‘This is the season to start racking our brains for gift ideas! So it feels like the perfect time to share our ultimate guide to the best gifts for curry lovers – because most people know someone who absolutely loves a good curry.
We usually find curry fanatics fall into one of two categories: those who love to eat it, and those who love to cook it (and then eat it!). Whichever camp your curry-loving giftee falls into, we’ve got you covered with this selection of ideas that will make memorable gifts for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries or any other occasion when you want to show that curry lover you care.
Gift ideas for people who love to cook curry
A proper karahi pan is an absolute must-have for anyone who regularly cooks curries at home. But what exactly is a karahi pan, you ask?
Also known as a kadai, a karahi pan is often confused with a wok, on account of its rounded shape and deep sides. The main difference between a karahi and a wok is that a karahi has a wider bottom and steeper sides, which gives a more even heat distribution and makes it better suited for the slow-cooking and simmering which every good curry needs. You can also use a karahi pan for deep-frying samosas and bhajis to go alongside your main meal.
Traditional karahis are made from cast iron and are an investment piece that – if cared for correctly – can last you a lifetime. But cast iron can be incredibly heavy and is pretty high-maintenance, so here in the BANG! kitchen we prefer lighter karahi pots made from stainless steel with a dependable non-stick coating – these modern designs have the added bonus of being able to go in the dishwasher. Whatever style of karahi pan you’re searching for, you’ll find a great selection at Karahi Shop.
Another brilliant gift idea for anyone who loves cooking proper curry at home is a cookbook, and my absolute favourite is Curry Nation by the wonderful Madhur Jaffrey. While the book features more than 100 authentic curry recipes, it’s really more than a cookbook: it’s a celebration of the many Indian and South Asian communities who have settled in Britain over the years and inspired the nation’s love affair with curry. The recipes themselves are easy for home cooks of all abilities to follow, but are always authentic, often innovative and 100% delicious!
Last but not least, if there’s one thing every budding curry chef needs in their kitchen, it’s spices. A gift set of top-quality curry spices makes a really thoughtful present, but if you’re worried you wouldn’t know where to start, look no further! We’ve done the hard work for you with our Luxury Curry Hamper, which includes four of our most popular spice blends, our easy-to-use three-step cookbook and an organic-cotton apron. Presented in a reusable black box bearing our golden tiger motif, this set looks luxurious and we guarantee the curry itself will taste every bit as special! We only use the finest natural ingredients in all of our spice kits, so even if you’re buying for a connoisseur of curry spices, you can be confident it’s a gift they’ll remember for all the right reasons.
Gift ideas for people who love to eat curry
If your gift recipient is far keener on eating curry than cooking it, there are still plenty of curry-themed gifts you could choose for them.
Why not buy a voucher for their favourite curry house, so they can enjoy a meal out on you? Or make it even more personal by giving them an invitation to a curry night at your place, where they can relax and enjoy a home-made curry you’ve prepared especially for them. (PSST! If you need some curry-recipe inspiration, we’ve got you!)
You could even prepare a mini hamper of treats to accompany their invitation – and their meal! We love Tracklements Mango Chutney, which is made in India and about as authentic as it gets. Or, if they like their condiments to pack a punch, try the Tracklements Mango and Chilli Chutney.
Maybe you have a hunch that they’d like to try their hand at cooking curry, but they don’t know where to start? Our Curry Gift Set is the answer to your present-picking prayers! Inside, they’ll find five award-winning curry spice kits, our bestselling biryani meal kit and our bhaji and dhal sides, all with straightforward instructions and a step-by-step guide that makes cooking curry at home as easy as 1-2-3.
Looking for more ideas? Shop our complete collection of gifts for curry lovers now!