Feeling peckish? Grab a bite of a tandoori chicken sandwich for a healthy, scrumptious snack to-go.
What is Tandoori Chicken Sandwich
Tandoori Chicken Sandwich combines tandoori chicken and naan bread, spread with tomatoes, mint, chilli, and cilantro. The tandoori chicken is roasted chicken marinated in yogurt and Indian spices. It is put on skewers and cooked in a tandoor oven which is cooked at high temperatures with wood or charcoal which gives the tandoori chicken its smoky taste.
The dish is from India and has spread to other parts of the world. It is often eaten as an appetiser and the main course. It was made popular post-independence in India by Moti Mahal, Daryaganj in Dehli when he served it to India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
History Of Tandoori Chicken Sandwich
It has been said that a similar dish to tandoori chicken may have existed during the Harappan civilisation which dates back to 3000 BCE. Ancient ovens were found at the Harappan sites which are the same ones used in Punjab state. A team of researchers’ has also unearthed chicken bones with char marks.
Tandoori Chicken, itself, is a dish from Punjab. It was made popular in the late 1940s in Peshawar by Kundan Lal Jaggi, Thakus Dass and Kundan Lal Gujral and owners of the Moti Mahal restaurant. Tandoori chicken joined restaurant menus in the United States in the 1960s. It was even reported that Jacqueline Kennedy ate chicken tandoori on her flight from Rome to Bombay.
Naan bread, another main ingredient of the tandoori chicken sandwich is a type of flatbread from India. The word naan quite literally means bread in ancient Persian language. It was first mentioned in written work by an Indian poet named Amir Khusrow in 1300 AD. The naan bread is quite similar to its Middle Eastern counterpart, pita.
What is The Difference Between Tandoori Chicken and Grilled Chicken?
Well, Tandoori chicken is placed on skewers and cooked in a cylindrical oven build above and underground. Grilled chicken, on the other hand, is cooked on the grill over the coals.
Nutritional Information For Tandoori Chicken Sandwich
A tandoori chicken sandwich has around 400 calories. It has 44 grams of carbohydrates, 15 grams of fat and 21 grams of protein. As with other chicken dishes, it is a great source of protein. Since it is cooked in an oven, it can retain its protein. It can help build and maintain muscle mass as well as provide a good source of Vitamin B6, phosphorus, selenium and niacin.
If you include the skin fat, it will increase its calorie content. The only tricky part is when we are marinating the chicken. The spices and oil used, especially in restaurants, are high in sodium which can have bad effects on your heart health.
Naan bread is 247 calories for one serving. Although it is not considered to be the healthiest of its kind, it does have the essential vitamins and nutrients for everyday needs. In just one serving, it will be able to give you enough calories and energy for a good start to the day.
However, it is recommended you choose a whole wheat version instead of plain white flour one. It contains more fibre to maintain a healthy gut and stomach.
Where To Find Tandoori Chicken Sandwich
Tandoori Chicken Sandwich can be easily found at any Indian restaurants in Malaysia. Here are lists of restaurants you can visit to get the exotic, delicious sandwich to go.
- Tg’s Nasi Kandar
- Qureshi Malaysia
- FS Nasi Kandar Corner
- Restoran Nagasari Curry House
- Bombay Palace
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