I run a takeaway Indian restaurant – the secret to perfect butter chicken and the dish we HATE to cook but is SO popular
WHETHER IT’S PIZZA, CHINESE, INDIAN OR CHIPPY – when it comes to ordering takeout as a special treat, everyone has their favorite type of cuisine.
For some reason ordering food in still sounds so much better than cooking it yourself.
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But what is the secret of these delicious-tasting dishes?
Here, Harps Virk, 37, owner of an upscale Indian restaurant and takeaway hotspot Masaani in Slough, shares the secret to their butter chicken and the popular dish they hate to cook…
Tasty dishes that “hit the mark”
On a day-to-day basis, Harps oversees the running of the business, quality control, reviewing new trends, marketing, branding, ways to innovate the menu.
He says, “We serve North Indian cuisine, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.
“We pride ourselves on quality service and tasty, authentic dishes made with premium ingredients.
“My favorite dish would be the Chilli Garlic Prawns as they are the perfect blend of spices and really hit the spot!”
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Winner, winner chicken dinner
Although we like to think we’re adventurous when it comes to ordering, if we’re being honest, we all have our favorites.
Harps says, “Our Butter Chicken is hugely popular and a winner for all ages.
“The secret to tender, flavor-infused chicken is a spice-infused yogurt marinade made with fresh ginger, garlic, lemon juice and spices.
“The spices in butter chicken are turmeric, garam masala, chili powder and cumin.
“The reason it’s such a delicious dish is because of, obviously, the butter.
“The splendid blend of cream sauce, butter, spicy tomatoes and an array of Indian spices instantly melts in your mouth.
“If you are a chicken lover, this is a must-try dish for you.
“Also our Daal is very popular – a good vegetarian and healthy option too.”
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Delicate customer
Among the popular vegetarian entrees served by Masaani, customers can order Aloo Papdi Chaat – crispy pieces of pastry topped with chickpeas and potatoes, served with tamarind chutney and yogurt and pomegranate.
There’s also a selection of seafood and meat entrees, including king prawn tempura and chicken tikka.
But there’s one main course that’s hugely popular and Harps admits it’s one of his least favorite dishes to cook…
He says, “Lamb chops! These are clove-smoked lamb chops, marinated in yoghurt, ginger, ground spices and cooked in tandoor.
“Very hard to get the flavor right and cook it to perfection.
“However, our chefs always deliver and guests always come back for more!”
exit menu
Although it’s an authentic Indian restaurant and take-out, that doesn’t stop some people from making some rather bizarre requests.
Harps said, “Some people asked for Chinese food!
“We always try to meet the demands of our customers, but sometimes it’s just not feasible.
“As for the dishes that are not on the menu, we do masala chips and Kheer – an Indian rice pudding.
“It’s not something we officially offer at the moment, but it will be introduced later in our updated menu.
“People are often surprised to find avocado ke gole – avocado dumplings served with mashed beetroot – really tasty.
“They are a unique yet delicious Indian treat.”
Are you hot… or not?
When it comes to Indian cuisine, curry has generally become one of the most popular dishes in the UK – but what temperature do you go for?
For curry newbies, Korma and Pasanda are usually the two mildest dishes on an Indian restaurant menu.
Phaal, Vindaloo and Madras are some of the hottest curries available.
Chicken tikka masala is the most popular dish on Indian restaurant menus of all time and falls somewhere in the middle of the spice scale.
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