A survey carried out by Waitrose Kitchen claimed that Chinese food has finally taken over Indian food as the most popular choice of take away.
The loss of top spot for Indian food which has been part of British cuisine for nearly 400 years is a little sad to hear. I have always felt a great sense of pride that my much loved food has a presence in homes that have no exposure to Asian culture except for their Balti or Tikka on a Friday or Saturday night.
The history of Indian food in Britain dates back to the times of the East India Company. During the 1700s, as British interests grew in India, so did the interest of the British in Indian food, leading to the commercial creation of the curry powder in 1780.
The first appearance of curry on a menu was at the Coffee House in Norris Street, Haymarket, London in 1773 but the first establishment dedicated to Indian cuisine was the Hindostanee Coffee House at 34 George Street, Portman Square, London in 1809.
Indian food has great history here in England in the various forms it has invented itself and I for one prefer it over a Chinese anyday.
Bunty
