Mumbai Square
Christmas Special A New Year’s Gift – Our Secret Chicken Tikka Masala Revealed from our Indian Restaurant in Aldgate

A New Year’s Gift – Our Secret Chicken Tikka Masala Revealed from our Indian Restaurant in Aldgate

A Season of Giving Happy New Year to all our friends, neighbors, and food lovers! As we step into 2026, the team at Mumbai Square has been reflecting on what makes our journey so special. The answer is simple: you. Over the years, we have become a staple Indian restaurant in Aldgate, serving thousands of plates of steaming, flavorful curry. To say “thank you” for your incredible support, we’ve decided to do something we have never done before. We are unwrapping our most guarded secret and giving it to you as a New Year’s gift.

Today, we are sharing the authentic recipe for our famous Chicken Tikka Masala.

Why This Dish? Chicken Tikka Masala is more than just a menu item; it is a symbol of Indian culinary heritage meeting modern cravings. While many claim to have the “best” version, our guests in Aldgate know that the Mumbai Square version has a specific balance of smoke, spice, and creaminess that is hard to find elsewhere. By sharing this, we hope to bring a bit of our restaurant’s warmth into your home.

The Philosophy of the Spice Before we get to the ingredients, remember that Indian cooking is about patience. At our Indian restaurant in Aldgate, we don’t rush the onions, and we don’t skimp on the marinade. The secret is in the “Tikka”—the process of marinating the chicken so the flavor penetrates deep into the meat before it ever touches the sauce.

The Recipe (Your Gift)

  • The Marinade: Use 500g chicken thighs (they stay juicier). Mix with 1 cup of thick yogurt, 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste, a squeeze of lemon, and our secret blend of Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric, and garam masala. Let this sit for at least 4 hours—or overnight if you can wait!
  • The Char: In a very hot pan (or a grill), cook the chicken until it has dark, charred edges. This “tandoori” style smoky flavor is what makes the dish authentic.
  • The Gravy: Sauté finely chopped onions until they are golden brown. Add pureed tomatoes, ginger, and green chilies. The key is to cook the tomatoes until the oil starts to separate from the sides of the pan.
  • The Finishing Touch: Stir in the charred chicken, a generous splash of heavy cream, and a pinch of dried fenugreek leaves (Kasuri Methi). This herb is the secret “restaurant smell” you recognize the moment you walk into Mumbai Square.

Bringing Aldgate Home We know that cooking at home is a beautiful way to bond with family. As you stir the pot and the aroma of cumin and coriander fills your kitchen, we hope you feel the same passion that our chefs feel every day. This New Year, don’t just eat; create memories.

If your version tastes just like ours, tag us on social media! And if you find you’ve run out of cream or just want the professionals to handle the dishes, our doors at the best Indian restaurant in Aldgate are always open for you.

Happy New Year and Happy Cooking!