Difference Between Tikka and Tikka Masala

Tikka vs Tikka Masala

To a westerner, these may sound alien names but courtesy Asian population in Britain, US, Canada, and other European countries, both Tikka and Tikka Masala are today very popular cuisines. While both are chicken dishes, there are differences of curry that make Tikka Masala a complete meal to have with either roti or rice. On the other hand, tikka are chicken pieces that have been baked over a grill or a Tandoor (Indian oven made of clay). Though they are both spiced and marinated, there are differences that will be highlighted in this article.

Let us talk about tikka first. Tikka is an Indian word that refers to small pieces and these are pieces of chicken, usually boneless, that are marinated in spices and yogurt and then placed inside a Tandoor with the help of skewers to slowly bake over smoke and fire. In India, the dish is called Murg tikka, and is boneless, though its Punjabi version contains chicken pieces that are not boneless.

The major difference between baked dishes in western countries and tikka lies in the fact that tikka is brushed with butter occasionally that gives cooked chicken a distinct flavor and aroma. People usually have tikka as an appetizer before the main course and sprinkle lime over it to make it tastier along with chutney and onions.

Tikka Masala has the same chicken chunks used in tikka but the difference lies in the gravy that is prepared for it. The curry is indeed thick and red or brown in color with lots of spices and oil having gone into making it. Lots of tomatoes and butter is used to prepare the curry. Though having Asian roots, Tikka Masala is so popular in Britain today that it is found being served in nearly all major restaurants in England (even Scotland). There are people, who have started to label Tikka Masala as a genuine British recipe. The major ingredients in the curry of tikka Masala are coriander and tomatoes. Butter is generously used while preparing the curry, and British people, who are normally averse to rich foods, just love tikka masala.