A Take on History: How Brits Came to Love Indian Cuisine

Although Chinese cuisine have recently been taking ground as one of the most loved ethnic cuisine in Britain, British beer-and-curry weekends are not going anywhere. Britons’ love affair with curry is dug way too deep into the roots of history for it to be displaced in a snap. No doubt, Indian curry is the comfort food of millions of Brits, and its popularity goes back almost four hundred years ago.

When Queen Elizabeth I Said Yes

At the dawn of the 17^th century, London merchants decided it would be a worthy undertaking to cross the Indian Ocean to see if they can trade with an exotic land called India. They formed a joint-stock company called the East India Company, the sole purpose of which was to establish trade with the East Indies. They filed a petition to Queen Elizabeth I for permission to set sail, and on 1600 the petition was granted and a royal charter was bestowed upon it. 

Amidst wars against Portuguese and Spanish forces, the company hadmanaged to become the most powerful and dominating trading corporation in India. This further strengthened Britain as a world power. Soon after, British people settled in India and intermarried with Indian women. Indian seamen, known as langars, also boarded British ships and landed in London. By 1810 there were an estimated 1400 langarson English land, and more Indians entered the country in the following years.

Brit’s Spicy Tastes 

It was not long before Brits took an interest in Indian cuisine. Curry powder was particularly popular even back then, leading to the publication of recipes and commercial production of curry powder in 1780. The Coffee House in Norris Street, Haymarket, Londonwas the first English restaurant to have offered curry on a menu in 1773. 

The first ever establishment that offered solely Indian food, however, was the Hindostanee Coffee House at Portman Square, London which opened in 1809. Owned by Dean Mahomet, the restaurant sought to provide “for the entertainment of Indian gentlemen, where they may enjoy the Hoakha, with real Chilm tobacco, and Indian dishes”. 

Since then, the love for Indian cuisine spread across the country, becoming one of the fastest growing food and drinkindustry sector. This exponential growth was partlytriggered in 1984 by Pat Chapman’s The Curry Club and Good Curry Guide, which publicised the cuisine and caused supermarkets to stock curry ingredients and chilled meals. Other publications also taught how to recreate curries at home. Asian cateringLondon, particularly Indian and Chinese catering, also boomed around this time. 

Indian Cuisine Today

Bangladesh is entered the catering industry around 1970, and since then dominated the industry of Indian wedding catering London. They own approximately 65 to 75% of the more than 9000 Indian restaurants in the country.

Chicken tikka masala is now often cited as the nation’s most favourite ethnic dish, even called by the then foreign secretary Robin Cook as “a true British national dish”. With the popularity of Indian foods, Bangladeshis will remain as top Asian caterers London.

Colonial relations play a huge role in Britain’s love for curry, and the dish will continue to represent a rich historical era when Britain dominated the world’s economic and political affairs.

The Clay Oven: Outdoor Catering at Its Finest

The Clay Oven has been raising the bar on Indian fine dining in London and beyond since 1983. Our award-winning chefs create authentic menus that flawlessly complement any special occasion, and use the finest, freshest ingredients to prepare delicious and exquisitely-presented spreads. This dedication to quality in flavour and presentation has allowed us to enjoy the distinction of offering the best Indian outdoor catering in London.

The Clay Oven catering specialists have expertise in traditional and modern dishes from across the globe. Our outdoor catering services in London are renowned for the variety and quality of our Indian, Asian and European menu choices, and the Clay Oven restaurant in Ealing has a dish for any preference or dietary requirement.

Unbeatable Indian outdoor catering

We enjoy taking diners on a culinary journey exploring fine Indian cuisine. In addition to serving people in our fully licensed restaurant in Ealing, we welcome the opportunity to cater your outdoor event. At the Clay Oven we take genuine pride in offering a first-class variety of food and beverage choices for whatever occasion you desire.

We specialise in events off all types, including:

v  Weddings

v  Corporate luncheons

v  Private parties

From simple yet elegant executive coffee breaks to luxurious receptions and weddings, you are guaranteed the highest quality of catering services.  All menus are customised to match your requirements. Several vegetarian and non-vegetarian menu choices are available to create the perfect culinary experience for your guests.

For events taking place outside London, the Clay Oven can cater at external venues across the UK. If you need anything else to make the celebration complete, from customised menus to specially selected décor, lighting, and music, please do not hesitate to ask.

Outdoor catering in London

As experienced event professionals, we cater to all cultures and religious celebrations with impeccable service, which includes the promise that only the best will be served at your table. When you contact us to cater your outdoor event, rest assured that we will listen to your needs, interpret them to your complete satisfaction, and create a menu that is both varied and perfectly presented.

Our banquet suite facility in Wembley is equipped with luxurious suites that are the perfect setting for all celebrations, from intimate private gatherings to large weddings and conferences. Exotically-appointed yet modernised banquet suites can provide you with the optimum event setting.

Whether you are a big corporation needing outdoor catering in London to celebrate company milestones or a happy couple wanting to make your wedding day extra-special, the Clay Oven team has the experience, talent, and creativity to make your event an occasion you will remember with pride.

Indian fine dining in Ealing        

For clients who prefer to celebrate indoors, the Clay Oven is an ideal venue. You can be confident of impeccable service and cheerful, helpful staff. If you’re looking for an authentic, enjoyable, and affordable taste experience, you’ll love our restaurant and its menu, even if you’re unfamiliar with Indian and Asian cuisine. Call us today!

A Take on History: How Brits Came to Love Indian Cuisine

Although Chinese cuisine have recently been taking ground as one of the most loved ethnic cuisine in Britain, British beer-and-curry weekends are not going anywhere. Britons’ love affair with curry is dug way too deep into the roots of history for it to be displaced in a snap. No doubt, Indian curry is the comfort food of millions of Brits, and its popularity goes back almost four hundred years ago.

When Queen Elizabeth I Said Yes

At the dawn of the 17^th century, London merchants decided it would be a worthy undertaking to cross the Indian Ocean to see if they can trade with an exotic land called India. They formed a joint-stock company called the East India Company, the sole purpose of which was to establish trade with the East Indies. They filed a petition to Queen Elizabeth I for permission to set sail, and on 1600 the petition was granted and a royal charter was bestowed upon it. 

Amidst wars against Portuguese and Spanish forces, the company hadmanaged to become the most powerful and dominating trading corporation in India. This further strengthened Britain as a world power. Soon after, British people settled in India and intermarried with Indian women. Indian seamen, known as langars, also boarded British ships and landed in London. By 1810 there were an estimated 1400 langarson English land, and more Indians entered the country in the following years.

Brit’s Spicy Tastes 

It was not long before Brits took an interest in Indian cuisine. Curry powder was particularly popular even back then, leading to the publication of recipes and commercial production of curry powder in 1780. The Coffee House in Norris Street, Haymarket, Londonwas the first English restaurant to have offered curry on a menu in 1773. 

The first ever establishment that offered solely Indian food, however, was the Hindostanee Coffee House at Portman Square, London which opened in 1809. Owned by Dean Mahomet, the restaurant sought to provide “for the entertainment of Indian gentlemen, where they may enjoy the Hoakha, with real Chilm tobacco, and Indian dishes”. 

Since then, the love for Indian cuisine spread across the country, becoming one of the fastest growing food and drinkindustry sector. This exponential growth was partlytriggered in 1984 by Pat Chapman’s The Curry Club and Good Curry Guide, which publicised the cuisine and caused supermarkets to stock curry ingredients and chilled meals. Other publications also taught how to recreate curries at home. Asian cateringLondon, particularly Indian and Chinese catering, also boomed around this time. 

Indian Cuisine Today

Bangladesh is entered the catering industry around 1970, and since then dominated the industry of Indian wedding catering London. They own approximately 65 to 75% of the more than 9000 Indian restaurants in the country.

Chicken tikka masala is now often cited as the nation’s most favourite ethnic dish, even called by the then foreign secretary Robin Cook as “a true British national dish”. With the popularity of Indian foods, Bangladeshis will remain as top Asian caterers London.

Colonial relations play a huge role in Britain’s love for curry, and the dish will continue to represent a rich historical era when Britain dominated the world’s economic and political affairs.

Wedding Catering Ideas

A wedding is a very special event in one’s life. The reception that follows is where the celebration continues, and where many memorable moments take place. Though it’s not a requirement to spend a huge amount of money on your reception, it is important is that you get the kind of reception you want and ensure a comfortable, memorable experience for you and your guests. Here are some wedding catering ideas 

Tented wedding reception 

Wedding receptions, especially outdoor receptions, are held in the garden or lawn of a sprawling private property that can accommodate anywhere between 50-250 guests. If you have a small party, your caterer can set up in the kitchen of the venue. For larger receptions, one option you might want to look into is a caterer’s tent. Usually, it is set up right next to the wedding marquee. A generator may be required the meet the demands of professional catering. The caterer may also provide the furniture, table linens, cutlery, and crockery. The selection of items used would depend on the host’s budget and preference. 

Spring wedding catering 

Spring represents rebirth, beginnings, and everything green and thriving. It’s a romantic season that opens up many possibilities for infusing creativity into your wedding reception planning. Build a menu based on the mood of the season and highlight fresh seasonal produce. A mix salad would be perfect as an appetizer. Traditionally, asparagus is used in spring weddings. You can use it in many ways—as a side dish, as an ingredient in soup, or cooked and prepared as an appetizer. 

Summer wedding catering 

Summer weddings are widely popular. The pleasant weather and the availability of a variety of food may just be some of the reasons why a lot of people love to have summer weddings. When it comes to menu, the possibilities are endless—you can go for barbecues, surf and turf, classic summer fare, or even exotic dishes if you want. Grilled meats and vegetables are a hit as well as refreshing salads. Ice cream and other frozen desserts would win your guests over as well as a never-ending supply of cool drinks. 

Winter wedding catering 

Summer weddings may be popular, but there is ample opportunity to make a winter wedding as romantic and magical. You can apply this to the choice of venue and scenery, décor, as well as the menu. The chilly weather is perfect for hot, hearty soups to warm your guests, and bright, zesty salads that remind one of summer. Winter is also perfect for classic pairings and hearty roast meats like pork, beef, or turkey paired with side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables. You may continue the classic pairing with desserts like bread pudding.  

Asian wedding catering 

If you’re having an Asian-themed wedding, it’s a given that your menu would also be Asian-inspired. Asian weddings have become popular in recent years, as well as Asian cuisine in the catering industry. In the UK in particular, Asian catering London is trending, and Asian wedding caterers London are aplenty. Asian caterers London specialise in providing a wide range of dishes and cuisines representing different regions in Asia. Popular choices are traditional and modern dishes from India, China, Japan, and Southeast Asian nations. Your guests would appreciate the diversity and availability of food that’s different from what they usually have.  

The Clay Oven Cooks Up Your Wedding Reception

Looking for a taste of Asia in the roads of London? Want to taste the best of Indian cuisine for your wedding? The Clay Oven is here to soothe and fulfill your desire and craving for Asian food and cuisine.
Be transported into the Eastern mystique by tasting our rich and exquisite offerings. Create a heavenly, joyous and intimate moment while enjoying a magnificent Eastern feast prepared for your event.
The Clay Oven offers Asian catering London for weddings and other special occasions. We understand that your special occasions and celebrations merit only the best and the Clay Oven is very happy and proud to be a part of your celebrations. Whether you are holding a wedding breakfast, lunch, lunch or an intimate dinner, The Clay Oven can cover your gourmet needs.
As a restaurant situation in London, The Clay Oven lives up to the prestige, sophistication and charm of the city.
Our Promise
The Clay Oven promises an excellent array of Eastern feast, with each dish cooked to perfection. We are proud of our numerous courses, each delighting you and your guests. You can pick from our menu of chicken, lamb, prawns, vegetables, biryanis with bread and rice. Set your preference for mild, hot or very hot taste.
Every bite will be a happy memory and every morsel is rich, flavourful and unforgettable. You and your guests will also be delighted at the various kinds of food available in our buffet.
Fine Dining is The Clay Oven’s specialty and we are one of the finest Asian wedding caterers London. We bring the very best of Indian wedding catering London, along with the perfect background of your choice. Any castle, pavilion or location for your wedding feast will be complete with our food on the table, first rate service and your guests enjoying the celebration.
Whether your reception is inside an elegant pavilion or outside the castle grounds, The Clay Oven can prepare and serve your guests with rich, first rate food and excellent staff. Our service and our cuisine will definitely add value to your very special day.
Of course, we provide an excellent staff to wait upon you and your guests. Our staff is completely professionals, polite and helpful in serving food and drinks as well as assisting in your wedding reception. Rest assured that will attend to your reception needs before, during and after the reception.
The Clay Oven can promise you what you need in your wedding party, excellent staff, excellent and authentic Indian good food to share with everybody and a memory that you will never forget.
We can offer all these without breaking the budget for your wedding. We provide quality food for very affordable price for our restaurants and outdoor catering. In addition, you can expect that your guest will be filled with food as we serve very generous portion in all of our dishes.
With all these, The Clay Oven is the best Indian catering service for the best reception you will ever host.