"Indian dishes, in the highest perfection… unequalled to any curries ever made in England." So ran the 1809 newspaper advert for a new eating establishment in an upmarket London square popular with colonial returnees.
Diners at the Hindostanee Coffee House could smoke hookah pipes and recline on bamboo-cane sofas as they tucked into spicy meat and vegetable dishes.
This was the country's first dedicated Indian restaurant, opened by an entrepreneurial migrant by the name of Dean Mahomed.
But Britons already had a taste for curry. A handful of coffee houses served curries alongside their usual fare, and in the gracious homes of returnees, ladies attempted to recreate dishes and condiments their families enjoyed on the sub-continent.
Some wrote out their own recipes; others may have used one of the many editions of Hannah Glasse's The Art of Cookery, first published in 1747, which contained recipes for curries and pilaus.
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ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating post about the love for curry in Britain! It’s amazing to see how Indian cuisine has made such an impact globally. As someone who promotes vegan in india through my website, The Earthen One, I’m excited to see traditional dishes being embraced in new ways. Curries can easily be made plant-based, allowing everyone to enjoy their rich flavors. Thanks for sharing this delicious insight!
ReplyDeleteGreat read! It’s fascinating to see how curry has become such a beloved dish in Britain. As someone interested in both global food culture and plant-based eating, I think it's exciting how dishes like curry can easily be adapted for different diets. With the rise of veganism in india, there’s also a growing interest in creating flavorful vegan versions of traditional curries. It’s amazing how food continues to evolve and connect cultures—thanks for sharing this!
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