Top Dips to Serve with Poppadoms: Tangy, Creamy & Spicy Choices

An epicurean adventure to: India

Ever wanted to recreate that unmistakable British Indian restaurant vibe for your Friday curry night at home?

You know the scene — the scent of warming spices, a simmering curry bubbling away and, of course, crisp poppadoms served with an assortment of tangy, sweet and cooling dips. Good news: you can bring all of that to your own kitchen.

In this comprehensive dip roundup we present the essentials for a classic British Indian starter tray. Learn how to make a variety of delicious dips for poppadoms and discover simple methods for preparing homemade poppadoms. Each recipe is clear and approachable, and many can be made ahead so you can enjoy the evening without last-minute fuss.

To help you along, most recipes include step-by-step photos and can be prepared the day before so your curry night runs smoothly and stress-free.

Various dips for poppadoms in snall bowls on a gold tray, surrounded by poppadoms.

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Fast facts – India

Location	India sits in South Asia and borders Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Capital	New Delhi.
Language	India is linguistically diverse. Hindi and English are official at the federal level, alongside many regional languages such as Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu and Gujarati.
Population	Approximately 1.3 billion people.
Trivia	“Shooter Dadi” Chandro Tomar from Shamli began competitive shooting in her late sixties and became known as one of the world’s oldest female sharpshooters, winning numerous national titles across her long career.

First up: the star of the starter plate — poppadoms.

We show three simple ways to make poppadoms at home, plus our recommended method that balances ease and authentic crispness.

Try each technique to see which you prefer — frying, roasting or microwaving — and enjoy fresh, crisp poppadoms any time.

1. The Poppadoms

How to make Poppadoms

Picture yourself at a beloved British Indian restaurant — the meal often begins with a generous plate of poppadoms and a selection of dipping sauces. That first course sets the tone for the evening.

Recreating that experience at home is straightforward and fast. Once you’ve tried homemade poppadoms you’ll likely stop buying the limp supermarket versions for good.

See the recipe…

A pile of poppadoms on a plate against a grey background.

Next, the essential poppadom sauces that bring the starter tray to life.

Each recipe below is easy to make from scratch. The mango chutney requires a bit more time but is still approachable and stores well, making it ideal for preparing in advance or gifting in jars.

2. Indian Mint Sauce

Indian Mint Sauce

This quick and easy Indian mint sauce (mint chutney) combines fresh coriander and mint with fragrant spices, a squeeze of lemon and a creamy yogurt base.

It takes only minutes to prepare and is best served chilled, so it’s perfect to make ahead and keep ready in the fridge.

See the recipe…

3. Indian Onion Chutney

Indian Onion Chutney for Poppadoms

This tangy onion chutney — sometimes called red or cold onion chutney — is a familiar favourite with poppadoms. It’s quick to assemble and ready in minutes.

A simple mix of finely diced raw onions, a zesty ketchup-style base and warming spices gives the chutney its characteristic pink-red colour and sharp, spicy bite.

See the recipe…

Indian onion chutney spread over poppadoms on a grey background.

4. Indian Mango Chutney

Indian Mango Chutney

This easy mango chutney balances sweet ripe mangoes with warming spices for a versatile accompaniment to curries and snacks.

It’s the familiar chutney you’ll often find on sauce trays at British Indian restaurants alongside poppadoms, onion relish and cooling mint sauce.

See the recipe…

Indian mango chutney in a jar and a bowl with some poppadoms on a plate.

Delicious curry recipes to serve for the main course

Chicken Handi curry

Nepalese chicken curry

Easy chicken Pasanda curry

Quick chicken Karahi

Aromatic beef curry with coconut milk

More Indian recipes to enjoy on the night

Firni (Phirni) – How to make it
Homemade Peshwari Naan
Easy Strawberry Lassi (with cream!)
Easy Mango Mousse

For food safety advice, including guidance on food allergies, consult your local food safety resources.