Curry guide

Curry Spice Levels Explained: From Korma to Naga Mirch

Tara Takeaway · 13 Rosegrove Lane, Burnley · Updated July 2026

Ordering a takeaway curry in Burnley and not sure how hot "hot" really is? This guide walks you up the spice ladder, dish by dish, so your next order from the Tara menu is exactly the heat you wanted.

Mild: Creamy, Sweet and Gentle

Mild curries are all about richness rather than heat. Perfect for kids, first-timers, or anyone who wants comfort over fire.

• Korma (from £6.50) - very mild, sweet and creamy with coconut and cream. The classic starting point.
• Pasanda (from £7.00) - fairly mild with ground almond, coconut and cream. Slightly more grown-up than a Korma.
• Butter Chicken (from £8.00) - yoghurt-marinated chicken in a rich buttery sauce. Mild but full of flavour.
• Chicken Tikka Massala (£11.00) - the nation's favourite, creamy and gently spiced, served with pilau rice or chips.

Medium: Where the Flavour Opens Up

Medium is the sweet spot for most curry lovers - warmth you can feel, with the spices doing the talking.

• Bhuna (from £6.50) - thick sauce, onions, tomatoes and fried spices. A proper curry-house classic.
• Balti (from £7.00) - aromatic with chunky onion, peppers and a few chillies.
• Korai (from £7.00) - cooked in an iron wok and finished in a thick sauce.
• Baza Roshun (from £8.00) - roasted garlic, onions and plum tomatoes. A garlic-lover's medium.
• Achari Bhuna (from £8.00) - tangy, made with the chef's special mixed pickles.

Hot: For Seasoned Curry Fans

• Madras (from £6.50) - hot spices, garlic, ginger and tomato puree. The benchmark hot curry.
• Jalfrezi (from £7.00) - fresh chillies, capsicum and coriander with a sharper, fresher heat.
• Pathia (from £6.50) - sweet, sour and hot all at once, with fresh lemon.
• Sylheti Murghi Massala (£8.50) - a home-style Bangladeshi heat. Learn more in our Bangladeshi food guide.

Very Hot: Enter With Respect

• Vindaloo (from £6.50) - like a Madras with the dial turned up, sharpened with fresh lemon juice.
• Naga Mirch (from £8.00) - the king of heat. The naga chilli is a fragrant Bangladeshi pepper that's seriously hot but bursting with fruity, smoky flavour. Hot for the sake of flavour, not just pain.

Tips for Getting the Heat Right

• Order a raitha (£1.50) - cooling yoghurt with onion or cucumber tames any curry.
• Naan beats water - bread absorbs chilli oil far better than a drink does.
• Ask us - when you call, tell us how you like it. Many dishes can be adjusted.
• Step up gradually - Bhuna → Balti → Madras → Vindaloo → Naga is the classic ladder.