German Doner Kebab (GDK) has just joined forces with Shish Mahal, the original inventors of Chicken Tikka Masala – one of the UK’s most popular dishes – to develop a bespoke, limited-edition Tikka Masala sauce and cooling Raita. Both sauces bring authentic Tikka Masala flavours to more Brits across 150 restaurants from 27th April, for a limited time until June…or whilst stock lasts!
Where it all began: Inspired by the Birthplace of Tikka Masala in the UK:
While often associated with Indian cuisine, Tikka Masala is regarded as a British invention. Over time, countless variations have emerged but GDK wanted to return to its roots, whilst raising the bar on ingredient quality and preparation. That’s why they worked with Shish Mahal – the historic, award-winning Indian restaurant widely recognised as the birthplace of Chicken Tikka Masala – to develop sauces that use traditional cooking methods and honour culinary history. The restaurant was founded in Glasgow’s West End in 1964 by Ali Ahmed Aslam and still operates today by the family, serving their famous Tikka Masala.
The Art of Sauce: How the sauce flavours are formed
These sauces are some of GDK’s most-flavoursome inventions yet, developed to elevate fan-favourites to create the NEW Tikka Masala OG Kebab, Tikka Masala Doner Wrap, Tikka Masala Doner Rice Bowl and Tikka Masala Doner Box with Fries. They stay true to traditional cooking methods, use high-quality, natural ingredients, no artificial colours or flavours and deliver a great taste every time.
The new Tikka Masala sauce is a rich, creamy, mildly-spiced tomato-based sauce with a tangy, aromatic profile. It’s made with whole spices including cardamom, star anise, cinnamon and cloves, plus ground spices like Kashmiri chilli, to enhance aroma and complexity. With hints of honey and butter, it’s the perfect balance of sweetness and gentle heat.
The new raita sauce is a smooth, slightly-thick cooling yoghurt-based sauce blended with mint flecks and garlic – giving a fresh, cooling flavour.
Asif Ali from Shish Mahal says: “For us, Chicken Tikka Masala started in our kitchen in Glasgow in 1964. Partnering with GDK allows that original recipe and story to reach a new generation across the UK.”
Chris Waters, Chief Marketing Officer at GDK says: “This collaboration is all about uniting the UK’s most iconic dishes in a fresh way. Working so closely with Shish Mahal gives us the perfect opportunity to honour heritage, whilst delivering the quality and flavour people expect from GDK.”
By combining premium ingredients with precise, step-by-step cooking methods, every diner enjoys the same high-quality flavour every single time. For example, to create GDK’s brand new OG Tikka kebab, the new Tikka Masala sauce is layered inside its signature waffle bread packed with premium ingredients fans know and love, with a final drizzle of raita sauce, for a cooling contrast that balances out its richness.
All new dishes will be available nationwide from 27th April in all GDK restaurants across the UK.