You’re tired, hungry, and not in the mood to cook. You pick up your phone, type “Indian takeaway near me”, and there it is... chicken tikka masala, calling your name like an old friend.
It’s warm. It’s creamy. It’s packed with flavour. And honestly? It never gets old.
So why does this curry, out of all the amazing dishes on the menu, keep topping the charts? And if you’re already in love with it (who isn’t?), what else can you try that’ll hit that same sweet spot?
Let’s talk tikka.
The Curry That Just Won’t Quit
Chicken tikka masala isn’t just a dish anymore; it’s a ritual. It’s the Friday-night default, the “treat yourself” takeaway, the comfort food that gets us through gloomy weather or a stressful week. It’s the go-to when you can’t decide what you want.
Ask around, almost everyone in the UK has had it at least once. And many of us keep going back. It’s like the curry version of a cosy jumper. Familiar. Comforting. Always makes you feel better.
You’ll find it everywhere, from high-end Indian restaurants in London to your local spot that’s been around since you were a kid. Honestly, open up any menu from an Indian takeaway near you, and there it is, front and centre. You can even smell it just thinking about it, can’t you?
So, What’s the Big Deal?
Here’s the thing: it’s just a solid dish. You get those tender bits of chicken, grilled or roasted until they’ve got that bit of smoky char... then you dunk it all in this rich, creamy, tomato-ey sauce that’s full of flavour but not too spicy. It’s comforting without being boring. And no matter what kind of mood you're in, it just works.
Whether you're sitting at the best Indian restaurant London has to offer or eating it out of a foil container on your sofa, chicken tikka masala just... delivers. Every time.
Plus, let’s be real: it’s easy to get. A quick scroll through your favourite food app, a search like “chicken tikka masala near me”, and boom, curry night sorted.
Love It? You Might Fancy These Too
Look, we’re not saying stop ordering tikka masala (who would do such a thing?). But if you're feeling just a bit adventurous, there are some other masala dishes that might just win your heart too.
Lamb Tikka Masala
Same delicious sauce, but with lamb. Richer, meatier, and it honestly feels like a bit of a treat. You’ll probably want to lick the container clean.
Paneer Masala
If you’re skipping the meat, this is a brilliant option. Paneer is that soft Indian cheese that soaks up sauce like a sponge—total flavour bomb.
Butter Chicken
Kinda like tikka masala’s sweeter cousin. If you like it creamy and mellow, this one's calling your name.
Spicy Chef’s Specials
Some takeaways do their own twist on masala dishes. Hotter, tangier, maybe a little smokier. Worth asking, especially if you like a bit of a kick.
So next time you search for your Indian takeaway near me, try mixing it up. You might surprise yourself.
What Even Is a Masala, Anyway?
Good question. “Masala” basically just means a mix of spices, and trust us, the combo is everything. The right mix gives the sauce its depth, that kind of “wow, what is that?” moment with every bite.
Most restaurants use a mix of cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, a bit of chilli, garlic, ginger, maybe some fenugreek if they’re fancy. You have to balance the heat. You want spice that warms, not burns.
Some chefs go creamier, some go smokier, others add sugar or honey, so if you’ve ever wondered why restaurant-style chicken tikka masala tastes a bit different everywhere you go, that’s why.
Takeaway or DIY?
Most of us are ordering in. And there’s no shame in that. Especially when you’ve got so many top-notch places around. Just type “Indian restaurant near me” or “order food online”, and within 30 minutes, your kitchen smells like heaven.
But if you ever fancy having a go yourself, a decent chicken tikka masala recipe isn’t too tricky. Just give the chicken a good marinade (yoghurt and spices, let it sit overnight if you can), and don’t rush the sauce. Let it bubble and blend until it’s silky and rich.
Still… takeaway’s quicker. No washing up. No regrets.
Real Talk: Why We Keep Coming Back
Tikka masala’s stuck around for so long because it just makes sense. It’s the food version of a big blanket and a good telly show. You don’t need a special occasion. It fits every mood. It’s the dish that makes you go “oof, that hit the spot.”
And with so many takeaways and Indian restaurants across the UK, whether you’re in London or a tiny village, it’s easier than ever to get your hands on a good one.
So yeah, next time you scroll through your delivery app or wander past your local curry house, give your old mate tikka a nod. And if you’re feeling wild... try something new too. Life’s short. Sauce it up.
Quick FAQs
1. Why is chicken tikka masala so popular in the UK?
Because it’s tasty, comforting, and not too spicy. It’s that perfect middle ground curry. Everyone from newbies to lifelong curry fans loves it.
2. Can I make it at home?
You totally can. Grab a good recipe, use fresh spices, and don’t rush it. Or just be honest with yourself and order it online. No judgment.
3. What should I try next if I love tikka masala?
Lamb tikka masala, paneer masala, or butter chicken. Or ask your local restaurant what their chef's favourite is, they’ll know what’s good.
