The chicken tikka masala wasn’t invented in India. Shocked? Yes, it does have tandoori chicken pieces, desi spices and our favourite tomato-based creamy gravy, but it isn’t an Indian-origin dish. Instead, it was allegedly invented by Ali Ahmed Aslam, in his restaurant, Shish Mahal in Glasgow in the 1970s. On 19th December, Ali Ahmed Aslam breathed his last at the age of 77. With that, the world mourns the alleged inventor of chicken tikka masala.
Ali Ahmed Aslam, Believed To Be Inventor Of Chicken Tikka Masala Passes Away
In the 1970s, Ali Ahmed Aslam, once came across a customer at his restaurant, Shish Mahal, who found the chicken tikka a little dry. The customer requested a sauce to go with the chicken tikka. So, Ali Ahmed Aslam decided to quickly whip up a creamy sauce to go with the chicken. He prepared the sauce with yoghurt, spices, cream and tomato puree. Then, he cooked the chicken tikka pieces in it.
Also Read: Relish Crab Dosa, Butter Chicken Dosa And More At This Dosa Festival In Gurgaon
View this post on Instagram
The chef took into account that the customer from Glasgow won’t like a hot curry. So, he added adequate cream and yoghurt to give it a soothing flavour. What resulted was a chicken tikka masala that truly stood the test of time. The chef, Ali Ahmed Aslam is believed to have introduced not just Glasgow, but the world to chicken tikka masala.
Also Read: This Slice Of Denmark Near Kolkata Will Amaze You With Its Gourmet Dishes
Shish Mahal In Glasgow Shuts For 48 Hours To Pay Respect To Him
The restaurant, Shish Mahal took to Instagram to announce his death. In a post, it mentioned that their founder, father, grandfather and friend breathed his last. As a mark of respect for him, the iconic eatery in Glasgow shut its doors for 48 hours.
View this post on Instagram
It’s indeed heartbreaking to know that the culinary icon is no more. But his legacy will continue to remain with his dish that is etched in everyone’s hearts and memories. May he rest in peace.
Cover Image Courtesy: officialshishmahal/ Instagram