Indian food has been a part of British culture for hundreds of years. It's an integral part of the national diet and can be found in almost every corner shop across the country.

This article will look at the historical origins of Indian food in Britain, as well as the impact it has had on national cuisine.

The History of Indian Cuisine and the Brits

Indian food was introduced to Britain over 300 years ago. The first Indian restaurants opened in London during the 18th century due to trade between Britain and India.

Back then, Britains was not yet ready to accept the flavours of Indian cuisine. This is because Britains ate bland food with little spices or flavour.

However, a few decades later, it became very popular. It was said that the late Queen Victoria considered Indian cuisine her favourite. She even had an Indian chef who cooked for her and the royal family.

The country's love affair with Indian food grew even more and is still going strong today.

The National Dish of Britain

You might be surprised to learn that the national dish of Britain is not fish and chips or bangers and mash. It's not even roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. The answer to this question is Chicken Tikka Masala! Yes, you heard right! It may surprise many people since British cuisine isn't exactly known for its spicy food.

Chicken Tikka Masala is a British national dish. It's a spicy, creamy curry that has become popular worldwide. So much so that you can find it on menus in Indian restaurants worldwide.

Indian food has become quite popular in recent years. It's easy to see why—it's delicious and full of flavour, plus it can be made with various types of meat, vegetables, and spices.

Britain's Little India

The UK is home to the largest Indian community outside of India. Some of the best Indian food is found in Britain's Little India. Of course, we will name a few of the most popular here, aside from the famous Chicken Tikka Masala.

• Garlic Naan: Naan is a flatbread cooked in an oven or tandoori grill, and it's often served with curry. You can have garlic naan with any Indian dish. It tastes great with butter chicken or vegetable korma.
• Organic Chicken Korma: It's made with organic chicken and coconut milk and has a creamy, spicy flavour. The sauce is thickened with cashews, almonds, or ground pistachios.
• Aloo Gobi: Aloo Gobi is a traditional Indian dish. It's made with potatoes and cauliflower, which are sautéed in garlic and spices. The potatoes are usually cut into small pieces or mashed up before cooking, but you can leave them whole if you prefer.
• Punjabi Chloe: This is an Indian curry made with chickpeas and potatoes. It's usually served with naan, but you can also eat it with rice.
• Dal Makhani: This is an Indian dish with black lentils, butter, and spices. It's usually served over rice or naan.
• Palak Paneer: A  dish made with spinach, paneer cheese, and spices.
• Gulabjamun: (Indian Milk Doughnuts)This is a fried bread filled with sweet syrup. It's usually served as an appetizer or dessert. You can also eat it with ice cream or custard.

Conclusion

Indian food is a staple of British cuisine. It has been a part of British culture for hundreds of years and is integral to the national diet. We hope this article has provided insight into the history and heritage of Indian food in Britain.

If you are craving one now and are looking for the best Indian restaurant near London bridge, look no further than Tower Tandoori. Our menu includes a range of vegetarian and meat curries and speciality desserts such as Gulabjamun.