Balti, Karahi and Handi: what is the difference?

Why are curries named after vessels?

South Asian food words often move between cookware and the food associated with it. Cambridge defines “balti” as both a spicy dish and its metal bowl. References from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay describe kadai or kadhai as a deep utensil and handi as a cooking pot.

That context does not prove the pan, metal, heat source or sequence used by a specific restaurant. Spellings also vary: karahi, karai, kadai and kadhai are related transliterations.

Our menu descriptions are the authority for our food. We make no single-city origin claim, prescribe no vessel material, and do not say every version follows one recipe.

What is in our Balti Chicken or Lamb?

The menu lists garam masala, ginger, garlic, green capsicum and tomatoes with butter. Diners choose chicken or lamb. It is priced at £14.95 at publication and marked gluten-free. The description does not give a chilli level, so the name “balti” should not be translated into a fixed mild, medium or hot rating.

Garam masala is a spice mixture rather than one standard formula or a synonym for chilli. Our garam masala guide explains variation without publishing or guessing our house blend. Butter is explicitly listed in this dish, which matters for vegan diners and anyone with a milk allergy.

How is our Karahi different?

Karahi Chicken or Lamb lists onion, capsicum, tomato, garlic and ginger. It costs £14.95 and carries no printed dietary or heat marker. Compared with the Balti description, it adds onion but does not list garam masala or butter. That is a comparison of published ingredients—not a claim that an unlisted ingredient can never be present.

Tandoori Chicken Karahi uses tandoori chicken on the bone with onion, capsicum, tomato, garlic and ginger. It costs £17.95. The use of tandoori chicken separates it from the chicken-or-lamb Karahi; learn more in our tandoor cooking guide.

The Great Kathmandu Special Banquet also lists King Prawn Karahi among its dishes. It is part of that banquet description, not offered as a separate à-la-carte main on the current menu.

What makes our Handi distinctive?

Handi Chicken or Lamb is described as onions cooked with tomatoes for a rich, smooth sauce, served from a special handi pot. It costs £13.95 and is marked gluten-free. This is the only one of the three descriptions that explicitly states the serving vessel.

We can responsibly say it is served from a special handi pot because the menu does. We cannot infer from that line what the pot is made from, whether the whole dish was cooked in it, or which “traditional” handi method it follows. Presentation and cooking process are not automatically the same claim.

Which one should you order?

Balti explicitly lists garam masala and butter. Karahi foregrounds onion, capsicum, tomato, garlic and ginger; Tandoori Chicken Karahi brings chicken on the bone. Handi promises a rich, smooth onion-and-tomato sauce and handi-pot presentation.

For chilli heat, ask the team: none has a printed rating. The heat guide identifies labelled dishes. Pairing one with a dry starter, dal or vegetables can add contrast; see our ordering guide.

What dietary information is printed?

Balti and Handi Chicken or Lamb are marked gluten-free. Both Karahi choices do not carry the printed gluten-free marker. Balti lists butter, so it includes dairy. All contain meat.

Tell the team about allergies and never use an omitted ingredient or absent marker as proof of suitability.

Common questions about Balti, Karahi and Handi

Which is hottest?

The menu gives none of the three a heat rating, so there is no supported ranking. Ask for current guidance.

Are Karahi and Kadai the same word?

They are related transliterations connected to South Asian cookware, but usage and dish styles vary. Our menu's spelling is Karahi.

Is every Handi served in a clay pot?

No universal rule should be assumed. Our menu says “special handi pot” but does not state its material.

Which choices are gluten-free?

Balti Chicken or Lamb and Handi Chicken or Lamb carry printed gluten-free markers. Speak to the team if you have coeliac disease or an allergy.