What Makes Our Tikka Masala Authentic
The secrets behind Passage to India's award-winning chicken tikka masala in Cambridge.
Chicken tikka masala is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine, and at Passage to India in Cambridge, it's been a customer favorite since we opened in 1991. But what makes our tikka masala truly authentic? Let us share the secrets behind this iconic dish.
The Perfect Marinade
Authenticity starts with the marinade. Our chicken is marinated for hours in a blend of yogurt, lemon juice, and a carefully balanced mix of spices including garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and ginger-garlic paste. This isn't a quick process – the marinade needs time to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
The yogurt in the marinade is crucial. It not only adds tanginess but also helps break down the proteins, resulting in incredibly tender chicken. This traditional technique has been used in North Indian cooking for centuries.
Tandoor Cooking Method
After marinating, the chicken is cooked in our tandoor (clay oven) at high temperatures. This traditional cooking method gives the chicken its signature charred edges and smoky flavor. The intense heat of the tandoor seals in the juices while creating that perfect texture.
Many restaurants skip this step, but at Passage to India, we believe the tandoor is essential for authentic tikka masala. It's what gives our dish that distinctive flavor you can't replicate with a regular grill or pan.
The Creamy Tomato Sauce
The masala (sauce) is where the magic happens. We start with fresh tomatoes, slowly cooked down to create a rich, deep base. Then we add our secret blend of spices – a combination that's been perfected over three decades.
The cream is added at just the right moment to create that velvety texture without overwhelming the spices. The balance is key: too much cream and you lose the spice complexity; too little and the sauce lacks that luxurious mouthfeel.
Fresh, Quality Ingredients
Authenticity isn't just about technique – it's about ingredients. We use fresh, high-quality ingredients: real tomatoes (not paste), fresh cream, authentic Indian spices, and Halal-certified chicken. Every ingredient matters.
Our spices are sourced to ensure authenticity, and we never compromise on quality. This commitment to quality ingredients is what sets our tikka masala apart from others in Cambridge.
Time and Tradition
Perhaps the most important ingredient is time. Our tikka masala isn't rushed. The chicken marinates for hours, the sauce simmers slowly, and everything comes together at the perfect moment. This traditional approach can't be hurried.
We've been making tikka masala the same way for over 30 years, refining the recipe but never compromising on the traditional methods that make it authentic.
Taste the Difference at Passage to India
When you order chicken tikka masala at Passage to India in Cambridge, you're getting a dish made with traditional techniques, quality ingredients, and three decades of experience. It's why we're known for having some of the best Indian food in Cambridge.
Visit us at 3 Glassworks Ave in Cambridge Crossing to experience authentic chicken tikka masala. Available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.