At Shalimar in Phuket, we proudly serve dishes that capture the true charm of Indian home-style cooking, and tawa chicken is one of our most-loved specialties. Bursting with bold spices, rustic aromas, and the smoky flavor that only a hot tawa can offer, this dish is perfect for those who enjoy hearty and aromatic chicken preparations. Whether you’ve tasted this classic before or are discovering it for the first time, our version brings you an unforgettable balance of spice, freshness, and traditional technique.
A Traditional Dish with Authentic Flavours
Tawa-style cooking has always been a part of Indian street food culture. Unlike curries cooked in deep pots, chicken cooked on a flat tawa remains juicy while developing a roasted texture that food lovers instantly recognize. This cooking method is what makes chicken tawa fry, chicken tawa masala, and similar dishes so irresistible. At Shalimar, our chefs preserve the traditional technique, ensuring every bite carries the perfect mix of smokiness and spice.
Ingredients That Build Real Flavor
For a memorable tawa chicken recipe, the ingredients must be fresh and balanced. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated with ginger, garlic, yogurt, and spices. This helps the chicken become soft while absorbing every bit of flavor. During cooking, onions, green chilies, tomatoes, coriander, cumin, and crushed pepper come together on the tawa, building the foundation of its signature taste.
What makes this dish stand out is its texture—neither too dry nor too saucy. The tawa technique helps the masalas cling beautifully to the chicken, making every bite layered and satisfying.
How We Prepare Tawa Chicken at Shalimar Phuket
Our chefs begin by heating oil on a hot tawa, adding spices to release their aroma. Onions and chilies are then sautéed until golden. Marinated chicken is added and cooked slowly, ensuring it remains juicy while absorbing the masalas. A splash of tomato puree gives the dish its slight tanginess, while crushed pepper elevates the aroma.
Fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon ensure a vibrant finish. Served sizzling hot, chicken pairs wonderfully with naan, roti, or even plain rice.
Why Tawa Chicken Is a Popular Choice
Guests at our Phuket restaurant enjoy this dish for many reasons. It is flavorful without being overly spicy, contains wholesome ingredients, and offers a beautiful blend of roasted and sautéed textures. Those who enjoy chicken tawa fry or chicken cooked with minimal gravy often choose this dish as their go-to meal.
Its appeal lies in its versatility—it can be enjoyed as a main dish, served as a starter, or even paired with a fresh salad for a lighter experience.
Tips for Making This Dish at Home
If you want to recreate this dish in your own kitchen, keep these tips in mind:
- Marination is essential. Allow the chicken to rest for at least 30 minutes so the flavors soak in.
- Use a heavy tawa. Cast iron works best for heat retention and roasting.
- Cook on medium heat. This prevents the spices from burning.
- Finish with fresh herbs and lemon juice. They brighten the flavor instantly.
With patience and attention to detail, you can achieve restaurant-style results at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chicken tawa?
Chicken tawa is a traditional Indian preparation in which marinated chicken is cooked on a flat pan (tawa) along with onions, tomatoes, spices, and herbs. It has a semi-dry texture and a smoky, roasted flavor.
How to grill chicken on tawa?
To grill chicken on a tawa, marinate the pieces, heat oil on a heavy pan, and cook the chicken on medium heat until it chars slightly on the edges while staying tender inside.
How to make chicken kebab on tawa?
Shape marinated chicken into kebab pieces, place them on a greased hot tawa, and cook on low-medium heat, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
How to make tandoori chicken on tawa?
Use tandoori masala, yogurt, lemon, and spices for marination. Cook the chicken on a greased tawa until it becomes charred and smoky, flipping a few times for even roasting.
How to make chicken?
Heat oil on a tawa, cook onions and chilies, add marinated chicken, and let it roast with spices and tomatoes until thick and perfectly coated. Finish with coriander and lemon.