Before we get into the sauce, it’s worth noting that there’s no such thing as real Chinese curry. When it comes to traditional, regional Chinese cuisine, curry simply isn’t part of the equation.
As one could probably imagine, the stodgy night-out saviour consisting of chunky chips doused in a vague curry sauce, that can be ordered from both the chippy and local 24-hour Chinese takeaway (or an establishment that is often both) is a British perversion born out of our desire to consume distinctly beige food. Now, I’m not saying it’s not delicious; I’m merely stating facts.
British-Chinese takeaways received an outpouring of criticism on social media in recent months after Americans caught wind of what much of the UK considers a veritable national cuisine.
This isn’t to say that Chinese curry sauce doesn’t offer tasty, hearty and wholesome flavour to mixed veggies and protein — far from it. Filled to the brim with sweet and tangy spices, ginger, soy sauce and more, Chinese curry sauce tends to use curry powder and turmeric as well as Chinese five spice for an extra kick.
The concept of a Chinese curry was born out of the British-Indian invasion of Imperial China during the Opium Wars, which resulted in the occupation of Hong Kong — though colonialism never took hold in mainland China.
Similarly, curry sauce became popular in Japan via British troops who were stationed there during the occupation after WWII. Local cuisine was influenced by British cooks who introduced chefs to Indian curry powders and taught them how to make roux-like sauces. Brits seem to have a natural predisposition to make all food distinctly wet, which has resulted in this strange curry legacy.
In short, Indian curry was born out of English colonialism in India. Chinese curry was born out of English occupation following the Opium Wars. Japanese katsu curry was adapted by Japanese chefs following their time stationed in China during the Second World War and the influence of British troops. The interconnected development of global curry sauces is rich in imperial and migratory history.
Fusion-heavy by nature, we’ve curated a list of the best British-Chinese premade curry sauces on the market for chip shop deliciousness.
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Goldfish Chinese Curry Sauce Concentrate 405g
Sugar-free and suitable for vegetarians, this family curry sauce recipe has remained unaltered since 1961. Blended to create a mild and creamy sauce which appeals to all palettes, this is the very sauce that has been used in fish and chip shops and Chinese takeaways across the country. The sauce mix dissolves quickly without lumps and can be made with just water and heat.
The blend includes curry powder, coriander, turmeric, cumin, gram flour, salt, black pepper, fenugreek, chilli, garlic, fennel seed, mustard, star anise, onion powder and coconut cream.
Buy now £2.90, Sainsbury's
Sharwood's Chinese Curry Cooking Sauce
Made up of a hearty blend of classic Indian curry ingredients, Chinese curry powder, ginger and garlic purées as well as vegetable bouillon, Sharwood’s Chinese Curry Cooking Sauce is a blend of multiple curry traditions which somehow works wonderfully. It contains no artificial colours or preservatives, no added MSG and is suitable for vegetarians.
Buy now £1.85, Waitrose
Yeung's Concentrated Chinese Curry Mix 110g
A slightly tangier, ginger-heavy concentrated Chinese curry mix, Yeung’s is a cult-favourite pantry staple. Perfect for homemade chicken or beef curry, simply combine the full contents of the packet with one pint of water and cook on high heat while continually stirring. Yeung’s classic curry mix isn’t spicy, so we’d recommend adding chilli flakes if you prefer a hotter dish.
Buy now £4.59, Amazon
Maysan Original Curry Sauce Paste
Available in mild, hot and original formulations, Maysan is beloved for its easy-to-use and tasty recipes. Suitable for vegetarians, the original Maysan paste contains a classic curry spice mix including fenugreek, turmeric, coriander, mustard, fennel, cumin, chillies and ginger, but it also includes potato granules for additional starchy depth and a thicker sauce.
Buy now £4.87, Amazon
Ben's Original Cantonese Sauce
Whether used for stir-fries or curries, this rich and flavourful Cantonese-style sauce from Ben’s has a zingy ginger kick. The sauce contains red and yellow pepper, baby corn, soya sauce, soya beans and mushrooms – so all you’ll need to add is your protein of choice and spring onions to garnish.
Buy now £2.35, Amazon
Lee Kum Kee Satay Sauce
Made with peanuts and Asian-style spices, the Lee Kum Kee Satay Sauce need not be used for skewers alone. Add a dollop to your home curry recipe for a nutty, soybean-based flavourful twist. Creamy and tangy, it’s a classic for a reason.
Buy now £1.90, Sainsbury's
Trip To Chinatown: Sichuan Chilli Peanut Butter
Low in spice with a slight crunch, this Sichuan Chilli Peanut Butter can be easily mixed in with some coconut milk for a delightfully unique Chinese-style curry. It’s made with toasted Chinese spices, ginger, peppercorn and has a slightly sweet taste.
Buy now £6.95, Delli
The Spice Tailor Classic Chinese Curry Sauce
The Spice Tailor has saved me from the pits of hanger more times than I can remember, and while I usually opt for the Indian or Japanese kits, the range spans lots of other cuisines, including Chinese.
Sit down to a tasty Chinese curry in three steps with this kit, that makes enough to feed two ravenous or three peckish diners. Like its sister kits, this comes with two sauce pouches and a spice pouch to build the meal, adding in whatever protein or veggies you like. Almost everything is included here, except for cooking oil, which you should have in your cupboards — Abha Shah
Buy now £2.75, Waitrose
Colman's Chinese Chicken Curry Recipe Mix
If it’s a basic sauce you’re hoping to whip up (for chip shop chips or chicken and rice, I won’t judge), Colman’s has your back. The brand, most famous for mustard, has this spice mix sachet that just needs adding to water and mixing before combining with your ingredients. A budget buy and a great way to get all the right flavours without splurging on a load of full-size spices you may only use once or twice.
Buy now £0.90, Asda
M&S Chip Shop Curry Sauce
Authentic-tasting chip shop-style curry sauce on tap? M&S has this party tub ready to go at Ocado. It’s suitable for home freezing, so you can stash a pot in for future fakeaway nights, needing nothing more than a couple of minutes in the microwave to get it ready for dunking.
Buy now £2.00, Ocado
