Chicken Tikka Masala is a classic Indian dish that is loved worldwide. With its delicious combination of marinated chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce, it's not hard to understand why it's become so popular. The unique mix of flavours and aromatic herbs make this dish genuinely one-of-a-kind.

This blog post will explore Chicken tikka masala's origins and what makes it such a beloved dish.

What Is Chicken Tikka Masala?

Tikka masala is a popular Indian dish that has regional and dietary variations. Chicken tikka masala, also known as tikka masala, is a spiced curry made with tender roasted marinated chicken chunks. These are served hot in Indian restaurants worldwide and can be enjoyed by anyone anytime. 

The chicken, marinated with spices and yoghurt, is grilled in a tandoori oven and then cooked in a creamy tomato sauce. The sauce can range from mild to spicy, depending on the chef's preferences. The tomato sauce usually contains onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, garam masala, cayenne pepper, and other spices. 

The combination of spices gives Chicken Tikka Masala its signature savoury flavour with a hint of sweetness.

What Is the Story Behind Chicken Tikka Masala?

The irony is that, like many great things, the subject is highly debatable and a source of contention for many. Some say it's a British take on curry, while others believe it has deep roots in India. Others are obsessed with the fact that it was born in Glasgow, Scotland.

However, the story of the Ali family is indispensable to any discussion of the origins of chicken tikka masala. 1971, on a stormy night in Glasgow, an off-duty bus driver stopped at a nearby Indian restaurant for a plate of chicken curry. 

Ali Ahmed Aslam, the chef, delivered the dish, but the bus driver returned it because it was too dry. Ali used what he had on hand to add moisture to the dish: a simmering, creamy tomato soup. The bus driver was so pleased with the new dish that he returned to Ali's shop for years, bringing his friends and family with him. Consequently, chicken tikka masala was created.

On the other hand, ethnic food historians Colleen and Peter Grove believe the dish was "most certainly invented in Britain, most likely by a Bangladeshi chef." These foodies point to Mrs Balbir Singh's coveted Shahi Chicken Masala recipe, published in Indian Cookery in 1961, after delving deeply into the numerous claims of origin. 

Is Chicken Tikka Masala Popular Today?

The popularity of Chicken Tikka Masala has spread far beyond its origins in India, becoming an international favourite in countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States. 

It is widely available in restaurants worldwide, although some cooks prefer to rustle up their homemade version at home. It has been hailed as Britain's "national dish", with chefs from all corners of the country offering their take on the classic dish.

The continuing popularity of Chicken tikka masala today shows no signs of slowing down. Its versatility and flavour have earned it a place in kitchens worldwide, where people from all walks of life enjoy it.

Conclusion

The origin of chicken tikka masala is a contentious matter, and its origin remains disputed to this day. However, we can learn from this story that it's a trendy dish and has been enjoyed worldwide for decades. With its delicious combination of spices, creamy tomato-based sauce, and marinated chicken, it's easy to see why it continues to be loved by so many!

And it's more satisfying to eat authentic Indian dishes when you know how they are come up with, like the Chicken tikka masala origin. Get the best Indian food in London! Tower Tandoori serves traditional Indian cuisine and is one of the city's oldest Indian restaurants. Visit us today!