Whether you're lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply avoiding dairy, Indian cuisine offers a world of flavour without cream, yogurt, or butter. This guide reveals which dishes are naturally dairy-free and how to enjoy the full spectrum of Indian flavours.
Naturally Dairy-Free Indian Dishes
Chicken Bhuna
Dry-fried with spices, tomatoes, no cream
Lamb Jalfrezi
Peppers, onions, tomatoes — vibrant and dairy-free
Chicken Madras
Spicy, tomato-based — naturally no dairy
Lamb Vindaloo
Hot, tangy with vinegar — Portuguese-Indian fusion
Vegetable Balti
Medium-spiced, tomato base, no cream
Chana Masala
Chickpeas in spiced tomato sauce — fully vegan
Aloo Gobi
Potato and cauliflower — naturally dairy-free
Tandoori items (modified)
Request without yogurt marinade
Dishes That Contain Dairy
- Korma: Cream, yogurt, and sometimes coconut cream
- Butter Chicken/Murgh Makhani: Butter, cream, yogurt
- Tikka Masala: Cream-based tomato sauce
- Paneer dishes: Paneer is cottage cheese (dairy)
- Naan bread: Contains yogurt — choose rice or chapati instead
- Raita: Yogurt-based condiment — skip this
How to Order Dairy-Free at Jaflong
- Tell your server: Mention "dairy-free" or "no cream, no yogurt" when ordering
- Call ahead: For delivery/collection, mention dairy-free when you call (020 8332 1339)
- Choose bhuna/jalfrezi/balti: These are naturally dairy-free styles
- Rice over naan: Basmati rice is dairy-free; naan traditionally contains yogurt
- We use vegetable ghee: Our curries use vegetable ghee as standard (dairy-free)