The best supermarket curry meal overall is M&S Taste Buds Chicken Korma (or the vegetarian version) because it delivers a rich, creamy, well-spiced sauce with tender chicken and a generous portion of fluffy rice, all for a reasonable price. It consistently beats pricier brands in taste tests and offers a satisfying, restaurant-quality experience at home.
What to Look For
When choosing a supermarket curry meal, focus on these criteria:
- Sauce-to-solid ratio: A good curry should have plenty of chicken, paneer, or vegetables, not just sauce. Aim for at least 40% solids.
- Spice level accuracy: The label should match the heat. A “mild” korma should be creamy and sweet, not fiery, while a “hot” vindaloo should have a real kick.
- Rice quality: Pre-cooked rice can be dry or clumpy. Look for options with separate, fluffy grains, or be prepared to add a splash of water when reheating.
- Ingredients list: Check for real spices, fresh cream or yogurt, and avoid curries with too many artificial thickeners or excessive sugar.
- Protein quality: Chicken should be breast or thigh meat, not processed chunks. For vegetarian options, look for paneer or whole chickpeas, not just potato and peas.
- Value for money: Compare the price per 100g. Premium brands often cost more but may offer larger portions or better ingredients.
Top Picks
M&S Taste Buds Chicken Korma
Strengths: This is the gold standard for a ready meal. The sauce is luxuriously creamy with a gentle warmth, the chicken is tender and plentiful, and the rice is surprisingly good for a microwave meal. It feels indulgent without being greasy.
Trade-offs: It is one of the pricier options, and the portion size is moderate—you might want a side of naan or poppadoms. It’s also not the spiciest, so heat-seekers should look elsewhere.
Who it suits: Anyone who wants a reliable, comforting curry that tastes homemade, especially those who prefer mild-to-medium heat.
Charlie Bigham’s Chicken Tikka Masala
Strengths: Bigham’s is known for quality ingredients and this curry delivers. The chicken tikka is char-grilled, giving a smoky flavor, and the sauce is tangy and rich. It comes in a foil tray that can go in the oven, resulting in a slightly better texture.
Trade-offs: It’s expensive, and the oven takes longer than a microwave. The heat is medium, but some find it slightly sweet.
Who it suits: Those willing to pay a bit more for a premium feel and who have time to oven-bake rather than microwave.
Asda Just Essentials Chicken Curry
Strengths: At under £2, this is incredible value. The sauce is surprisingly flavorful with a decent spice kick, and the chicken is fine—not gourmet, but not rubbery. It comes with rice, making it a complete meal.
Trade-offs: The rice can be a bit sticky, and the chicken pieces are small. The sauce is thinner than premium brands.
Who it suits: Budget-conscious shoppers who want a filling, decent-tasting curry without breaking the bank.
M&S Plant Kitchen Chickpea & Spinach Curry
Strengths: This vegan option is packed with whole chickpeas and spinach, giving it a hearty texture. The sauce is well-spiced with a nice balance of cumin and coriander, and it’s not overly oily. It’s also a good source of protein and fiber.
Trade-offs: It’s a bit milder than some might like, and the portion is modest. It’s also one of the more expensive vegetarian options.
Who it suits: Vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking for a healthy, plant-based curry that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Patak’s Chicken Vindaloo (with Rice)
Strengths: For heat lovers, this is the go-to. The vindaloo sauce is properly fiery with a tangy vinegar kick, and the chicken is decent. It’s a complete meal with rice, and the spice level is consistent.
Trade-offs: It’s not for the faint-hearted—the heat can overwhelm the other flavors. The rice is average, and it’s not the cheapest option.
Who it suits: Those who want a genuinely hot curry and don’t care about subtlety.
M&S Taste Buds Chicken Biryani
Strengths: This is a great alternative to a saucy curry. The biryani rice is fragrant with saffron and spices, and there are plenty of tender chicken pieces mixed through. It comes with a small pot of raita to cool things down.
Trade-offs: It’s not a traditional “curry” in the saucy sense, and it can be a bit dry if not reheated properly. It’s also on the pricier side.
Who it suits: Those who want a one-pot meal with more texture and less sauce.
How to Choose
Start with your budget. If you’re feeding a family on a tight budget, the Asda Just Essentials range is unbeatable for price, but be prepared for a thinner sauce and smaller chicken pieces. If you’re willing to spend more, M&S and Charlie Bigham’s offer noticeably better quality ingredients and flavor.
Next, consider your use case. Are you eating alone or with others? Single-serve meals are convenient but often cost more per portion. Family-size trays are better value if you’re cooking for more than two. Also think about time: microwave meals are ready in minutes, while oven-baked options like Bigham’s take 30-40 minutes but often taste fresher.
A common trade-off is heat vs. flavor. Many “hot” curries rely on chili for heat but lack depth. If you want both, look for curries that list spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala in the ingredients, not just chili powder. Also, be aware that “mild” curries can be too sweet for some—check the sugar content if that bothers you.
Finally, think about accompaniments. Some meals come with rice, others don’t. If you have rice at home, buying a curry-only option might be cheaper and let you control portions. If not, a complete meal is more convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are supermarket curries healthy?
It varies widely. Many are high in salt, sugar, and saturated fat. Check the nutrition label per 100g: aim for less than 1.5g salt and less than 10g sugar. Some brands, like M&S Plant Kitchen, are healthier options.
Can I freeze supermarket curry meals?
Yes, most can be frozen, but check the label. If the meal contains rice, it may become mushy after freezing. It’s best to freeze curry-only portions and cook fresh rice.
How do I reheat a supermarket curry without it drying out?
For microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to add steam. For oven, add a splash of water or stock to the sauce before heating. Always stir halfway through.
Are there any gluten-free options?
Many curries are gluten-free, but check for wheat flour as a thickener. Brands like M&S clearly label gluten-free options. Patak’s also has a gluten-free range.
What’s the difference between korma, tikka masala, and vindaloo?
Korma is mild and creamy, often with yogurt or cream. Tikka masala is medium with a tomato-based sauce and a slight tang. Vindaloo is hot and sour, with vinegar and chili.
Why does my curry taste bland?
It might be a low-quality brand or the wrong spice balance. Try adding a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon, or a dollop of yogurt to enhance flavor. Also, make sure you’re not over-diluting with rice.
Bottom Line
For the best balance of flavor, quality, and value, M&S Taste Buds Chicken Korma is the clear winner. If you’re on a tight budget, the Asda Just Essentials is a surprisingly good fallback. And if you want a fiery kick, Patak’s Vindaloo won’t disappoint. Whatever you choose, always check the label for spice level and ingredients to match your taste.
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