Gravy vs Dry: What It Means on an Indo-Chinese Menu
Quick answer: On an Indo-Chinese menu, gravy means the dish comes in plenty of sauce to eat with rice or noodles, and dry means the sauce is cooked down so it just coats the food, like a starter. At Chilli N Chopsticks in Downtown Kitchener, mains come with gravy and steamed rice, and any can be made dry for $2 extra.
Gravy vs dry at a glance
| Gravy | Dry | |
|---|---|---|
| Sauce | Plenty, pourable | Thick, clings to the food |
| Texture | Softer, saucy | Crispier |
| Best with | Steamed rice or fried rice | On its own, as a starter, or with drinks |
| Price here | Included | +$2 |

Which dishes work both ways

Most of our chicken, fish, shrimp, beef, paneer and vegetable mains: Chilli, Manchurian, Szechuan, Spicy Garlic and more. Some Chef’s Picks are always dry, like Dragon Chicken, Sesame Ginger Chicken and Crispy Sesame Beef.

How to order like a regular
- Sharing a meal? Order one dish dry as a starter and one gravy dish with rice.
- Lunch? Weekday lunch specials can be made dry for $2.
- Takeout? Gravy dishes stay moist on the trip home; dry dishes are crispiest eaten fresh.
- Party trays? Both styles are available. See party trays.
Try both in Kitchener
Order online for pickup, get delivery on Uber Eats or DoorDash, or book a table at 183 King St E, Downtown Kitchener. Open 7 days: Sunday to Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
FAQ
What does dry mean on an Indo-Chinese menu?
The sauce is cooked down so it just coats the food, making it crispier, like a starter.
What does gravy mean?
The dish comes in plenty of sauce to eat with rice or noodles.
How much extra is a dry dish?
$2 extra at Chilli N Chopsticks.
Do gravy dishes come with rice?
Yes. Our mains come with gravy and a bowl of steamed rice.
Which is better for takeout?
Gravy dishes travel better. Dry dishes are crispiest when eaten fresh.
Still have a question? Message us on Instagram @chillichopsticks_kitchener or call 519-208-9775.
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