THE TANDOOR

The "Tandoor" is a clay oven in the shape of an "Ali baba" basket and is fired by charcoal embers which spread radiant heat throughout the clay.

North India's traditional oven is probably the most versatile kitchen equipment in the world. One cannot make a decent bread without one, nor can one savour the popular kebab. It would be no exaggeration to say that it is the tandoor which has helped popularize Indian cuisine around the globe.

Until recently, the only variation was an iron tandoor used largely for making kebab. During the last decade we have seen the advent of the gas and electric tandoor. It goes without saying that neither of these innovations are capable of matching the versatility of the clay oven. It is impossible to acheive the flavour or aroma in these contraptions.

Breads fresh baked in the tandoor are delicous. As Mr. James barber said, after eating their bread, you may never be satisfied with rice again.