Chicken tikka masala is a dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people all over the world. It’s a dish of tender chicken pieces marinated in yogurt and spices, roasted in a clay oven, and then drowned in a creamy tomato sauce. It’s a dish that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. It’s a dish that has been declared the national dish of Britain. But do you know where it came from? And why is it so popular?

The British Mystery

Chicken tikka masala is widely believed to be a British invention, created by South Asian immigrants who adapted their cuisine to suit the local taste buds. But no one really knows who invented it, when or where. There are many stories and theories, but none of them can be proven.

Some say it was born in Glasgow, Scotland, when a chef added tomato soup and cream to his chicken tikka to please a customer who wanted gravy. Others say it was created by an Indian chef near London, who used Campbell’s tomato soup as a shortcut for his sauce. And yet others say it was invented by a Pakistani chef in Birmingham, who added cream and yogurt to his chicken curry to make it milder for his British clients.

But wait, there’s more! Some historians argue that chicken tikka masala is actually an Indian dish, derived from butter chicken, a dish that was invented in Delhi in the 1940s by a restaurateur named Kundan Lal Gujral. He used leftover tandoori chicken and added butter, tomatoes, and cream to make a rich sauce. Some also point out that chicken tikka masala may have been inspired by other dishes from the Indian subcontinent, such as chicken makhani, chicken karahi, or chicken jalfrezi.

The Global Phenomenon

Despite its mysterious origins, chicken tikka masala is a dish that has taken the world by storm. It has been adapted to suit different tastes and ingredients, such as using tofu or paneer instead of chicken, or adding cheese or nuts to the sauce. It has also become a symbol of multiculturalism and diversity, as it shows how different cuisines and cultures can blend together harmoniously.

At Mantra Jersey City, chicken tikka masala is one of the favorites among customers. This classic dish is made with the freshest ingredients and spices, and is sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you are a fan of Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, chicken tikka masala is a must-try dish.

To fully enjoy the flavors of this dish, pair it with a warm and fluffy naan bread. The soft texture of the naan complements the rich and savory flavors of the chicken tikka masala. So, next time you visit Mantra Jersey City, be sure to order this classic dish and experience the wonder of chicken tikka masala for yourself.