The origin of ‘Britain’s national dish’, explained Leena Trivedi-Grenier in ‘Curry in the Shish Mahal’
The death of a Pakistani-Scottish chef who claimed he cooked up the world’s first chicken tikka masala is prompting a flood of tributes to what’s been described as ‘Britain’s national dish’ – and reviving a debate into its true origin.
It’s similar to “Who invented chicken noodle soup?” said Leena Trivedi-Grenier, a freelance food writer who investigated the various origin claims. It could’ve been invented by a lot of people at the same time.
The cooking method leaves chicken tikka prone to drying out, says Trivedi-Grenier; the idea to add a sauce with staples like cream, butter and tomato isn’t too revolutionary.
The dish has a mild taste, which is one point of debate. In an interview, Aslam said the recipe was adapted from traditional cuisine according to their customers’ tastes.
Around the world, those who’ve dined at Shish Mahal are remembering Aslam as kind and talented, and someone who helped expand their culinary sensibilities.
I remember the first time I tasted aCurry in the Shish Mahal I enjoyed them for the rest of my life.
The light bulb moment for Aslam was when a customer complained that the chicken tikka was too dry. A yogurt-based tomato sauce was thrown together by Aslam.
“Curry is an illustration of the way Britain absorbs and changes external influences, not only because it’s the most popular, but also because it’s a great example of Britishness,” Robin Cook, the late UK foreign minister, said in a speech.
The positive force of multiculturalism in our economy and society will have significant implications for our understanding of Britishness.
Why the curry chain failed to win a European Parliament protection bid? A facebook post about Mr Ali’s death on December 19 and the next day
The curry EU protected status bid was backed by a local parliamentarian, but failed in 2009, with other restaurants claiming to have invented the dish.
The restaurant, which closed for 48 hours after his death, shared the news in a Facebook post on December 19. “Mr Ali passed away this morning… we are all absolutely devastated and heartbroken,” they shared.
“I can go a year or more without going, and when I do go in, I still get asked after my parents and brothers,” he said.