It's hard to define Britain's national dish, but curry has a strong claim. Today, there are around 12,000 Indian restaurants in the UK, employing 100,000 people and generating revenues of £4.2 billion. However, most of the traditional curries served in the UK are actually Bangladeshi, and many restaurant owners can trace their roots back to the Bangladeshi city of Sylhet.

The Hindoostane Coffee House

The first Indian restaurant in London was the Hindoostane Coffee House, which opened in 1810 on George Street. It was owned by Sake Dean Mahomed, who had established himself as a manufacturer of real currie powder. One of his principal patrons was Charles Stuart, who was fascinated with everything Indian. The restaurant didn't last long, but Mahomed went on to open the first commercial shampooing vapour bath in England, which was a huge success.

Hannah Glasse's Recipe

But was Mahomed's restaurant really the first? Britain had been trading with the sub-continent since the 17th century, and spices were among the goods traded. Those who served in India must have brought back a taste for curry, a welcome contrast to the blandness of the British fare at the time. The Norris Street Coffee House in London's Haymarket served curry as early as 1733, while Hannah Glasse, the Mrs Beeton of Georgian England, included recipes for Indian pilau and curry in her The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy (1747).

Despite Mahomed's misfortunes, curry was beginning to rise in popularity. Imports of turmeric tripled between 1820 and 1840. Curry was then promoted for its dietary and health benefits in the 1840s, with regular consumption stimulating the stomach, invigorating blood flow, and creating a more vigorous mind. 

Curry's Popularity

The Mutiny of 1857 rather put all things Indian in bad odour, and it took over half a century for curry, notwithstanding royal patronage, to reclaim lost ground. But by the 1960s, curry had become a staple of the British diet, and it was no longer seen as an exotic or foreign food. Today, it's one of the nation's favourite dishes, with chicken tikka masala and chicken balti being among the most popular.

Chicken tikka masala is said to have been invented in Glasgow in the 1970s when a customer complained that his chicken was too dry. The chef added some tomato soup and spices to the dish, and it was an instant hit. It's now known as the UK's national dish.

Chicken balti is thought to have been invented in Birmingham in the 1980s. Balti means bucket in Urdu, and the dish is traditionally cooked and served in a small, thin, steel wok. It's a spicy curry made with marinated meat, tomatoes, onions, and spices.

Curry is now one of the UK's most popular dishes, and it's easy to see why. It's delicious, spicy, and full of flavour. Whether you like it mild or hot, there's a curry for everyone. So the next time you're looking for something to eat, why not try a curry? You might just discover your new favourite dish.

Conclusion

Curry has become Britain's favourite dish due to a combination of factors, including the influence of Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine, the popularity of early Indian restaurants like the Hindoostane Coffee House, and the promotion of curry's dietary and health benefits. Today, curry is a British diet staple and is no longer seen as an exotic or foreign food. Chicken tikka masala and chicken balti are among the most popular curries, and they're enjoyed by people all over the country. So if you haven't tried a curry yet, what are you waiting for?

Tower Tandoori is one of London's oldest Indian restaurants serving up authentic delicacies. Our a la carte menu provides a unique overview of the traditional Anglo-Indian Classics, the Indian Fusion dishes and the authentic regional masterpieces which have been in existence for generations. Our main courses have been conveniently matched with selected world wines by a talented Sommelier so that you can enjoy the best of both together. If you’re looking for an Indian restaurant near Tower Hill, come visit us! Experience the best of what Indian cuisine has to offer!