Whether you’ve had a long day at work or are just feeling a little down in the dumps, a delicious curry can lift your mood and make you smile. Hearty, filling Indian food won’t only leave you feeling sated, it’s also packed with herbs and spices that will give you an endorphin boost and make you feel a whole lot better. So if you’re already Googling ‘Indian takeaway near me’, take a look at these five feel good menu options before you place your order.
1. Chicken Tikka Masala with Naan and Rice
Chicken is an excellent source of protein, and includes an amino acid called tryptophan, which is required for serotonin production. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating your mood, helping you to feel good. Served in a delicious tikka masala sauce, which includes mood-boosting ingredients like ginger and turmeric, chicken is tasty and filling, and is sure to lift your spirits. It’s not overly spicy and can be eaten with your favourite rice, naan bread or both depending on your appetite.
2. Chicken Vindaloo
If mild isn’t your thing and you’d rather ramp up the spice factor, then a chicken vindaloo is ideal. This dish is packed with ingredients that will boost blood flow and mood alike. Chillies, for example, release endorphins, otherwise known as the happy hormone, as well as dopamine – another happiness hormone which causes feelings of reward and pleasure. So if you feel good after a vindaloo, there’s a scientific reason why.
3. Chicken Jalfrezi
Again, if you want to use the power of chillies to your advantage, chicken jalfrezi is a great choice. Not only does it feature green and red chillies, it also has lots of ginger, which is rich in vitamin B6 and magnesium. These nutrients improve energy levels and ward off low mood, as well as helping to regulate your blood sugar. You’ll find this dish at any top Indian curry house, such as Little India in Kensington.
4. Lamb Pasanda
With its generous amounts of garlic and cinnamon, pasanda is a feel-good curry for those with milder tastes. Garlic contains antioxidants that help to keep the brain and limbic system (the part of our brain that controls emotional responses) healthy. Cinnamon, meanwhile, helps to enhance cognitive processing, which can lift the mood. Pair the sauce with melt-in-the-mouth lamb and sides such as saag aloo or onion bhajis. This dish is both healthy and indulgent, feeling like a real treat if you’ve had a bad day.
5. Bhuna Egg
Eggs are a great source of vitamin D, which is associated with better moods. They are also loaded with choline, which plays an important role in mood regulation. Bhuna sauce, meanwhile, includes turmeric – a spice that stimulates the release of serotonin – and cloves, a natural stress reliever, helping to decrease anxiety. Bhuna egg is therefore sure to give you a dose of optimism as well as satisfying your appetite.
If you’re looking for an Indian takeaway in London that has a varied menu and serves beautifully fresh food, don’t miss Little India. Nestled in the heart of South Kensington, our Indian restaurant is the perfect place for a pick-me-up in curry form!
