Chicken Tikka Masala
The origin of the cult classic Chicken Tikka Masala is still unclear, but that hasn’t stopped this iconic dish from having its fair share of following around the world. If food was a religion, Chicken Tikka Masala would probably have the highest number of believers.
Some believe that Ali Ahmed of Shish Mahal restaurant, improvised this dish to cater and satisfy a grumpy customer in the 70s; in Glasgow, Scotland. A few others argue that a British-Bangladeshi chef came up with it in the 60s.
Whereas, a royal spin on its origin tale suggests that it originated in Karim Restaurant in Delhi, developed by the last chef of the Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar.
And another contender of the Chicken Tikka Masala chronicles, hailing from Delhi is Moti Mahal’s Murgh Makhani (butter chicken); they believe that Chicken Tikka Masala is the revised version of their butter chicken for the British palette.
Imagine a curry causing an all out food war with people battling for its invention rights from South Asia to Europe; you could probably call it Chicken Tikka Masla (Problem), with all the conspiracy theories it has added spice too.
But these theories aren’t the only thing fueled by spice; Chicken Tikka Masala is made with a heavenly blend of aromatic spices like turmeric and paprika, brought together with a rich and creamy flavourful sauce. Although the ingredients for the recipe varies depending on the chef, the original flavors are still present. Some people prefer a sweeter coconut cream curry while some prefer the classic tangy tomato puree. The cooking method has stayed the same throughout the many changes and evolution of this dish. The boneless chicken pieces are traditionally cooked in the tandoor (clay oven) to get the charred smoky tikka essence and then tossed in the mouth-watering tomato cream sauce.
The debate is far from over about the true origins of this globally-loved dish, so at Laree Adda, we take Chicken Tikka Masala quite seriously and make it as close to home as possible; using authentic Southasian spices and flavors.
Come in to try some, and tell us your version of the Chicken Tikka Masala story!
