Comments and discussion

When you analyse the Chicken Tikka Masala speech by Robin Cook, you should also look for attention-grabbing statements or claims and consider discussing them.

The most memorable statement is the metaphor of Chicken Tikka Masala used by the speaker to describe the success of multiculturalism in Britain: “Chicken Tikka Massala is now a true British national dish, not only because it is the most popular, but because it is a perfect illustration of the way Britain absorbs and adapts external influences.” (p. 41, ll. 1-3)

However, some commentators of the time argued that the metaphor is problematic. They argued that most Indian restaurants in the UK do not reflect a mixed culture, but are instead adapted to stereotypical views about India (such as the way they are decorated). Do you think Indian cult...