From Tacos to Tikkas: 5 Versatile Sauces That Bring Global Flavors to Indian Kitchens – News18
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A few global sauces are all you need to add a delicious twist to your favorite Indian dishes—no fancy skills required!
From tacos to tikkas, a dash of global sauces can transform everyday Indian meals into something extraordinary.
We can all agree that Indian food is already incredibly flavorful, right? No doubt about it—but it’s so much fun to try new things, especially when they bring a little extra magic to your home cooking. The best part? You don’t have to be a five-star chef to make it happen! There are many popular international sauces that are simple to find or even make yourself, and guess what? They don’t just pair well with Indian foods—they actually enhance the flavors of Indian spices and ingredients too!
Griffith David, Founder and CEO of Habanero Foods, shares a list of must-try sauces:
The first one is Mexican Salsa Roja, and if you think it’s just a nacho dip, you’re so wrong. While salsa tastes amazing with spongy, soft tortilla chips, this sauce made from tomatoes, onions, and chilies can be an absolute game-changer for anda bhurji or omelets. Seriously, try it the next time you make parathas for some added yumminess. It also works wonderfully as a base for chicken or veggie dishes.
Next, you cannot forget Italian Basil Pesto, which arguably enhances any green dish and adds a divine switch of flavor. Do you usually have it with your pasta? Probably. Do you have to? Of course not. This tasty, herby, garlicky treat—often made with almonds and walnuts—is perfect for any occasion, just like all nut oils. Sure, you can toss it with some spaghetti for a quick meal, but consider spreading it on sandwiches alongside grilled paneer, chicken, or even vegetables for an Italian-Indian fusion twist. Or, get this: fold a tablespoon into some yogurt for an unconventional (and delicious) dip for your kebabs. Who would have thought?
Third on the list is Greek Tzatziki, a cooling sauce made with thick yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and herbs like mint or dill. It’s perfect when you’re serving spicy Indian cuisine. Have some fiery tikkas or seekh kebabs? Tzatziki is the answer. Dishes like biryani or naan are simply elevated with this creamy, refreshing sauce. Isn’t that wonderful?
You’re probably already familiar with Thai Sweet Chili Sauce. It’s every Asian restaurant’s must-have condiment, blending sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors so well together. While spring rolls are often the star with this sauce, Indian cuisine gets a fantastic upgrade too. Imagine coating your samosas, kachoris, or pakoras with it. That’s not all—it’s also great brushed over paneer or chicken before grilling for a burst of flavor.
Finally, let’s talk about Gochujang Mayo. This one is super easy and incredibly delicious. It’s just mayonnaise mixed with Korean Gochujang—a fermented chili paste with a spicy-sweet flavor—and it adds a major umami punch. It’s perfect in sandwiches and wraps, works wonders with potato wedges and fries, and can even be drizzled over rice bowls for an exciting flavor hit.
Sometimes, all it takes is a little global inspiration to spice up your Indian dishes with a bold new sauce. Don’t be afraid to play around—you might just discover your new favorite flavor pairing!