Different Takes on Curry: Exploring the Rich Flavors of Anglo-Indian Cuisine

23 July 2020

When people try to dig into the staple dishes in London, England, many think of indulging in fish and chips. The light, greasy, and delicious combination seems like a Londoner as America’s apple pie, but looking closer, the most popular food in the UK is far from what you would expect: Chicken Tikka Masala.

The medley between Indian and British cuisine seems like an unlikely pairing, but history proves that different cultures will always have a shared love for good food. The British Raj during the mid-18th century gave birth to the fusion of Anglo and Indian influences, resulting in delicious staples that are packed with strong aromatic components and diversity at every bite.

English tastes soften the blow of India’s notably spicy edge, creating a balance of spices that is neither bland nor unbearably hot. The rich amalgamation paved the way for today’s hearty, go-to favorites, such as the following dishes you should try on your visit in England:

1. Chicken Tikka Masala

Known as Britain’s true national dish, chicken tikka masala is the number one dish you need to try if you’re craving for the perfect representation of Anglo-Indian cuisine. It can give you the heat you’re looking for, but there’s a creamy richness from the butter sauce that keeps the fire in your tongue at bay.

The thick, tomato sauce also gives the dish a bright touch to cut the savoriness, making it a sweet and spicy dish that is sure to give your taste buds a punch of flavors.

2. Chicken Kurma

If you’re looking for a more Indian classic, chicken kurma is widely known as the flagship in Indian cuisine that has a strong roasted taste from its cashew or almond paste as the base of the gravy. While it looks and seems similar to chicken tikka masala, there are key differences in its preparation.

The ingredients are all cooked separately in chicken tikka, whereas chicken kurma follows the traditional method where all the spices and chicken pieces are marinated together and cooked on low heat. It results in a bright, yellow dish that is mildly spicy, creamy, and a nutty essence giving it a distinctive flavor profile.

3. Chicken Makhani

One of the ultimate curries known as butter chicken in England, chicken makhani is a highly rich dish that combines the freshness of tomatoes with the slightly salty, sweet, and savoriness of butter. It delivers a clean taste with a spicy note at the end, bringing out the light flavors of the chicken.

It looks mouthwatering with its fiery orange color, making it one of the specials that elevate your taste buds the more you eat the dish.

The Bottom Line: Exploring the Gastronomic Flavors Behind the Medley of Anglo-Indian Cuisine

Fusing English and Indian cuisine results in an exotic, flavorsome, and diverse staples that offer a spoiled choice of curries that are sure to invite you to a feast for all the senses.

Craving for a hearty taste that will introduce your taste buds to an explosion of spices? Dig into our rich menu at Tower Tandoori, one of London’s oldest Indian restaurants where you can satisfy your hunger for authentic delicacies.

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