Four Surprising Facts About Curry

 Four Surprising Facts About Curry

Curry is one of the UK’s most popular dishes, with the earliest adoption of Indian cuisine in the nation dating back to the 18th century. Over the course of a lifetime, the average Brit will spend £30,000 on curry, so it’s fair to say that we know a thing or two about the variety that Indian cuisine has to offer. However, there are some surprising facts that you might not know about curry – read on to find out more. 

Britain: The Curry Capital of the World?

In Britain, the adoption of Indian cuisine is seen more as a culture than a food choice. Over two thirds of our takeaways are curries, and the best Indian restaurant in Bristol has cemented its reputation by offering diners an experience rather than just a meal. It’s even been estimated that there are more curry houses in London than there are in the major Indian city of Mumbai! 

The Real ‘Spice of Life’ 

A perfect test for the daredevils among us, the spiciest curry found in UK restaurants is the Chicken Naga – although tracking one down can be tricky, thanks to the extreme nature of the dish. Made with the Naga pepper seed, which comes in at an incredible 855,000 on the Scoville Scale, this curry is a true test for spice lovers. There are a handful of other curries that strive to take the heat to the next level too, such as the ‘Flaming Fiery Phaal,’ a dish that combines the Naga with the Scorpion pepper – that one hits a 1.5 million Scoville rating. While these curries are not for the faint of heart, they do show the lengths that curry fans will go to for the spiciest experience. 

Curry Is Healthy!

Unfortunately, curry often gets a bad rep when it comes to health. Although Indian food is a popular takeaway choice, it’s actually one of the healthiest cuisines in the world, and comes with a host of surprising benefits. Not only do the ingredients used to make curries contain anti-inflammatory properties, but it’s also been suggested that they can improve heart health. What’s more, some studies have even suggested that curry has the potential to help lower blood sugar levels.  

The Cuisine That Breaks Records  

Indian cuisine is one that drives passion, and curry enthusiasts around the world have come together on more than one occasion to break some incredible records. In 2015, the world’s largest every curry was cooked in Singapore by the Indian Chefs and Culinary Association. Then, in 2016, Loblaw Companies Limited set the record for the world’s largest naan bread, with their creation reaching over 16 feet in length and weighing a whopping 32kg! 

From the spiciest curry on the planet to the world’s largest naan, Indian cuisine has brought joy and taste to people all over the globe. The UK offers some great opportunities to experience the very best that Indian cuisine has to offer, so what are you waiting for? Cosy up with a takeaway or book a table at your favourite restaurant today! 

Clare Louise

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