Turmeric
The Spice that lits taste buds
The bright yellow spice turmeric, which is called “Haldi” in Hindi and Urdu, is an important part of many of Bikki Restaurant’s signature recipes, like Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken. This bright spice comes from South Asian cooking, where it has been used for thousands of years to add color and taste and maybe even as a medicine. Curcumin is the main bioactive part of turmeric that gives it its many health benefits.
Healthy Advantages Supported by Science
Turmeric is often referred to as a “superfood” owing to the fact that it has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Turmeric curcumin has been shown in studies to help lower chronic inflammation, which is linked to many common diseases in the West.
For instance, an Ohio State University study found that curcumin may help control inflammation related to arthritis, improve lipid profiles, and help control blood sugar, which could be helpful for people with metabolic syndrome or diabetes. But the study also says that turmeric as a spice only has about 2% curcumin, while supplements often have a lot more. This means that the benefits may not be as strong when taken in food alone compared to supplements.
According to the proceedings of the University of California, Los Angeles, curcumin has been demonstrated to be just as effective as ibuprofen in the management of osteoarthritis pain, but with fewer adverse effects, notably in terms of gastrointestinal problems. Hence, turmeric is a good choice for introducing anti-inflammatory effects into one’s diet via the regular recipes that they prepare.
How Turmeric is Best Absorbed
Interestingly, the way turmeric is cooked has a big effect on how healthy it is. Unfortunately, curcumin is not easily taken by the body. For this reason, it works best when combined with black pepper and good fats.
According to research, piperine in black pepper can help the body absorb curcumin up to 2,000% better.
This is why turmeric is often used with other spices in traditional Indian cooking, and why meals like our Chicken Tikka Masala, which also use fats like butter or cream, get the most health benefits from turmeric.
The famous Indian cook Vineet Bhatia once said,
“The magic of turmeric is not just in its taste, but in how it changes a dish—giving it warmth, health, and character.”
This way of thinking shows up in a lot of our meals, where turmeric is not just a spice but a main ingredient that gives them depth and color.
Cultural Importance
India and South Asia use turmeric for more than just food. It is used in religious and cultural events, like weddings, to represent purity, wealth, and good health. One of the most common interpretations of its brilliant hue is that it is a sign of energy, which symbolizes the happiness and wealth of the society. To keep this practice alive at Bikki Restaurant, we use turmeric in our recipes to make meals that are both tasty and culturally significant.
Our most famous dishes that use turmeric
Turmeric is a key part of some of our favorite meals in Al Khobar:
Chicken Tikka Masala:
This meal is a fantastic example of comfort food since it is very tasty and creamy, and it is made possible by the warmth and earthy tones that turmeric brings to table.
Butter Chicken:
The golden hue of the sauce is a result of turmeric, which is responsible for giving this meal its distinctive appearance as well as its one-of-a-kind, fragrant flavor.
Biryani:
Saffron is often the star of the show when it comes to biryani; nevertheless, turmeric is the essential ingredient that not only gives the dish its golden hue but also the layers of tastes that it has.
By adding turmeric to your diet in tasty ways like these, you are not only enjoying traditional South Asian food, but you are also making your life healthy.
“Turmeric pairs beautifully with other spices and herbs,” says nutritionist Anne Pesek Taylor.
At Bikki Restaurant, we are delighted to convey the narrative of turmeric, which is one of history, health, and taste. All of these aspects are showcased in our cuisine.
“Adding it to your home cooking can help you reap many of its potential health benefits, from reducing inflammation to supporting heart health”
(Aslam Malik)