The ultra flavourful Chicken Madras served with rice and naan bread is a simple dish packed full of authentic Indian flavours. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

AUTHENTIC FLAVOURS

Signature Dish: Masala Hut’s Chicken Madras

Jul 16, 2021 | 1:56 PM

PARKSVILLE — Despite not being open for very long, Masala Hut in downtown Parksville is quickly developing a reputation for some of the most authentic flavours of India on central Vancouver Island.

In the same flavour neighbourhood as the ever-popular butter chicken, Masala Hut’s chicken madras is a flavour-packed curry leaving you wanting more after the extremely generous portion is finished.

Bal Singh Bisht, head chef at Masala Hut, said the dish is comprised of a custom blend of spices to create a unique sauce.

“Spices in there are curry leaves, mustard seed, cumin seed, coriander seed, fennel seed, onion, tomato, ginger, garlic, dried coconut and all spice like the turmeric powder.”

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An expansive menu at Masala Hut specializes in south Indian cuisine, but includes various regional dishes from across the country.

Seven different base sauces and custom spice levels ensure there is something for everyone.

“North Indian food is different, south Indian food has coconut, mustard seed umeric powder,” Bisht said. “There’s lots of variety in the food…we mix it.”

Since opening during the COVID-19 pandemic, response to an authentic taste of India has been very positive.

“People like all the food, it’s good. We have a big menu, north Indian, some south, some Goa, so like vindaloo,” Bisht said. “Lots of dishes, butter chicken, chicken madras, lamb vindaloo, jalfrezi and masala …lots of dishes.”

Items of Masala Hut’s menu include a variety of korma, karahi, vinaloo, palak, coconut and mango sauces. Chicken, lamb, beef and seafood options multiply the options on the menu, with many dishes available in vegetarian form.

The madras dish itself is available with chicken, beef, lamb, fish or prawn.

Fresh naan and meat skewers are also cooked in a tandoor oven reaching temperatures upwards of 450 degrees Celsius.

Bisht leads an efficient kitchen at Masala Hut’s location on Morison Ave., just off Hwy. 19A in downtown Parksville.

He started cooking when he was 18-years-old and brings over 30 years culinary experience to the kitchen.

More information on Masala Hut, including their complete menu, is available on their website. You can visit them at 144 Morison Ave., or call 250 954 3777.

Signature Dish is brought to you by Island Savings – A Division of First West Credit Union, learn more at https://www.islandsavings.ca/.

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