When dining at Calamari Kitchen & Bar in Newcastle, you understand that the Indian and Australian seafood are not only delicious which people can have again and again, but also the side dishes. As much as people get to enjoy mains such as Prawn Coco Curry, Cashew Curry Fish, Butter Pepper Prawns, or any other type of curry as a main meal, it’s always good to accompany the meal with side dishes that balanced the whole menu.
In this blog, we’ll discover the tasty side dishes that go great with seafood and show why selecting sides is one of Calamari’s specialties that can improve the flavor of each bite of the seafood they serve.
Why Seafood and Side Pairings Matter
Pairing seafood with the right sides enhances the flavor profile of your dish, adds a balance of texture, and brings out the subtle spices or freshness of the seafood. For example:
- Rich seafood curries pair beautifully with soft, buttery naan or steamed rice.
- Grilled or fried seafood shines alongside fresh salads or roasted vegetables.
At Calamari Kitchen & Bar, their commitment to balancing flavors ensures you experience authentic Indian cuisine blended with local Australian influences.
1. Buttery Naan Bread: The Classic Pairing
No seafood curry is complete without naan bread. At Calamari, their light, fluffy naan is perfect for scooping up the bold, aromatic sauces of dishes like:
- Prawn Coco Curry – A creamy, coconut-based curry that pairs beautifully with the soft texture of naan.
- Cashew Curry Fish – The richness of the fish curry gets soaked into the naan, enhancing the overall experience.
Why It Works: The buttery flavor and soft texture of naan balance the spices in Indian seafood curries, creating a satisfying and hearty combination.
2. Aromatic Steamed Basmati Rice
For those who love traditional pairings, steamed basmati rice is a natural choice with Indian seafood curries. Its fragrant, delicate grains complement dishes like:
- Aunty’s Curry – A flavorful blend of Goa fish, prawns, and coconut spices.
- Indie Shellfish Broth – A lighter seafood dish that pairs well with simple steamed rice.
Why It Works: Rice absorbs the curry sauces perfectly, balancing the bold flavors without overpowering the seafood.
3. Fresh Seasonal Salads
Pairing fresh, crisp salads with grilled or fried seafood dishes adds a refreshing contrast. At Calamari, side salads with seasonal greens, cucumber, and light vinaigrettes complement dishes like:
- Amritsari Fish & Chips – A golden, crispy delight balanced by a tangy salad.
- Butter Pepper Prawns – The richness of butter and pepper pairs beautifully with fresh greens.
Why It Works: Salads provide a light, cooling balance to heavier seafood dishes, ensuring a clean and refreshing finish.
4. Roasted Seasonal Vegetables
For a hearty yet healthy side, roasted vegetables make an excellent pairing with seafood dishes. Charred and seasoned vegetables bring out the natural sweetness in the seafood, particularly with:
- Crunchy Calamari or Prawns – A crispy dish that pairs perfectly with warm roasted veggies.
- Cashew Curry Fish – The nutty flavors complement the savory roasted vegetables, creating a delightful bite.
Why It Works: Roasting vegetables caramelizes their natural sugars, providing a balance to savory and slightly spicy seafood dishes.
5. Light, Flaky Parathas
For a side that’s both flavorful and textural, parathas are a fantastic choice. These layered Indian flatbreads work beautifully with saucy seafood mains such as:
- Cashew Curry Fish
- Indie Shellfish Broth
Why It Works: The flaky layers of paratha soak up the curry flavors while offering a satisfying bite alongside your seafood.
6. Crispy Papadams
Papadums are the ideal crunchy, light side to enjoy with seafood dishes. They’re a popular addition to Indian meals and can be paired with:
- Prawn Coco Curry – Add a crunch alongside the creamy curry.
- Aunty’s Curry – Break papadums into small pieces for a delightful texture contrast.
Why It Works: Papadums are light and crispy, providing a perfect texture variation without filling you up.
7. Tangy Pickles and Raita
Raita—a yogurt-based dip—and Indian pickles are perfect sides for seafood dishes, especially for those looking to cool down the spice levels. Pair them with:
- Butter Pepper Prawns – The yogurt adds a cooling balance to the peppery prawns.
- Amritsari Fish & Chips – Add tang with pickles or cooling raita for contrast.
Why It Works: Raita and pickles add a flavor boost while balancing spicy seafood dishes with tangy and creamy elements.
Seafood and Sides: A Perfect Harmony
At Calamari Kitchen & Bar, the blend of Indian seafood flavors and complementary side dishes ensures an exceptional dining experience. Whether you’re a fan of creamy coconut curries, crispy fried seafood, or aromatic shellfish dishes, there’s always a side to elevate your meal.
Why Calamari is Newcastle’s Top Seafood Destination
- A Diverse Menu: Featuring Indian and Australian-inspired seafood dishes.
- Perfect Pairings: Thoughtful sides like naan, rice, and salads enhance each dish.
- An Inviting Atmosphere: Enjoy a memorable dining experience in Newcastle NSW.
When you visit Calamari Kitchen & Bar, don’t miss the opportunity to create your perfect seafood pairing experience with these carefully curated sides.
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FAQs
Popular sides include buttery naan bread and steamed rice to perfectly complement rich seafood curries.
Dishes like Amritsari Fish & Chips and Butter Pepper Prawns pair beautifully with light, salads for a refreshing balance.
Yes, sides like steamed basmati rice and fresh salads are gluten-free options that pair perfectly with seafood.
Naan bread’s soft, buttery texture is ideal for scooping up sauces from dishes like Prawn Coco Curry and Cashew Curry Fish.
Fresh salads and crunchy papadams pair wonderfully with crispy options like Crunchy Calamari or Prawns.
Flaky parathas or steamed basmati rice work perfectly to balance the broth’s light and flavorful profile.
