Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a legendary Glasgow curry king who is credited with inventing the Chicken Tikka Masala.
Mr Ali Ahmed Aslam, the entrepreneur behind the popular Shish Mahal restaurant in the city, passed away aged 79 on Monday, December 19. Ahmed Aslam, better known as Mr Ali, opened the restaurant in Gibson Street back in 1964.
The entrepreneur was taking after his father, Noor Mohammed, who ran what many regard as Glasgow's first 'proper' Indian restaurant, the Green Gates. As reported by Glasgow Live, Mr Ali is said to have changed the future of curries in Britain forever when his restaurant created the first ever Chicken Tikka Masala in the 1970s.
The sad news of Mr Ali's death was shared to the public via Shish Mahal's own social media accounts.
On Twitter, Shish Mahal wrote: "Mr Ali #shishmahal just passed away this morning we are all absolutely devastated and heartbroken."
Tributes have flooded in since the announcement, with many citing Shish Mahal as the place they first ever tasted a proper Indian curry.
Explaining the story of how Mr Ali created the Chicken Tikka Masala, the 'Lost Glasgow' Facebook page paid tribute.
In a post, they said: "Genuinely saddened to hear of the death this week of Glasgow's own 'Super Ali'. Ali Ahmed Aslam, Mr Ali to generations of Glasgow curry lovers, opened the Shish Mahal, in Gibson Street, in 1964.
"In those days, when the pubs shut at 10pm, going for a 'Ruby' was the only way to keep drinking. In its early days, the Shish even allowed customers to bring in their own 'cairry-oots'. In 1979, to mark the restaurant's 15th birthday, Mr Ali rolled the prices back to 1964 levels, hence the huge queue.
"His father, Noor Mohammed, had opened one of the city's first proper Indian restaurant, the 'Green Gates, in nearby Bank Street, in 1959. The Shish also lays claim to inventing Chicken Tikka Masala. When one customer complained that their chicken tikka was too dry, the enterprising chefs knocked up a sauce, using a can of Heinz Cream of Tomato soup and some curry spices.
"Mr Ali served me my first curry, when I was about seven, and he also made a great fuss over my grandfather, who asked if he could eat the extra hot 'staff curry'.
"His smile was always broad, and, even if I hand't been in for a while, his welcome always warm. He really is now in curry heaven, and Glasgow is the poorer for his departure. Safe travels Mr Ali."
Shish Mahal and a few prominent Glasgow faces tried to get the Chicken Tikka Masala Protected Designation of Origin status back in 2009 - which would have meant restaurants the world over changing their menus to call it Glasgow Tikka Masala. However, their bid was unsuccessful, with a number of other establishments around the UK also claiming to have invented the dish.
Generations of curry fans have dined at the restaurant, which is now situated at Park Road in Kelvinbridge and run by Asif Ali.
Writing on Twitter, Martin Kelly said: "I am sure Mr Ali was serving that Friday lunchtime in the summer of 1981 when I had my first proper curry with vegetable pakora, chicken dopiaza & chapatis. It was the start of my love-affair with curries. My deepest sympathies to all his family and friends."
Dorothy Rudge said: "Remember queuing in Gibson Street to get after the pubs had shut, my introduction to curry, can still remember the decor and that unique smell. Journey safe sir."
"Many a Saturday night I spent at the Shish having a chicken korma," said Mary Ann Coyle. "Best curry in town. RIP Mr Ali."
Margo McKee wrote: "Best Indian restaurant in Glasgow. First curry I ever had was there."
"So very sad, my condolences to Mr Ali’s family," commented Brian Toye. "I have many treasured memories of time spent at the Shish in the 70s. My first curry experience."
Norma Randall posted: "I had my first ever curry there and from then on I was hooked. Rest in peace."
Jacqueline Wilson added: "Sad news indeed. The best news when we were wee was to hear we were going to the Shish for a curry on a Friday night. Mr Ali was always there to welcome you in. To me it was the home of the Glasgow curry back in the early 70s."
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