If you’ve ever been captivated by the rich aromas wafting from an Indian kitchen — the sizzling spices, creamy gravies, and warm breads — you’re not alone! 🌶️✨
Indian cuisine is all about flavour, colour, and comfort, and it has found a happy home right here in New Zealand. Whether you’re a Kiwi who loves curry or someone exploring Desi flavours for the first time, these 7 must-try Indian dishes are guaranteed to bring comfort to your table.
And the best part? You can find everything you need to make them at IndoKiwi Grocers — your one-stop shop for authentic Indian groceries in New Zealand!
🥘 1. Butter Chicken – The Kiwi Favourite
A global sensation, Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is the ultimate comfort food. Juicy chicken cooked in a rich, buttery tomato gravy — creamy, mild, and utterly delicious!
🛒 What you need: Butter Chicken masala, fresh cream, tomato puree, and boneless chicken.
💡 Pro Tip: Try IndoKiwi’s ready-to-cook Butter Chicken mix for a quick, authentic taste at home.
🌶️ 2. Paneer Tikka – Smoky, Spicy, and Addictive
A vegetarian delight, Paneer Tikka features cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled to perfection. It’s the perfect starter for BBQs or weekend get-togethers.
🛒 Find at IndoKiwi: Paneer, tikka masala mix, and mint chutney.
💡 Great for Kiwis who love grilled flavours — Indian-style!
🍛 3. Dal Tadka – Simple, Soulful, and Healthy
No Indian kitchen is complete without dal (lentils). Dal Tadka — lentils cooked with garlic, cumin, and ghee — is hearty, protein-packed, and pure comfort in a bowl.
🛒 Pick up at IndoKiwi: Toor dal, moong dal, cumin seeds, and cold-pressed ghee.
💡 Pair with rice or rotis for a wholesome meal.
🫓 4. Chole Bhature – A Feast in Itself
This North Indian classic is the definition of indulgence — spicy chickpeas served with puffed, fried bread. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for weekend brunches.
🛒 Available at IndoKiwi: Chole masala, chickpeas, atta (for bhature).
💡 Top with onions, lemon juice, and pickle for the full Desi experience.
🍚 5. Biryani – The Royal Dish
No list is complete without Biryani — a fragrant rice dish layered with spiced meat or veggies, herbs, and saffron. It’s a celebration in a pot!
🛒 Shop essentials: Basmati rice, biryani masala, fried onions, and saffron.
💡 Quick option: Try ready-to-cook biryani mixes available in-store.
🍞 6. Aloo Paratha – The Comfort Breakfast King
Stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes and cooked in ghee, Aloo Paratha is North India’s answer to comfort food.
🛒 Grab from IndoKiwi: Atta (wheat flour), pickles, butter, and yogurt.
💡 Perfect for Kiwi winter mornings — warm, filling, and delicious!
🍮 7. Gulab Jamun – The Sweet Finale
Round, soft, and soaked in syrup — Gulab Jamun is India’s most-loved dessert. Whether it’s a festival, party, or just a craving, this sweet treat never fails.
🛒 Find at IndoKiwi: Haldiram’s or Bikano Gulab Jamun packs for quick prep.
💡 Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a Kiwi twist! 🍨
🌿 Where to Get All the Ingredients in NZ
You don’t have to go far — everything from spices, lentils, rice, flours, pickles, sweets, and ready-to-cook meals is available right here at IndoKiwi Grocers!
📍 Visit us in-store: 14 Cobham Court, Porirua, New Zealand
💻 Shop online: indokiwigrocery.store
✨ Bringing the authentic flavours of India to Kiwi homes — one dish at a time.