Paneer curry with tandoori roti is one of the few food combinations that feels so complete and comforting. The soft, smoky roti that comes out of a clay tandoor has a warmth that goes well with the richness of paneer. This pair has made its way into homes, dhabas and restaurants all over India. You can enjoy it just as easily on a weeknight dinner as on a family outing. Let’s look at three paneer curries that taste great with a hot, fresh tandoori roti.
Paneer Butter Masala: The Timeless Favourite
This dish is the undisputed champion of North Indian menus. Paneer butter masala is that perfect middle ground—rich but not too heavy, spicy but not overpowering, and comforting without being boring. The thick, buttery tomato gravy clings beautifully to the soft cubes of paneer, creating a balance of flavour that pairs effortlessly with tandoori roti.
When you tear the roti and dip it into the creamy curry, the smoky notes from the tandoor mix with the sweetness of the gravy. It tastes rich and comforting at the same time. A lot of chefs say that the key to a great paneer butter masala is to cook the tomato and cashew base slowly until it gets a deep orange color and a shiny finish. A swirl of cream and a little kasuri methi make this dish that doesn’t need much of an introduction.
This curry is the go-to choice for family dinners, celebrations, and even solo comfort meals after a long day. The best part—it never disappoints, no matter where you eat it.
Kadai Paneer: For Those Who Like It Spicy and Textured
Kadai paneer brings the rustic spirit of Indian cooking to life. It’s cooked in an iron wok, or kadai, which gives it that distinct aroma and slightly roasted flavour. What makes this dish special is the blend of chunky onions, capsicum, tomatoes, and the freshly ground kadai masala—a mix of coriander seeds, dried red chillies, and a touch of fennel.
The gravy isn’t smooth like butter masala; it’s coarse and vibrant, designed to hold its ground against the chewy bite of tandoori roti. When you take a bite, you taste layers of flavour—the smokiness from the roti, the crunch of capsicum, and the hit of roasted spices.
Kadai paneer is also one of those dishes that travels well—it’s equally loved at roadside dhabas, city restaurants and home kitchens. You can easily change the spice level, so it’s good for people who like spicy food and people who like mild food. When you eat it with a hot tandoori roti brushed with ghee, it’s perfect for winter nights.
Shahi Paneer: The Royal Treat
Shahi paneer traces its roots to Mughlai kitchens, where richness was an essential part of every meal. True to its name, “shahi” means royal, and this curry lives up to it. The paneer is cooked in a smooth, nut-based sauce made with cream, milk and cashews. This makes it feel rich and smooth. Shahi paneer has a slightly sweet taste with hints of saffron, cardamom and sometimes rose water.
The soft paneer and flaky layers of a tandoori roti make each bite feel like a treat. The char on the roti balances out the sweetness of the curry so that it doesn’t get too rich. This mix is often served at weddings and other celebrations, but it’s just as comforting on a quiet Sunday lunch at home.
Shahi paneer celebrates subtlety—each spoonful feels velvety without being overwhelming. When served with a side of onion rings, lemon, and mint chutney, it completes a meal that feels like an occasion in itself.
Order These Comforts Online
Not everyone has the time to knead dough or stir gravy for hours, but the craving for paneer never really waits. Zomato makes it easy to bring restaurant-style meals home. Many restaurants on the platform even offer combo meals with tandoori rotis and salads, ready to serve the perfect North Indian dinner at your table.
