Berlin has always been a melting pot of cultures, and in recent years, Indian food has taken a special place in the hearts (and kitchens) of the city’s food lovers. From cozy curry houses to food festivals, Indian curries are everywhere. But here’s the best part: you don’t always need to step into a restaurant to enjoy them.

With the right curry pastes, ready-made sauces, and cooking essentials, you can recreate your favorite dishes right at home, even if you’re short on time or new to Indian cooking.

Whether it’s a creamy Butter Chicken, a fiery Vindaloo, or a comforting bowl of Dal Tadka, these essentials make it easy for Berliners to cook authentic Indian curries in their own kitchens.

And the demand is growing. With more students, young professionals, and families looking for quick yet flavorful meals, the shelves of Indian supermarkets in Berlin are now packed with brands like Patak’s, Ashoka, Shan, TRS, and MDH—all of which bring the flavors of India closer than ever.

Why Curry Pastes & Sauces Are a Game-Changer

Let’s be honest: making an Indian curry from scratch is an art. It usually means roasting whole spices, grinding pastes, slow-cooking gravies, and balancing flavor notes like heat, tang, and creaminess.

While this traditional method is still cherished, most of us don’t always have the luxury of time to do it every single day. That’s where ready-made curry pastes and sauces step in as lifesavers.

Here’s why they’re a kitchen essential in Berlin:

• Time-Saving Without Losing Flavor
  Instead of prepping for hours, you can cook a curry in 20–30 minutes with pre-made pastes like Patak’s Tikka Masala Paste or Ashoka Vindaloo Paste.

• Perfect Spice Balance
  Curry pastes are made in India using authentic recipes, ensuring the right balance of heat, tang, and aroma. You don’t need to stock 20 spices; just open a jar, add vegetables or meat, and let it simmer.

• Great for Beginners
  If you’re new to Indian cooking, these pastes take away the guesswork. No worrying about “too much chili” or “not enough turmeric”, it’s already perfectly blended.

• Vegan & Vegetarian Options
  Many ready-made curries and pastes (like Ashoka Dal Tadka or Gits Rajma Masala) are vegan-friendly, making them a hit with Berlin’s plant-based community.

• Restaurant Quality at Home
  The same flavors you’d expect at a curry house in Kreuzberg or Neukölln can now be recreated in your apartment kitchen.

Popular Ready-Made Curries & Sauces in Berlin

When it comes to Indian food, Berliners are spoiled for choice. Walk into an Indian supermarket and you’ll find shelves stocked with a wide variety of ready-to-eat curries, curry pastes, and sauces that make cooking both convenient and authentic. Here are some of the favorites you can easily pick up:

1. Ashoka Ready-to-Eat Curries

Ashoka is one of the most trusted Indian brands worldwide, especially for its Ready-to-Eat pouches. These are pre-cooked meals that you only need to heat in hot water or microwave. They’re a blessing for busy students, working professionals, or anyone craving a quick Indian fix.

• Dal Tadka – A comforting yellow lentil curry, mildly spiced and perfect with rice or roti.

• Pav Bhaji – Mumbai’s street food classic, a spicy mashed vegetable curry eaten with bread rolls.

• Palak Paneer – Cottage cheese cubes cooked in a creamy spinach gravy.

• Rajma Masala – Red kidney beans slow-cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices.

Ashoka’s ready-to-eat meals are 100% vegetarian, many are vegan-friendly, and they taste just like home-cooked food.

2. Gits Instant Mixes & Curries

Gits is another household name when it comes to Indian meal solutions. Their curries and mixes are perfect for those who want the taste of India without the hassle of long cooking times.

• Paneer Makhani – A rich tomato-based curry with butter and cream.

• Chana Masala – Chickpeas in a tangy and spicy gravy, a North Indian favorite.

• Dosa & Idli Mixes – Not exactly curries, but a must-have for South Indian breakfast lovers.

What makes Gits stand out is their focus on authenticity and quick preparation. In Berlin, Gits is popular among students who want a quick, filling meal without compromising on flavor.

3. Patak’s Curry Pastes & Sauces

If you want to cook fresh but don’t want to grind spices, Patak’s is your best friend. Their curry pastes are available in jars and are incredibly versatile.

• Tikka Masala Paste – The UK’s favorite curry, creamy and mild.

• Korma Curry Paste – Mild and nutty, perfect for chicken, vegetables, or paneer.

• Vindaloo Curry Paste – For those who love a fiery, tangy curry.

• Madras Curry Paste – A South Indian-inspired curry with chili and tamarind.

Patak’s also offers ready-made cooking sauces that can be poured straight into a pan with your choice of protein or vegetables.

4. Shan Spice Mixes & Curry Bases

Shan is a brand that every Indian household knows. Their spice mixes are legendary because they help you cook curries exactly the way they are made back home.

• Butter Chicken Mix – Creamy, smoky, and rich in flavor.

• Biryani Masala – For layering fragrant rice with spiced meat or vegetables.

• Karahi & Nihari Mixes – Traditional Pakistani/Indian curries with bold spices.

Shan products are very popular among Berlin’s South Asian community because they recreate restaurant-style dishes in minutes.

5. Haldiram’s Ready Meals

Known mostly for snacks and sweets, Haldiram’s also has a delicious range of ready-to-eat curries.

• Paneer Butter Masala – A creamy tomato-based curry with chunks of paneer.

• Dal Makhani – A rich lentil curry made with black lentils and kidney beans.

• Vegetable Pulao – Fragrant rice cooked with vegetables and spices.

These meals are microwavable, convenient, and perfect for Berliners who want authentic Indian food in just a few minutes.

Why Berliners Love These Options

• Affordable compared to eating out.

• Perfect for busy weekdays.

• Authentic Indian flavors without complicated cooking.

• Wide variety – from mild to extra spicy, vegetarian to non-vegetarian.

Cooking Essentials for Indian Curries in Berlin

While ready-made sauces and curries are convenient, nothing beats the joy of cooking an Indian curry from scratch. For that, you need the right ingredients, spices, and pantry staples. Luckily, Berlin’s Indian stores are packed with everything you need. Let’s explore:

1. Spice Powders & Masalas

Indian cooking is incomplete without masalas. These are the heart of every curry, and Berliners can easily find them in supermarkets like Anant.

• Turmeric (Haldi) – Adds color and earthy flavor.

• Coriander Powder (Dhania) – Nutty and citrusy, perfect for gravies.

• Cumin Powder (Jeera) – Warm and smoky, balances curries beautifully.

• Garam Masala – A blend of warming spices, added at the end for aroma.

• Red Chili Powder – For that fiery kick.

Popular brands: MDH, Everest, Shan.

2. Whole Spices

Some curries rely on the slow release of flavors from whole spices.

• Cumin Seeds – Used in tadka (tempering).

• Mustard Seeds – Common in South Indian curries.

• Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cloves – Essential for rich gravies like Butter Chicken or Biryani.

• Bay Leaves & Curry Leaves – For aroma and depth.

3. Curry Pastes & Bases

When you want a balance between scratch-cooking and convenience, curry bases are a lifesaver.

• Ginger-Garlic Paste – Found in almost every Indian kitchen.

• Curry Base Gravies – Pre-cooked onion-tomato gravies to speed up cooking.

• Tamarind Paste – For tangy South Indian and Goan curries.

• Coconut Milk & Coconut Cream – Staples for Kerala and coastal curries.

Popular brands: Patak’s, TRS, Ashoka.

4. Pulses, Lentils & Beans

No Indian meal is complete without lentils. They are versatile, healthy, and form the base of many curries.

• Toor Dal (Pigeon Pea) – Used in South Indian sambar.

• Moong Dal (Yellow Lentils) – Light and easy to digest.

• Chana Dal (Split Chickpeas) – Nutty and hearty.

• Rajma (Kidney Beans) – Star of Rajma Masala.

• Chickpeas (Chana) – For Chole/Chana Masala.

These are widely available in 1kg and 2kg packs in Berlin’s Indian shops.

5. Paneer & Dairy Essentials

Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is a vegetarian’s delight and is the base of many curries.

• Paneer Butter Masala

• Palak Paneer

• Shahi Paneer

Other dairy essentials:

• Ghee (Clarified Butter) – Adds richness to curries and dals.

• Yogurt (Dahi/Curd) – Used in marinades and gravies.

Brands like Amul Paneer and Verka Ghee are available in Berlin.

6. Oils & Cooking Mediums

Different oils give different flavors to curries.

• Mustard Oil – Sharp and pungent, used in North Indian cooking.

• Coconut Oil – Essential for South Indian curries.

• Sunflower & Groundnut Oil – Neutral oils for everyday cooking.

7. Rice & Breads (The Perfect Pairings)

No curry is complete without a good carb to accompany it.

• Basmati Rice – Long-grain, fragrant rice for biryanis and curries.

• Sona Masoori Rice – Lighter South Indian rice.

• Naan & Roti (Frozen Packs) – Quick-fix options available in Berlin.

• Parathas – Perfect for pairing with spicy gravies.

Brands like Ashoka and Haldiram’s offer frozen parathas & naans.

8. Pickles & Chutneys

Though not curries themselves, pickles and chutneys elevate the entire meal.

• Mango Pickle (Aam ka Achar) – Tangy and spicy.

• Lime Pickle – Bold and zesty.

• Mint & Tamarind Chutneys – Perfect with snacks and curries alike.

Popular brands: Mother’s Recipe, Priya, Patak’s.

With these essentials, anyone in Berlin can recreate authentic Indian curries in their own kitchen, whether they want to go full traditional or semi-homemade.

Tips for Cooking Authentic Indian Curries at Home in Berlin

Cooking Indian curries may seem intimidating at first, but once you have the right ingredients and a few tips, it becomes second nature. Here are some pro cooking tips to get you started:

1. Master the Base: Onion, Tomato & Spices

Most North Indian curries start with a base of finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and ginger-garlic paste.

• Fry onions until golden brown (this creates depth).

• Add ginger-garlic paste for aroma.

• Cook tomatoes until soft, and the oil separates. That’s when you know the masala is ready.

Tip: Use pre-made curry pastes if you’re short on time.

2. Bloom the Spices

Indian cooking relies on extracting maximum flavor from spices.

• Add whole spices (cumin, mustard, cardamom) to hot oil before adding anything else.

• Toasting powdered spices for just a few seconds enhances their aroma.

3. Balance the Flavors

Indian curries are all about balance: spicy, tangy, creamy, and sometimes sweet.

• Use yogurt or cream to mellow the heat.

• Add tamarind or lemon juice for tanginess.

• Sprinkle a pinch of sugar in tomato-based gravies to balance acidity.

4. Cook Low & Slow

Unlike fast food, curries taste best when cooked slowly.

• Simmer on low heat to let flavors meld.

• Some curries like Rajma or Chole taste even better the next day.

5. Pair it Right

Every curry has its perfect companion:

• Butter Chicken → Garlic Naan or Jeera Rice

• Chole Masala → Bhature or Paratha

• South Indian Sambar → Steamed Rice or Idli/Dosa

• Paneer Butter Masala → Tandoori Roti

6. Stock Your Pantry Smartly

If you’re in Berlin, you don’t need to run to India to stock your curry essentials. Stores like Anant Supermarkt make it easy.

You’ll find:

• Spices & Masalas (MDH, Everest, TRS)

• Ready-Made Sauces & Pastes (Patak’s, Ashoka, Shan)

• Basmati Rice & Atta (flour)

• Paneer, Ghee & Frozen Breads

• Pickles, Chutneys & Snacks

Where to Buy Indian Curry Essentials in Berlin

Berlin has a growing love for Indian cuisine, and supermarkets like Anant Supermarkt cater to this demand by offering a wide variety of authentic products under one roof.

• Conveniently located in Berlin, it stocks everything from everyday spices to festival essentials.

• Online shopping options make it even easier; you can order Indian groceries right from home.

• With trusted brands like Patanjali, Ashoka, MDH, Everest, Shan, and Amul, you can cook confidently knowing you’re using authentic ingredients.

Whether you’re making a quick weeknight curry or preparing a lavish weekend feast, you’ll find everything you need here in Berlin.

Indian curries are more than just food, they’re a cultural experience, a blend of tradition, family, and flavor. In Berlin, you no longer have to miss the taste of home or rely on restaurant takeaways. With ready-made sauces, spice mixes, and cooking essentials, you can bring the magic of Indian curries right to your kitchen.

So, the next time you crave the comforting taste of Butter Chicken, Rajma, or Paneer Masala, remember: authentic Indian curries are just a supermarket trip away.

Cook, share, and celebrate the taste of India in Berlin!