Chicken tikka masala is one of the most popular Indian dishes around the world. However, there is often debate around whether it should be eaten with utensils or with your hands. Here we’ll explore the history, cultural context, and practical considerations around how to properly eat chicken tikka masala.
Quick Answer
Chicken tikka masala can be eaten either with utensils or with the hands. Using utensils is more common outside of India, while eating with the hands is traditional in India. There are good reasons for both methods, so it comes down to personal preference and cultural context.
Origin and History of Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala originated within the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. It was likely invented sometime in the 1960s or 1970s in Britain. The dish was created by adapting traditional Indian tandoori chicken to appeal to British tastes. Its distinguishing orange-red color and creamy gravy made it an instant hit.
Some accounts suggest it was first created by a chef at an Indian restaurant in Glasgow, Scotland who improvised the sauce with tomato soup and spices. Other stories trace it back to Bangladeshi immigrants in London. However it originated, chicken tikka masala has become one of the most popular dishes in British Indian cuisine.
Cultural Significance of Eating with Hands in India
In traditional Indian culture, eating with the hands is considered the proper way to enjoy a meal. Using breads like naan or roti to scoop up food is an integral part of the dining experience. Eating by hand allows one to fully appreciate the aromas and textures of the food.
Sharing food from a common platter and touching the food is also seen as a way of bonding with others. Eating directly with the hands is customary when dining at home or at informal restaurants in India. At fancier restaurants, diners may choose to eat with utensils instead.
Reasons to Eat Chicken Tikka Masala with Utensils
While authentic, eating chicken tikka masala with the hands can be messy and impractical in some contexts. Here are some reasons you may want to use utensils:
- When eating in formal settings outside of India
- If you don’t have access to bread like naan to use as utensils
- To avoid getting sauce on your hands and clothes
- If you are not comfortable eating with your hands
- When plating includes other foods not conducive to hand eating
Utensils allow neat and convenient access to the dish, especially if dining in a restaurant. The richness of the gravy and sauce makes chicken tikka masala difficult to eat without making a mess.
Reasons to Eat Chicken Tikka Masala with Hands
However, there are also good reasons to eat chicken tikka masala in the traditional Indian style, with your hands:
- More authentic way to enjoy Indian cuisine
- Allows you to get the full experience of flavors and textures
- Lets you soak up every last bit of sauce with bread
- Is convenient if dining in a casual setting
- Gives a communal feel when sharing a platter
Eating with the hands may feel unfamiliar at first. But giving it a try provides an insight into Indian culture and a more immersive culinary experience.
Tips for Eating Chicken Tikka Masala with Hands
If you want to eat chicken tikka masala the traditional Indian way, here are some tips:
- Use freshly baked naan, roti, or other Indian flatbread
- Tear off small pieces to grasp food – don’t put whole bread in dish
- Use right hand only, left is considered unclean
- Scoop up a bite-sized pieces of chicken and sauce together
- Dip bread in sauce towards the end of meal to finish every last drop
- Have moist towelette or finger bowl handy to clean hands
Go slowly as you get used to maneuvering food to your mouth without utensils. Relax and enjoy the interactive dining experience!
The Verdict
At the end of the day, whether you eat chicken tikka masala with utensils or your hands is a personal choice. Here are some final guidelines on how to decide:
- In India, eating with hands is the norm
- In Western countries, utensils are more common
- Use hands for authentic cultural immersion
- Use utensils for neatness and in formal settings
- There is no right or wrong way, just personal preference!
The most important thing is to have an open mind. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone and appreciate different cultural traditions for an enriching dining experience. However you choose to partake, chicken tikka masala is a delicious dish to be savored!
Conclusion
Chicken tikka masala is a dish with an intriguing history that has become a globally loved Indian cuisine staple. Dining etiquette around eating it with the hands versus utensils often varies between its homeland of India and the Western world. There are good reasons for both methods. Choosing whether to eat chicken tikka masala with your hands or utensils ultimately comes down to personal preference, cultural context, and practicality. As long as you savor the complex flavors, you can feel free to enjoy this dish however best suits you.