Anglo Indian Cuisine

India was once a British colony and the influence of this acquisition is very much reflected in a style of British food that is a mixture of both Anglo-Saxon and Indian cuisines.

A very good example Indian style roast beef that is pepped up with the addition of red chillies and cumin.  There are many fish curries and meat curries associated with this style of cooking as well.  Many of these recipes also include yogurt, coconut and almonds.

A favourite dish is mulligatawny which is also known as Rasam. It is an invention of the United Kingdom but very influenced by the style of cooking found in Tamilnadu India.  Sometimes it is just called “pepper water soup.”  It is a very rustic kind of soup. It gets its yellow color from the Indian spice turmeric and it includes chicken, beef or lamb meat.  Rice is also added to thicken it.

Another popular dish in this style is Kedgeree which is also called kitcherie, kitchari, kedgeree, kedgeree or kitchiri.  This is flaked fish such as smoked haddock that is tossed with hard-boiled eggs, rice, parsley, raisins, butter, cream and lots of curry powder.  It is believed that it was first introduced to England by British Colonels during Victorian times.

British colonels also introduced beetroot to India around that time. Fruits, tomatoes and aubergines were blended together to make special chutneys.

Chicken tikka is also a classic. Chicken is marinated in spices and yogurt and then either grilled over hot coals or baked in a clay oven called a tandoor. In the United States it is often called Tandoori Chicken. It is typically served in the U.K. with onion rings and a coriander and tamarind chutney.\

Fish rissoles is another British goodie inherited from India. These are croquettes made from breadcrumbs that are filled with spices and minced meat or fish. They can be sweet or savory and are served either baked or deep fried.  These are very common in Ireland, Wales and the North East of England where they are served with corn beef hash, sausages and French fries.

Curries of all kinds are served all across the U.K. with many curry and chip shops staying open very late at night to catch the hungry crowds leaving pubs.

Another very British-Indian food is rose cookies. These are delicate cookies made from rose-water that are a staple dessert at Christmas.

Two very famous restaurants in London that serve traditional Anglo-Indian food such as Veeraswamy  and Chutney Mary.