Why these two curries have become the most ordered dishes on our menu
If you ask ten people in Mount Waverley what their favourite curry is, at least seven of them will say butter chicken or lamb rogan. These two dishes have become the heart of Indian dining, and for good reason. One is creamy, comforting, and gentle on the spice. The other is bold, deep, and full of flavour. Together, they show why people keep coming back to Waadiya again and again.
At Waadiya, both curries are cooked the traditional way. No shortcuts, no bottled sauces, no artificial colours. Just fresh ingredients, real spices, and time. That is the difference between a curry that tastes ordinary and one that tastes like it was made with care.
In this blog, we will walk you through what makes these two curries so special, how they are made, what to pair them with, and why so many families, couples, and friends choose Waadiya for their dinner night out in Mount Waverley.
Why Butter Chicken Is Loved by Almost Everyone
Butter chicken, also called murgh makhani, is one of the most popular dishes in Indian food across the world. It is the first dish many people try, and often the dish that makes them fall in love with Indian food forever.
The chicken is first marinated in yoghurt and mild spices. It is then cooked in a tandoor or pan until it gets a light char. After that, it is simmered slowly in a rich tomato gravy, with butter and a touch of cream added at the end. The taste is smooth, slightly sweet, and very comforting.
At Waadiya, the tomato gravy is cooked low and slow for a long time. This step is important. It allows the tomatoes to turn naturally sweet and deep in flavour, instead of staying sharp and sour. Many fast food curries skip this step, which is why their butter chicken often tastes flat or too sugary. Our chefs at Waadiya do not take that shortcut.
This dish is perfect for people who are new to Indian food, families with children, or anyone who wants a warm and filling meal at the end of a long day.
Best paired with: soft garlic naan to scoop up the gravy, and a side of jeera rice for a lighter option.
Lamb Rogan: A Curry With More Depth and Character
While butter chicken is loved for its comfort, lamb rogan is loved for its depth. This dish comes from the Kashmiri style of cooking and is known for its rich red colour and warm, layered flavour.
The lamb is slow cooked for hours until it becomes soft enough to fall apart with a spoon. The sauce gets its deep colour from Kashmiri chilli, which adds colour and a gentle warmth rather than sharp heat. Whole spices like cardamom, cloves, bay leaf, and fennel are added early in the cooking process. This allows their flavour to slowly blend into the sauce rather than sitting on top of it.
This curry is a wonderful introduction to real Indian cuisine for people who want something beyond the usual mild dishes. It is rich, warming, and full of character, without being overly spicy. At Waadiya, it is one of the dishes our chefs are most proud of.
Best paired with: plain steamed rice to enjoy the full taste of the sauce, or a cooling Sri Lankan coconut sambol on the side for contrast.
Why Order Both? The Perfect Way To Share A Table
Many of our regular guests at Waadiya do not choose between butter chicken and lamb rogan. They order both.
Butter chicken works well as a dish the whole table can share, since the flavour is gentle and pleases everyone, including children. Lamb rogan is perfect for the person at the table who wants something a little stronger and more flavourful.
Add a Sri Lankan side dish to the table, such as black pork curry or devilled prawns, and you get a true taste of why Waadiya brings together two cuisines under one roof instead of sticking to just one. With white tablecloths, attentive service, and a relaxed dining room, it is the kind of table worth booking ahead for.
Make It A Night To Remember
If you have been thinking about trying butter chicken, lamb rogan , or both, there is no better time than this week. Whether you are planning a family dinner, a date night, or a casual catch up with friends, a table at Waadiya is ready for you.
Booking ahead is a good idea, especially on weekends, since these two dishes are some of the most ordered items on the Waadiya menu and tables fill up quickly during busy evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between butter chicken and lamb rogan?
Butter chicken is a creamy, mildly spiced curry made with tomato, butter, and cream. It has a smooth and slightly sweet taste, which makes it a favourite among people of all ages. Lamb rogan is a richer, deeper curry made with slow cooked lamb and warm spices like cardamom and Kashmiri chilli. It has more character and is a great choice for guests who enjoy bold Indian cuisine.
Is lamb rogan very spicy?
No, it is not extremely spicy. The Kashmiri chilli used in this dish adds colour and warmth rather than sharp heat. It is a flavourful dish rather than a fiery one, which makes it suitable for most guests.
Which dish should I try first if I am new to Indian food?
Butter chicken is the easiest dish to start with, since it is mild, creamy, and familiar to most people. Once you are comfortable, lamb rogan is a great next step to explore deeper flavours.
Can I order these dishes for takeaway?
Yes, both butter chicken and lamb rogan are available for takeaway at Waadiya. However, many guests say the dine-in experience adds something special, especially with fresh naan straight from the kitchen.
What should I order to go with these curries?
Garlic naan and jeera rice go very well with butter chicken. For lamb rogan, plain steamed rice or a Sri Lankan coconut sambol makes a great pairing.
Do I need to book a table in advance?
Yes, we recommend booking ahead, especially for weekend dinners, since these two curries are among Waadiya’s most popular dishes and our tables fill up quickly during peak hours.
Where is Waadiya located?
Waadiya is located at 17-21 Centreway, Mount Waverley, Victoria. We are easy to find and offer a comfortable dining space for families, couples, and groups.