Madras Curry Powder

Madras Curry Powder is a pre-mixed spice blend that has become a staple in Western kitchens for creating a classic “curry” flavor. While it is named after the South Indian city of Madras (now Chennai), its history is closely tied to British colonialism and the Anglo-Indian cuisine that developed as a result.

History and Origins

The concept of a pre-mixed curry powder was created by British merchants and colonists in the 18th and 19th centuries who wanted to replicate the flavors of Indian cuisine at home. Unlike traditional Indian cooking, where spice blends are often freshly ground for each dish, Madras Curry Powder was designed for convenience. It’s a simplified adaptation of South Indian spice blends, and its uniform and good-tasting profile made it highly popular in Britain and other former colonies. It’s important to note that the fiery “Madras curry” dish popular in British pubs is an Anglo-Indian invention and not a traditional dish from the city of Chennai.