The UK's Obsession with Indian Food: How Chicken Tikka Masala Became the National Dish

🍛Indian cuisine, particularly chicken tikka masala, has become a beloved part of British culture.

🏴The UK's obsession with Indian food can be traced back to the British Empire's colonization of India.

🌍Indian restaurants in the UK are predominantly owned by Bangladeshi immigrants.

🌶️Chicken tikka masala is a fusion dish that combines Indian and British culinary influences.

👨‍🍳The invention of chicken tikka masala is attributed to different theories, including the addition of tomato sauce by a Glasgow chef.

Why is Indian food so popular in the UK?

—Indian food offers a diverse range of flavors and is seen as a flavorful alternative to traditional British cuisine.

Is chicken tikka masala an authentic Indian dish?

—No, chicken tikka masala is a dish that originated in the UK and has been adapted to suit British tastes.

Who owns most Indian restaurants in the UK?

—The majority of Indian restaurants in the UK are owned by Bangladeshi immigrants.

What is the secret to a good chicken tikka masala?

—The key to a good chicken tikka masala lies in marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices, and then cooking it in a rich tomato-based sauce.

What other dishes are popular in Indian restaurants in the UK?

—In addition to chicken tikka masala, other popular dishes in Indian restaurants in the UK include lamb curry, butter chicken, and vegetable biryani.

00:00Indian food, especially chicken tikka masala, is incredibly popular in the UK.

03:12The history of Indian restaurants in the UK can be traced back to the late 18th century.

07:08The majority of Indian restaurants in the UK are actually owned by Bangladeshis.

09:58The origins of chicken tikka masala are still debated, but one theory attributes its invention to a chef in Glasgow.

11:56Despite its origins, chicken tikka masala has become one of the most popular dishes in the UK.