What is the proper/most common way to serve curry?

Question

I went to a Thai restaurant this afternoon and ordered Massaman curry, which I've never had before. When I make curry at home, I usually mix it with chicken and pour it over rice and eat. But this curry was served in a bowl with a serving of rice beside it. So, doing what I normally do with curry, I flattened out the rice, poured the curry over the rice and ate it.

I realized afterwards that perhaps I was supposed to put the rice in the bowl and eat it like that, but I hadn't heard of doing that before. Is it normal to serve/eat curry that way? Does it depend on the type of curry being served?

Answer 1

There are two traditional way to eat curry. Indians typically eat their curry with a type of bread. Usually Naan or Roti and use piece of the bread as a scoop/spoon of sort.

Thai curry will tend to be eaten, as you suggested, over top of rice. Typically it is separated when it is served so the rice does not get soggy while it is waiting to be served. The rice is typically served on a plate big enough to fit both the rice and the curry.

Of course, you can eat the rice and curry however you see fit.

Also there are thin soups that is flavoured with curry but usually those aren't served with rice so there shouldn't be confusion in that category. But do note that if you think the curry is too thin, it will thicken as it mix with the starch from the rice.

Answer 2

With Asian soupy curries, use a spoon and take a small portion of rice, then dip it into the curry and soak up some soup and pick up some solid parts as desired

Often there are things in the curry that are not very edible, just there for flavour and aroma. By dipping you can miss them out with ease, and not make a big mess

Answer 3

I wanted to clarify some things about curry with regard to Indian and Japanese curries, because, while I don't know much about Thai curry, Jay's answer appears to suggest it is comprehensive.

Indian Curry: It is typically served with Naan in some regions and the naan is used as a scoop for the curry. It is also served with rice only on some occasions, at which point the rice is placed into the curry, mixed with rice and placed into the mouth using a hand.

Japanese Curry: It is eaten with a spoon, specifically a western style spoon.

Sources: Lived and ate in Japan; When I came to the United States, I was invited to many private meals with my Indian employer and his family/friends.