65
Crispy, spicy and full of bold South Indian flavor, 65 is one of the most famous starters in Indian cuisine, and a Curry Gate favorite for spice lovers. You choose chicken or gobi (cauliflower) and your spice level, and we cook it with yogurt, curry leaves and our signature blend of spices.
Choose your protein:
Chicken 65: juicy, bite-sized chicken pieces, fried until crispy and tossed with curry leaves and spices. It's the original and most popular version. Gobi 65: crispy cauliflower florets with the same bold flavor, a vegetarian favorite.
Chicken 65 comes from Chennai in South India, where it became a restaurant classic in the second half of the 20th century. There are many stories about how it got its unusual name. Some say it refers to the year it was created, others to the number of spices or chillies used. Whatever the origin, it has become one of the most iconic dishes in South Indian cooking, and a must-order starter across India and beyond.
Our 65 starts with chicken or cauliflower marinated in yogurt, ginger, garlic, red chilli and a blend of spices. The yogurt keeps the chicken tender and helps the spices cling. The pieces are fried until golden and crispy, then tossed with sizzling curry leaves, green chillies and garlic. The curry leaves are the heart of this dish, adding a fragrant, slightly citrusy aroma that makes 65 instantly recognizable.
The result is a dish that is crispy, spicy, tangy and aromatic, with a deep red color and fragrant curry leaves in every bite. It's addictive and easy to share.
You control the heat. Choose your spice level from 1 to 10 when you order. Keep it mild at 1–3 for all the flavor with gentle warmth, go medium at 4–6 for classic 65 heat, or turn it up to 7–10 if you love real fire.
65 is a great shareable starter, a flavorful side, or a snack on its own. Add a squeeze of lemon and some sliced onions, and cool things down with a Mango Lassi or raita. If you love Chicken 65, try our CG Special Biryani, Curry Gate's signature dum biryani topped with crispy Chicken 65.
Whether you're craving Chicken 65 for lunch in Uptown, Gobi 65 for dinner in South End, or spicy starters for takeout near NoDa, Curry Gate brings authentic Indian and Nepali flavors to Charlotte, NC. Order 65 for dine-in, pickup or delivery.
FAQ
What is Chicken 65? Chicken 65 is a spicy South Indian dish of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, fried until crispy, and tossed with curry leaves and chillies.
What is Gobi 65? Gobi 65 is the vegetarian version, made with crispy fried cauliflower (gobi) and the same yogurt, curry leaf and spice flavors.
Why is it called 65? There are several stories. Some say it refers to the year 1965, when it became popular in Chennai, and others say it refers to the number of spices or chillies used. No one knows for sure.
What proteins can I choose? You can choose chicken or gobi (cauliflower).
Is 65 spicy? 65 is known as a spicy dish, but at Curry Gate you choose your spice level from 1 (mild) to 10 (very hot).
Is Gobi 65 vegetarian? Yes. Gobi 65 is vegetarian. It contains yogurt, so it isn't vegan.
