Pairing Tikka Masala correctly — a note on nimbu pani lemon water

Most people overlook how much the right drink changes Tikka Masala. I ordered it with nimbu pani lemon water and the rich and complex elements of the dish sharpened considerably against the pairing. whole spices in particular became more prominent in a good way.

Indian cuisine varies enormously by state, religion, and climate. The a wedding feast setting is where you learn these pairings — they evolved together. If you've been having Tikka Masala with the wrong drink, try it correctly once. It's a genuinely different experience. The restaurant deserves credit for getting this right.