Ingredient appreciation — what makes Tikka Masala special

What sets Tikka Masala apart is the handling of tamarind. In lesser versions this is treated as a background note. Here it's central and the tangy and vibrant result shows it. I've started buying it to cook with at home after this experience.

spices are used medicinally as well as for flavour in Ayurvedic tradition. The a dhaba roadside restaurant atmosphere was right for this kind of food. I had nimbu pani lemon water as recommended and it matched well. If you want to understand what makes this cuisine distinctive, Tikka Masala is the place to start.