FISH TIKKA
FISH TIKKA
Experience the coastal flavors of Shandhar Hut’s Fish Tikka, a sophisticated dish that brings together the maritime traditions of India’s coastal regions with our refined restaurant expertise. Our skilled chefs have mastered this delicate preparation, bringing you the finest seafood experience here in Chilliwack. Tender pieces of premium fish are marinated in a vibrant blend of yogurt and coastal spices, then carefully grilled in our tandoor to achieve a perfect char while maintaining a moist, flaky interior that melts in your mouth. The result is a dish that’s rich in flavor, showcasing the perfect harmony between the natural sweetness of the fish, the complexity of the spices, and the gentle smokiness from the tandoor. Whether you’re a seafood lover or an adventurous diner exploring new flavors, our Fish Tikka is sure to impress your palate. It’s excellent as a light appetizer, healthy main course, or as part of a shared feast, pairing beautifully with our coconut mint chutney or wrapped in a buttery naan. Perfect for a sophisticated dining experience or as an elegant addition to any gathering, Shandhar Hut’s Fish Tikka offers a refined explosion of flavors that will transport you to the scenic coastal regions of India with each delightful bite.
THE HISTORY OF FISH TIKKA
Fish Tikka emerged from India’s rich coastal culinary traditions, where seafood has been a staple for thousands of years. The preparation represents a fascinating fusion of inland tandoori cooking techniques with coastal seafood traditions, particularly from regions like Bengal, Kerala, and Gujarat, where fish has always been central to the cuisine.
The dish evolved as coastal communities adapted the popular tikka marinades and cooking methods to their abundant seafood resources. While the inland regions of Punjab were perfecting their meat tikkas, coastal regions were developing their own distinctive fish preparations using similar spice blends but with unique regional variations that complemented seafood.
The popularization of Fish Tikka gained momentum in the 1970s and 1980s, as Indian restaurants began expanding their menus to include healthier alternatives to traditional meat dishes. The dish particularly flourished in coastal cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Goa, where fresh seafood and tandoori cooking techniques naturally merged.
The preparation method reflects the confluence of various Indian culinary traditions. The yogurt-based marinade comes from the northern tandoori tradition, while the spice blends often incorporate coastal elements like curry leaves, coconut, and regional masalas that are characteristic of seafood preparations in various coastal states.
Today, Fish Tikka represents the versatility of Indian cuisine, demonstrating how traditional cooking methods can be adapted to different ingredients while maintaining their essential character. At Shandhar Hut, we honor both the coastal origins and tandoori traditions in our preparation, offering a dish that brings together the best of both worlds.
HOW WE DO IT
It is our mission to become Chilliwack’s premier destination for authentic Indian cuisine, and we believe the secret to our exceptional Fish Tikka lies in our commitment to quality ingredients and coastal cooking traditions. We start with premium fish, carefully selected for its freshness and delicate texture. The foundation of our marinade is thick, tangy yogurt, which not only helps the fish remain tender but also imparts a subtle sourness that complements the seafood perfectly. Our signature spice blend is a carefully guarded recipe, featuring the vibrant warmth of Kashmiri red chili powder, the earthy depth of turmeric, and aromatic notes of coriander and cumin. Fresh ginger and garlic paste add a potent aroma and flavor, while curry leaves and a squeeze of lime juice bring bright, coastal notes to the mix. We also incorporate carom seeds and freshly ground black pepper for their unique flavor and heat that pairs beautifully with fish. The marinade is gently applied and left to infuse for just the right amount of time, allowing the flavors to enhance the fish without overwhelming its natural sweetness. Just before cooking, we brush the fish with a mixture of mustard oil and clarified butter, which helps create those irresistible char marks while keeping the fish moist and flavorful. The fish is then carefully cooked in our traditional tandoor, imparting a distinctive smoky flavor that perfectly complements the seafood’s delicate taste. The result is a dish that’s tender, deeply flavorful, and perfectly charred – a true representation of India’s coastal cuisine and a testament to our commitment to culinary excellence here at Shandhar Hut.
MENU
INDIAN CUISINE
Embark on a culinary journey through the diverse flavors of India at Shandhar Hut. Our menu showcases a rich tapestry of traditional and contemporary dishes, from sizzling tandoor specialties to aromatic curries and vegetarian delights. Savor the crunch of our hand-crafted appetizers, indulge in our signature house curries, or explore the smoky depths of our tandoor-grilled meats and seafood. With gluten-free and dairy-free options available, we cater to all palates and dietary needs.
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Sardis Location – (604) 793-0188 Ext 2
Downtown Location – (604) 793-0188 Ext 1