“Chicken Tikka Masala is now a true British national dish, not only because it is the most popular, but because it is a perfect illustration of the way Britain absorbs and adapts external influences. Chicken Tikka is an Indian dish. The masala sauce was added to satisfy the desire of the British people to have their meat served in gravy”
Extract from a speech by former British Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook (2001)
Today you will find various types of Chicken Tikka Masala’s served in our restaurants; the Chicken Tikkas (marinated chicken chunks char-grilled in a clay oven) are most likely to be the same. The Masala (sauce), well that depends on the chef, sauces can vary from the spices used to the base of the sauce which may either be made from tomatoes, yogurt or cream. Most chefs add almond powder to thicken the sauce, before the cooked chicken tikkas are stir fried in the sauce for a few minutes before being served.
Who created Chicken Tikka Masala?
Who created Chicken Tikka Masala?
It was never seen on restaurant menus throughout India and the first suggestion is that it was created in England in the earlier 70's, when a customer at an Indian restaurant demanded some sauce with his Chicken Tikka as he believed the dish to be dry. While for years various restaurants and regions in the United Kingdom have claimed of creating the dish, others say, it was originally created by mogul chefs during the Mogul Empire, between 15th and 19th century.
Last week another revelation came out in the headlines, claiming that it was created in Glasgow:
Last week another revelation came out in the headlines, claiming that it was created in Glasgow:
There are many theories of who may have invented such a dish, though no real evidence to suggest the truth. Will we ever find out?
