Our top pick for the best curry ready meal is the M&S Plant Kitchen Katsu Curry – it delivers a rich, aromatic coconut-based sauce with crisp panko-breaded jackfruit, and it consistently beats far pricier restaurant takeaways in taste tests. It’s widely available, reasonably priced, and works as a satisfying weeknight dinner for both vegans and meat-eaters alike.
What to Look For
When choosing a curry ready meal, the label tells you more than the photo. Focus on these four things:
- Sauce-to-solid ratio: A good curry should be saucy but not soupy. Look for at least 40% sauce, and check that the main protein or vegetable is the second or third ingredient, not water or tomato puree.
- Protein quality: For meat curries, check the meat percentage – anything under 20% is mostly sauce and filler. For veggie options, look for whole chickpeas, lentils, or paneer rather than processed soy chunks.
- Heat level: Labels like “medium” vary wildly between brands. If you’re heat-sensitive, check the chili content or look for “mild” specifically. If you love spice, go for “hot” or “extra hot” – medium often disappoints.
- Additives and salt: Many ready meals pack 2–3g of salt per serving. Compare per-100g figures and choose options with recognizable ingredients and no artificial colors or preservatives.
Top Picks
M&S Plant Kitchen Katsu Curry
Strengths: The sauce is genuinely creamy with a subtle coconut sweetness and a gentle kick of curry powder. The jackfruit pieces have a meaty texture that holds up well, and the panko coating stays crispy even after microwaving. It’s a generous portion (450g) and comes with a separate sachet of sauce so you can control the amount.
Trade-offs: It’s not spicy – more of a mild-moderate heat. Jackfruit is lower in protein than chicken or paneer, so you may want to add a side of dal or a boiled egg.
Best for: Anyone wanting a restaurant-quality katsu at home, especially vegans and those new to plant-based eating.
Charlie Bigham’s Chicken Tikka Masala
Strengths: This is the gold standard for a premium ready meal. The chicken is tender and generously portioned (30% chicken), the sauce is rich, buttery, and mildly spiced with a proper tomato base. It comes in a foil tray that you can pop in the oven, which gives a fresher taste than microwave-only options.
Trade-offs: It’s pricey – often £6–7 for a single serving. The heat is very mild, so chili lovers will need to add fresh green chilies or a spoon of hot sauce.
Best for: A special weeknight treat when you want something close to takeaway without the delivery fee.
Itsu Golden Veggie Gyoza & Curry
Strengths: This is a complete meal – curry sauce, rice, and six vegetable gyoza dumplings. The curry is Japanese-style, mild and slightly sweet, with a good balance of soy and ginger. It’s low in calories (around 400) and cooks in just 4 minutes in the microwave.
Trade-offs: The portion is small – more of a light lunch than a dinner. The gyoza can go soggy if you overcook them, so follow the timing exactly.
Best for: A quick, low-calorie lunch or a lighter dinner option.
Patak’s Chicken Korma
Strengths: This is the most widely available and affordable option – you’ll find it in almost every supermarket. The sauce is creamy and mildly spiced, with a decent amount of chicken (around 25%). It’s a reliable, no-fuss choice that tastes like a classic British-Indian korma.
Trade-offs: The sauce can be a bit thin and sweet, and the chicken pieces are small. It’s also higher in salt than some premium brands.
Best for: Budget shoppers and those who want a familiar, mild curry that kids will eat.
M&S Bombay Potato & Spinach Curry
Strengths: A standout vegetarian option that’s actually spicy – it has a proper heat that builds. The potatoes are soft and absorb the sauce well, and the spinach adds freshness. It’s low in calories (around 250) and high in fiber.
Trade-offs: It’s not a filling main on its own – you’ll want rice or naan. The heat level might be too much for those who prefer mild curries.
Best for: Vegetarians and anyone who wants a healthy, spicy side or light main.
How to Choose
Budget: If you’re feeding a family on a budget, Patak’s or own-brand supermarket curries (like Tesco or Sainsbury’s) offer the best value – often under £3 per serving. For a special occasion, Charlie Bigham’s is worth the splurge. M&S and Itsu sit in the middle.
Use case: For a quick lunch, go for Itsu or a microwave-only pot. For a proper dinner, choose a tray that you can oven-bake (Bigham’s or M&S). If you’re meal-prepping, buy larger 2-serving trays and portion them out.
Common trade-offs: The biggest trade-off is between heat and flavor. Mild curries (korma, katsu) tend to have richer, creamier sauces, while hot ones (vindaloo, jalfrezi) often have thinner, more acidic sauces. Also, premium brands use better meat and fewer additives, but they cost more. Always check the protein percentage – under 20% means you’re mostly paying for sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are curry ready meals healthy?
It depends. Many are high in salt (up to 3g per serving) and saturated fat. Look for options with less than 1.5g salt per 100g and at least 10g protein per serving. Vegetable and lentil curries are generally lower in calories and fat.
Can I freeze curry ready meals?
Yes, most can be frozen, but check the label – some with fresh ingredients (like Bigham’s) may not freeze well. Freeze before the use-by date and consume within 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat until piping hot (165°F / 74°C).
How do I reheat a curry ready meal safely?
Follow the package instructions, but as a rule: microwave in 2-minute intervals, stirring between, until steaming hot throughout. For oven-baked trays, cover with foil to prevent drying. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) – check with a food thermometer if you have one.
What’s the difference between korma, tikka masala, and katsu curry?
Korma is a mild, creamy curry with yogurt or cream. Tikka masala is a tomato-based, moderately spiced curry with grilled chicken. Katsu is Japanese – a breaded cutlet (often chicken or jackfruit) served with a sweet, fruity curry sauce. Heat levels: korma < katsu < tikka masala.
Are there gluten-free curry ready meals?
Yes. Many Indian-style curries are naturally gluten-free, but check for wheat flour in the sauce or breaded items. M&S’s Plant Kitchen and Patak’s have several gluten-free options. Always look for the gluten-free certification on the label.
Why do some curries taste watery?
Usually because they’re overcooked in the microwave or the sauce has a high water content. To fix, cook for less time, or simmer the curry in a pan for a few minutes to reduce the sauce.
Bottom Line
For the best balance of flavor, quality, and value, M&S Plant Kitchen Katsu Curry is our top recommendation – it’s a genuinely delicious curry that rivals takeaway. If you prefer chicken and want a premium experience, go for Charlie Bigham’s Chicken Tikka Masala. On a tight budget, Patak’s Chicken Korma is reliable and widely available. Whatever you choose, check the protein and salt content, and always reheat to 165°F (74°C) for safety.
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