Malai Kofta

Rich, creamy and indulgent, Malai Kofta is one of the most loved vegetarian dishes in Indian cuisine, and a favorite at Curry Gate for anyone who enjoys a luxurious curry. Malai means cream and kofta means dumplings or balls, and this dish lives up to both.

Malai Kofta comes from the royal Mughal kitchens of North India, where rich, creamy curries were served at celebrations and grand meals. Today it's a staple at Indian restaurants and a go-to choice for special occasions and family dinners.

Our kofta are made from a mix of paneer (fresh Indian cheese) and potatoes, seasoned with spices and fresh herbs. They're shaped into balls and fried until golden and crispy outside, while staying soft and tender inside. The kofta are then served in a silky, creamy sauce. It's made from a blend of onions, tomatoes, cream and warm spices like cardamom and garam masala, and it's mildly sweet, aromatic and rich. The kofta soak up the sauce, so every bite combines the crisp and creamy textures.

The result is a curry that is velvety, rich and comforting, with a gentle warmth from the spices. It's one of the best dishes on the menu for guests who prefer creamy, smooth flavors.

You control the heat. Choose your spice level from 1 to 10 when you order. Keep it mild at 1–3 to enjoy the creamy richness, go medium at 4–6 for balanced warmth, or turn it up to 7–10 if you like your curry fiery.

Malai Kofta is good with warm Butter Naan, Garlic Naan or Kashmiri Naan for scooping up the creamy sauce. It's also great with steamed basmati rice. For a vegetarian feast, add Dal Tadka or Chana Masala on the side.

Malai Kofta is vegetarian and a crowd-pleaser for families, first-time guests and anyone who loves creamy Indian curry.

Whether you're looking for vegetarian Indian food for lunch in Uptown, dinner in South End, or takeout near NoDa, Curry Gate brings authentic Indian and Nepali flavors to Charlotte, NC. Order Malai Kofta for dine-in, pickup or delivery.

FAQ

What is Malai Kofta? Malai Kofta is a North Indian vegetarian curry of crispy fried dumplings, made from paneer and potatoes, served in a rich, creamy sauce.

What are the kofta made of? At Curry Gate, the kofta are made from a mix of paneer (Indian cheese) and potatoes, seasoned with spices, then fried until crispy.

Is Malai Kofta spicy? Malai Kofta is traditionally mild and creamy, but at Curry Gate you choose your spice level from 1 (mild) to 10 (very hot).

What goes best with Malai Kofta? Malai Kofta pairs well with naan, especially butter, garlic or Kashmiri naan, and steamed basmati rice.

Is Malai Kofta vegetarian? Yes. Malai Kofta is vegetarian. It contains dairy, so it isn't vegan.