g kit. Waitrose sells a 250g pack for £1.85. It has received a spectacular rating of ★★★★☆! Reviewers raved that it delivers a deep, brilliant, burnt-umber tikka masala that really captures the soul of authentic Indian home cooking. The careful harmony of spices in this dish is why it’s a go-to favorite for flavor-seekers. It’s surprisingly simple to make, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners!
The Holy Cow Delhi Tikka Masala Curry Sauce kit received a flawless ★★★★★ rating. It’s a bargain at Morrisons at only £2.39 for 250g. What sets this kit apart is its mild profile. The rich, shiny orange-brown sauce is packed with flavor from warm, mild spices. More importantly, it serves as a perfect bridge to people looking for a tamer, non-spicy experience without sacrificing flavor.
Spice Tailor Tikka Masala Indian Curry Sauce Kit received a similar ★★★★☆ reviews. Pick up this kit for only £3.85 for 300g at both Waitrose and Sainsbury’s. It imparts a deep, dark orange-brown gravy, redolent with warm, sweet spices. The citrusy, herbaceous, slightly spicy concoction has received rave reviews for its nuanced taste. This places it above the rest in the supermarket curry kit market.
Sharwood’s Balti Indian Curry Sauce Kit presents a whole other experience. Retailing at £2.80 (280g) at Sainsbury’s, we rated it ★★★☆☆. The kit produces a nice, thick, medium-spiced gravy. It has a rich burgundy hue and a highly aromatic profile with hints of ginger, cumin and bay. Though it likely never came close to the peaks of its rivals in the ratings race, that’s not to say it doesn’t steal the show, especially for anyone who appreciates a punchy balti taste.
The Spice Tailor Balti Curry Kit will be a great option for balti fans. You can pick it up for £3.75 at Morrisons or £3.85 at Tesco. Reviewers claimed that this kit produced an excellent, rich glossy brown curry with lots of depth and flavour. It is its complexity that has made it the go-to option for those looking to sacrifice a bit more time during prep.
Note that a few curry kits require more than two additional ingredients to really elevate their flavor. So adding these ingredients can make a good meal great. This can affect consumer preferences based on ease of use and ability and desire to spend time planning and preparing meals.
Budget-conscious shoppers can get their hands on Sharwood’s Balti Curry Kit at Asda from £2.23 for 280g. This affordable option is a win-win for any family looking for amazing taste and quality for less.