Few cuisines can compete with Indian food for its bright, vivid flavours that warm the soul and stimulate the taste senses. From rich, creamy curries to smokey tandoori delicacies, Indian dishes has made its way into homes and hearts throughout the world. Whether you are dining in or ordering takeout, these meals have become classics for everyone who likes spice and flavour. So, take a plate and join us on a delightful get-through of some of the most popular Indian meals loved across the globe, particularly in the United Kingdom, a country with a deep love for Indian cuisine. For example, did you know there are about 18,000 Indian restaurants in the UK? That’s right, Indian cuisine has truly become a part of British culture.
History of Indian Cuisine in the UK
The United Kingdom’s obsession with Indian food goes back to the early 18th century. The “Hindoostanee Coffee House”, Britain’s first completely Indian restaurant, established in 1810 in Portman Square in London’s Mayfair. This restaurant catered to both rich British and Indian royalty, serving authentic Indian meals which were far from usual of the period. Fast forward to the present day, and Indian cuisine is popular throughout the UK. In fact, the UK restaurant industry, which includes full-service restaurants, cafés, takeaways, and mobile food businesses, has grown rapidly. In 2022, there were over 100,000 restaurants in the UK, with Indian food contributing up a sizable share of it. The increasing number of Indian restaurants and takeaways has made curry night a weekly ritual in many British families.
Biryani
If one dish deserves to be presented with a crown, it’s biryani. This aromatic, spicy rice dish is popular across the globe and often referred to as a “royal dish.” Biryani originated during the Persian period and was later famous because of the Mughal Empire and has since become a global hit. Whether you like chicken or veggie biryani, each bite is bursting with flavour because of a lengthy cooking procedure that maintains spices such as saffron, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Biryani has grown so popular that people go on dedicated quests to find the best biryani in the UK! Biryani is a must-try dish for everyone.
Chicken Tikka Masala
You can’t discuss Indian food without discussing chicken tikka masala. Interestingly, this dish of marinated chicken bites cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce has a uniquely British flavour. According to stories, chicken tikka masala was initially produced in the UK by combining a thick, mild sauce with classic chicken tikka to suit the local palate. Every year, around 43 million pieces of chicken tikka masala are served in restaurants across Britain. It is so popular that it is sometimes called “UK’s national dish”! Creamy, tangy, and delectable, chicken tikka masala is an excellent alternative for people who enjoy curry but prefer it less hot.
Butter Chicken
No list of popular Indian recipes would be complete without including butter chicken (also known as “Murgh Makhani”). This creamy, slightly spicy dish is winning hearts throughout the world, providing a rich, satisfying sensation with each bite. Butter chicken originated in Delhi, when a chef searched for ways to use leftover tandoori chicken in a buttery tomato-based stew. What was the result? A luxurious, slightly spicy gravy in which the sweetness of tomatoes is balanced by a combination of spices including garam masala, cumin, and coriander, all topped with a generous serving of cream and butter. Butter chicken is a popular choice for curry consumers across the world, whether they eat out or order in. It’s one of the most sought-after dishes in Indian restaurants, especially in places like the UK.
Samosa Chaat
Indian street cuisine continues to take the world by uproar, and samosa chaat is an excellent example. This meal is a wonderful combination of crispy, packed samosas topped with yoghurt, tamarind chutney, chickpeas, and chaat masala powder. It combines sweet, sour, acidic, and spicy flavours in one mouthful. Samosas are already a global favourite (they can be found in almost every Indian restaurant), but when served as chaat, they take on an entirely distinct flavour.
Paneer Tikka
Who says vegetarians don’t have fun? Paneer tikka is the vegetarian version of chicken tikka, and it’s delicious. Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is marinated in a spicy yoghurt mixture, then skewered and grilled until preferably browned. The smoky flavour from the tandoor (clay oven) adds an extra layer of depth to this dish, making it an absolute favourite at barbecues and parties.
Tandoori Chicken
We can’t talk about the tandoor without mentioning tandoori chicken. This meal, marinated in yoghurt and spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, is slow-cooked in a clay oven until the outside is slightly charred and the interior moist and soft. The mix of high heat and smokey grilling is what gives tandoori chicken its distinct flavour, making it one of the most popular Indian meals in the world.
Why is Indian food so popular in the UK?
Indian cuisine has been a part of British society for centuries, due to the spice trade and colonial ties. The UK’s relationship with Indian food grew even stronger with the arrival of Indian immigrants in the 20th century, leading to the explosion of Indian restaurants and takeaways.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want spicy curries or prefer something milder, Indian food, InChi provides something for everyone. From the smoky flavours of tandoori chicken to the irresistible charm of biryani, Indian cuisine has captivated the taste buds of people all over the world. So, the next time you are in search of the best biryani in the UK or desiring some spicy chicken tikka masala, visit InChi, and you will know the reason why these dishes have become global favourites.