TasteAtlas categorises Chicken Tikka Masala as a British dish and netizens are not happy: ‘Look at the name itself’

Chicken tikka masala is a dish that has become synonymous with Indian cuisine for many people around the globe. Known for its vibrant, spiced sauce and succulent pieces of grilled chicken, it has found a special place on menus from London to New York. 

TasteAtlas, a popular food review site, released its list of 50 best chicken dishes from across the world, where it categorised chicken tikka masala as a British dish, igniting a debate among netizens who weren’t very happy with this. 

One user wrote, “How come chicken tikka masala became British? Look at the name itself!! Does it sound British to you?”

“Chicken Tikka Masala is an Indian dish not British @tasteatlas,” another user pointed out. 

A curious person commented, “Chicken tikka masala originated from the UK?”

Many argue that the dish’s roots may not be as firmly planted in India as commonly believed, citing its evolution in British curry houses as a key factor in its global identity.

 

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But, what is the truth behind it? 

Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator, tells indianexpress.com, “India is where chicken tikka masala first appeared. Traditional Indian cuisine is where the dish’s two main ingredients, creamy tomato sauce and chicken tikka, first appeared. Indians love chicken tikka, a marinated boneless chicken kebab that’s frequently cooked in a tandoor oven. It’s possible that the creamy tomato sauce was modified from comparable Indian sauces that were used in other curries.”

She adds, “Although chicken tikka masala originated in India, the United Kingdom is where the dish first became widely known worldwide. Indian and Bangladeshi communities migrated to the UK and other Western countries, bringing their culinary traditions with them.” It’s thought that the meal was changed to accommodate British palates, maybe by increasing the amount of cream and reducing the amount of spice. 

Influence of British curry houses on the evolution of chicken tikka masala

Chicken tikka masala has evolved significantly thanks in large part to British curry establishments, says Malhotra. “In order to cater to local tastes, British curry establishments modified the dish, frequently using ingredients and cooking methods that were more recognisable to British diners. “

She continues, “The process of adaptation resulted in mild modifications to the flavour profile and cooking method of chicken tikka masala. Indian food still has a strong hold on chicken tikka masala, even in the wake of British curry establishments. Even while the meal has been modified to suit Western tastes, its essential ingredients — chicken tikka and a rich tomato sauce — are distinctly Indian.”

The dish’s origin and core elements, such as key ingredients and cooking techniques, are essential to its classification. (Source: Freepik)

Role of cultural adaptation in the classification of international dishes

Malhotra agrees that the categorisation of international cuisine heavily relies on cultural adaptation. “Food experiences a process of adaptation when it moves across borders and is impacted by regional flavours, ingredients, and cooking methods. This may result in notable alterations to the dish’s flavour profile, presentation, and cooking techniques.” 

When categorising foods that have evolved across different regions, it is important to consider:

-The dish’s origin and core elements, such as key ingredients and cooking techniques, are essential to its classification. Even if the dish has undergone significant adaptations, its roots can still be traced back to its original culture. 

-The cultural context in which the dish has evolved is also important. The influence of local tastes, ingredients, and traditions can help to shape its identity. 

-The extent to which the dish has been adapted should be considered. If the changes are significant, it may be appropriate to classify it as a new, distinct dish. However, if the core elements remain intact, it can still be considered a variation of the original. 

-How the dish is perceived and used by people in different cultures can also be a factor. If it is widely recognized and consumed as a traditional dish in a particular region, it can be classified as part of that culture’s cuisine.

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