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Tantalising Tandoori Dishes: The Fiery Flavours of India at Tower Tandoori

6 September 2023

The tandoor oven, with its ancient origin and time-honoured cooking techniques, plays a pivotal role in the complex and intricate tapestry of Indian cuisine. The heat from the tandoor's charcoal-fired clay walls penetrates deep into the marinated meats and vegetables, imbuing them with a unique smoky flavour while sealing in their juices for a tender and succulent finish. Tower Tandoori, one of London's oldest Indian restaurants, offers an exquisite array of authentic tandoori dishes that epitomise the art of tandoor cooking. With superior ingredients and expertly crafted marinades, our skilled chefs pay homage to the rich tradition of Indian tandoori cuisine, presenting you with an irresistible selection of dishes that promise a truly unforgettable dining experience.


Whether you're a long-time fan of Indian food or new to the vibrant world of tandoori dishes, a visit to Tower Tandoori is a culinary adventure waiting to be explored. The diverse tandoori menu at Tower Tandoori showcases the depth and variety of regional Indian flavours, taking you on a sensory journey through the subcontinent. From the smoky, aromatic delights of North Indian tandoori classics like Tandoori Chicken and Paneer Tikka to the elegant, refined flavours of South Indian specialties like Malabar Fish Tikka, our menu celebrates the rich flavours and diverse techniques that define Indian tandoori cuisine.


As you step into the warm, welcoming atmosphere at Tower Tandoori, allow our passionate and knowledgeable team to guide you through the fascinating realm of tandoor-cooked delicacies, as they share the stories and traditions behind each dish. Choose from a selection of succulent meats, seafood, and vegetables, each artfully marinated and meticulously grilled to perfection in our traditional tandoor oven. Savor the tantalising aroma of freshly baked naan, crafted from a centuries-old family recipe and delivered steaming hot to your table. At Tower Tandoori, our mission is to captivate your senses with an authentic Indian tandoori culinary experience that transcends borders and leaves a lasting impression on your palate.


The Art of Tandoor Cooking: A Peek into India's Culinary Hearth


The tandoor, a traditional clay oven used extensively in Indian cuisine, is an intriguing and ancient cooking method that can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation. Fuelled by charcoal or wood, the cylindrical tandoor oven reaches incredibly high temperatures, allowing food to cook quickly and evenly, while infusing it with a distinct smoky flavour. Tower Tandoori's master chefs excel in the art and science of tandoor cooking, ensuring that each and every dish meets the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma.


- Marination Mastery: The tandoor's magic begins with perfectly blended marinades that bring out the natural flavours of the ingredients while adding a harmonious depth to the dishes. Our chefs create masterful marinades using traditional Indian spices, yoghurt, and an array of herbs and fruits, marrying flavours in an exquisite symphony that tantalises and delights the palate.


- Charcoal-fired Flavour: The intense heat generated by the tandoor oven's charcoal fire imbues the food with a distinct smoky flavour, searing the marinated meats and vegetables to perfection. The Tandoori Chicken, for instance, achieves its signature reddish hue and smoky aroma from the charcoal flames and expertly crafted marinades, enticing diners with its irresistible allure.


Succulent Meats and Fresh Seafood: The Non-Vegetarian Delights of the Tandoor


At Tower Tandoori, our menu boasts an enticing selection of non-vegetarian tandoori dishes that showcase the skill of our chefs and the versatility of the tandoor oven. Coming from various regions of India, these delicacies offer an unparalleled gastronomic experience for meat and seafood lovers:


- Tandoori Chicken: A true classic of North Indian cuisine, our Tandoori Chicken is prepared using free-range chicken, marinated in a blend of yoghurt, turmeric, paprika, and an assortment of spices that lend their irresistible flavours to the tender, juicy meat.


- Malabar Fish Tikka: Borrowing inspiration from the coastal flavours of South India, succulent fish fillets are marinated in a combination of fragrant spices and tangy tamarind before being skewered and grilled to perfection in the tandoor oven. The result is a beautifully balanced and flavourful dish that leaves you craving more.


Vegetarian Tandoor Wonders: Sizzling Flavours for the Plant-Based Palate


With a rich tradition of vegetarianism in India, the tandoor oven also lends its flavours to the world of plant-based delights. At Tower Tandoori, our chefs have crafted an exquisite range of vegetarian dishes that must not be missed:


- Paneer Tikka: A North Indian favourite, our Paneer Tikka features tender cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in a robust blend of spices and tangy yoghurt, then skewered alongside colourful bell peppers and onions before being cooked to smoky, charred perfection in the tandoor.


- Tandoori Gobi: Giving a smoky twist to the humble cauliflower, Tandoori Gobi showcases tender florets marinated in a blend of fragrant spices before being grilled in the tandoor. The result is a delectable dish boasting a unique merge of flavours and a golden, smoky crust.


The Irresistible Pull of Freshly Baked Bread: Naan, Roti, and More


No tandoori feast is complete without the perfect side of freshly baked bread. Our extensive selection of tandoori breads ranges from traditional to contemporary, offering you the ideal accompaniment to your tandoori dishes:


- Classic Naan: This soft, pillowy bread, made from a special dough, is traditionally slapped onto the inside of the tandoor oven, where it bakes quickly in the intense heat. The naan, brushed with melted butter or ghee, achieves a beautiful charred, crispy exterior with a soft, doughy interior, making it the perfect accompaniment for scooping up sauces and complementing the rich tandoori dishes.


- Garlic and Herb Roti: A healthier alternative to the naan, the whole wheat roti gets an extra flavour boost in our Garlic and Herb variety. Cooked in the tandoor oven, the bread takes on hints of smoky, garlicky goodness, perfect for those who want a more flavoursome, nutritious option.


Conclusion


At Tower Tandoori, we seek to enchant our diners with the mesmerising world of tandoori cooking. Our mouth-watering array of tandoor dishes, made with passion and precision, showcases the best of India's diverse culinary traditions. 


Embark on a gastronomic journey with us through the vibrant flavours, textures, and aromas of authentic Indian tandoori cuisine in an experience that is truly unforgettable in the heart of London. Check out the
tandoori menu of Tower Tandoori and embellish on the culinary delights offered.

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Biryani is a dish that excites the senses with its aromatic spices, tender meats, and flavourful basmati rice. At Tower Tandoori, we've perfected this iconic dish, making it a favourite among our patrons. Our chefs follow age-old recipes and use high-quality ingredients to create a biryani that stands out in London. The beauty of biryani lies in its complex layering of flavours. Each bite offers a different taste sensation, from the richness of the meat to the subtle hints of saffron and the bite of the spices. Perfecting biryani is an art, and our chefs have mastered it through experience and passion for authentic Indian cooking. In this article, we will delve into the history and origins of biryani, discuss the key ingredients that make our version special, and reveal the secret cooking techniques that give our biryani its unique taste. You'll also discover the full dining experience at Tower Tandoori, including the perfect side dishes to accompany your meal. Join us on this culinary journey to understand what makes our biryani the best in London. The History and Origins of Biryani Biryani has a rich history that dates back several centuries and spans different regions of India. The origins of this dish are often traced to the Mughal Empire, where it was a royal dish that combined Persian and Indian cooking techniques. The Mughals brought their culinary traditions to India, and over time, biryani became a beloved part of Indian cuisine. As biryani spread across the Indian subcontinent, it evolved into various regional styles. Each region adapted the basic recipe to include local ingredients and cooking methods. In Hyderabad, biryani is famous for its spicy and aromatic flavours, often cooked with saffron and fried onions. In Kolkata, it is known for its lighter, more fragrant version, often featuring potatoes alongside meat. In Lucknow, the biryani is more refined, with delicate flavours and aromatic spices like cardamom and cinnamon. These regional variations highlight the versatility of biryani and its ability to adapt to local tastes and ingredients. Despite these differences, the core essence of biryani remains the same: a harmonious blend of rice, meat, and spices, cooked to perfection. Key Ingredients That Make Our Biryani Special At Tower Tandoori, the quality of ingredients we use is what sets our biryani apart. The essential spices and flavours are carefully selected to create a balanced and aromatic dish. Here are some of the key spices we use: Saffron: This precious spice adds a beautiful golden colour and a distinctive, fragrant flavour. Cardamom: Known for its sweet and floral aroma, cardamom adds depth to the biryani. Cinnamon Sticks: These add a warm and sweet-spicy flavour that enhances the overall taste. Cloves: With their strong, pungent flavour, cloves add a burst of warmth to the dish. Bay Leaves: These leaves are used for their subtle aroma and slightly bitter taste. The role of high-quality basmati rice and meats cannot be overstated. We use long-grain basmati rice, known for its fluffy texture and fragrant aroma. The rice is carefully washed and soaked before cooking to ensure it is light and separate. For the meat, we source the best cuts of lamb and chicken. The meat is marinated with yoghurt and spices, allowing it to tenderise and absorb the flavours deeply. This step is crucial to achieving the rich, tender pieces of meat found in every serving of our biryani. By using these high-quality ingredients and spices, we ensure that our biryani is not just a meal but a sensory experience, full of aroma, flavour, and texture. Tower Tandoori's Secret Cooking Techniques Creating the perfect biryani at Tower Tandoori involves a combination of traditional methods and attention to detail. One of the most important techniques we use is layering and dum cooking. This method helps to blend the flavours seamlessly and creates the characteristic texture of our biryani. Layering involves placing the marinated meat, rice, and spices in multiple layers within a heavy-bottomed pot. Each layer contributes to the overall flavour profile of the biryani. The pot is then sealed tightly with dough to trap the steam, and the dish is cooked slowly over a low flame. This process is known as dum cooking and allows the ingredients to cook in their own juices, resulting in a tender and flavourful biryani. Marination is another critical component of our biryani-making process. We marinate our meats in yoghurt and a blend of spices for several hours. This step helps to tenderise the meat and infuse it with deep, rich flavours that make every bite succulent. Slow cooking the marinated meat ensures that it remains juicy and absorbs all the spices, making it the highlight of the dish. By combining these secret cooking techniques, our chefs at Tower Tandoori have perfected the art of making biryani. Each pot of biryani is a testament to their skill and dedication to preserving authentic culinary practices. Experiencing Biryani at Tower Tandoori Dining at Tower Tandoori is more than just a meal; it's an experience. Our biryani pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes that enhance the overall taste. Here are some suggested accompaniments: Raita: This cool yoghurt-based side dish with cucumber and mint provides a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the biryani. Mirchi Ka Salan: A spicy chilli and peanut curry that adds an extra layer of heat and complexity. Salad: A simple onion and cucumber salad with a squeeze of lemon helps cleanse the palate between bites. Papadums: These crispy lentil crackers add texture and are great for scooping up extra sauce. Customer testimonials speak volumes about the dining experience at Tower Tandoori. Many patrons rave about the rich flavours and perfectly cooked rice in our biryani. One customer described it as "the best biryani in London," highlighting the authentic taste and generous portions. Another regular diner mentioned how the use of high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques made the biryani stand out from other restaurants. With its perfect blend of spices, tender meats, and aromatic rice, our biryani has become a favourite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a delicious meal, experiencing biryani at Tower Tandoori is always a delightful culinary journey. Conclusion Crafting the best biryani in London requires a blend of history, quality ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques. At Tower Tandoori, our commitment to these principles ensures that every plate of biryani we serve is rich in flavour and authenticity. From the marinated meats to the fragrant basmati rice, each element is meticulously prepared to offer a memorable dining experience. Exploring the history and regional variations of biryani gives us a deeper appreciation for this beloved dish. Our use of premium spices and careful layering through the dum cooking method provides the complex taste that our customers love. Pairing our biryani with the right sides enhances the meal, making each visit to Tower Tandoori a special occasion. Ready to taste the best biryani in London? Contact us at Tower Tandoori to enjoy a meal crafted with passion and expertise. Treat your taste buds to an unforgettable experience with our authentic biryani at our best Indian restaurant in London bridge . We look forward to serving you soon!
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