Get the Glasgow stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Along with the likes of the TV, the fridge and ultrasound, tikka masala is often listed as one of Glasgow's finest creations.

Up there alongside korma and the jalfrezi, a tikka masala is considered one the UK's most popular curries, unofficially being declared Britain's national dish.

And legend goes the famous, flavour-packed fare started life in our city, almost by accident.

The claim comes from Shish Mahal, one of Glasgow’s longest-standing Indian restaurants - once one of many curry houses on Gibson Street and now found round the corner on Park Road.

(Image: Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images)

The story dates back to the 70s, when a customer complained his meat was too dry. The then-owner, Ali Ahmed Aslam, took it back to the kitchen and threw together a concoction of spices and tinned tomato soup, which he had been eating while recovering from a stomach ulcer. The rest, as they say, is (damn tasty) history.

Whether it’s true or not is always up for debate…

Still, Lonely Planet named the Shish Mahal as the best place of earth to try the dish in its book, The World’s Best Spicy Food.

The restaurant and a few prominent Glasgow faces tried to get the dish Protected Designation of Origin status back in 2009 - which would have meant restaurants the world over changing their menus to call it Glasgow Tikka Masala.

Sadly, the bid was unsuccessful - and others lay claim to inventing the Indo-British classic, from elsewhere in Glasgow, from London and Birmingham and from Dehli, where one chef claims it’s an authentic Mughlai recipe passed down from royal chefs.

Still, it’s a good story to tell - and it highlights just how serious Glasgow is about its curry.

Glasgow Live has a community group dedicated to all things Food and Drink - the place to share reviews, foodie tips and new bars and restaurants. Join the conversation now!