When Bill Gates was asked about his favourite Indian food during an interaction at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi in 2024, his answer came instantly: Chicken tikka masala. The response quickly gained attention online because the dish is among the most recognised Indian meals worldwide. Often confused with butter chicken, Chicken tikka masala has become a global restaurant staple, appearing on menus from London to New York. Gates’ answer reflected the enormous international influence of Indian cuisine, especially dishes that combine smoky grilled flavours with rich, spiced gravies.
What Bill Gates said about his favourite food
During a rapid-fire interview session at IIT Delhi, Bill Gates answered questions about technology, travel, films, and food. When asked about his favourite Indian dish, he first joked about “chai” before settling on Chicken tikka masala.The moment circulated widely on social media, where some users incorrectly assumed he had said butter chicken. While the two dishes may look similar, they have distinct flavours and cooking styles.Chicken tikka masala is now one of the best-known Indian-inspired dishes in the world. Its origins are still debated, with both India and the United Kingdom linked to its rise in popularity.One widely repeated story suggests South Asian chefs in Britain adapted traditional chicken tikka by adding a creamy tomato-based sauce to appeal to local diners. The combination proved hugely successful and soon spread internationally.Today, the dish is served across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia. Its popularity comes from the balance of grilled chicken, aromatic spices, and a rich curry sauce that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Indian food going global
Indian cuisine has become one of the world’s most influential food cultures. Dishes such as biryani, samosas, dosa, naan, and tikka masala are recognised far beyond India.Part of that success comes from the adaptability of Indian cooking. Recipes can be adjusted for different spice levels and regional preferences whilst still retaining their essential flavours.Chicken tikka masala became especially successful because it combines familiar comfort-food textures with bold spices, making it accessible to international audiences.
Recipe: How to make Chicken tikka masala
IngredientsFor the marinade:
- 500g boneless chicken
- 1 cup yoghurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 chopped tomatoes or tomato puree
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika or chilli powder
- 1/2 cup cream
- Fresh coriander leaves
Method
- Marinate the chicken with yoghurt, spices, lemon juice, and ginger-garlic paste for at least one hour.
- Grill or roast the chicken until lightly charred.
- Heat butter or oil in a pan and cook the onions until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and spices, then cook briefly.
- Add tomatoes and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in cream and mix well.
- Add the grilled chicken and cook for another 8–10 minutes.
- Garnish with coriander and serve with naan or rice.
A dish with worldwide appeal
Chicken tikka masala’s rise from restaurant speciality to international favourite reflects how Indian cuisine has travelled across cultures and continents. Whether associated with India, Britain, or both, the dish remains one of the strongest examples of Indian flavours becoming part of global food culture.It also now has a famous fan in Bill Gates.
