Indian food lovers love Chicken 65, which is fried chicken chunks covered in a spicy sauce. It can be an appetizer, a snack, or a main dish. It’s easy to see why this dish is so popular in Indian restaurants: it’s crispy and full of flavor. But the strange number in its name has caused a lot of interest over the years. So why is it really called Chicken 65?
The Mysterious History of Chicken 65
There are many fascinating myths and theories about how this famous chicken dish got its numerical name
One prevalent idea is that it was the 65th item on a restaurant menu. This seems plausible, as numbering dishes on a menu would help identify them more clearly.
There is another story that the name comes from the 65 chilies or spices that are used in the recipe. But most recipes only call for 10 to 12 spices, not 65. This idea doesn’t seem to be well supported.
Some also claim it indicates 65 pieces of chicken in the dish, But it’s unlikely cooks are meticulously counting out each chicken chunk to such specificity
The Most Likely Origin
Perhaps the most credible and widely accepted origin ties the name Chicken 65 to the year 1965.
According to this account, Chicken 65 was invented by a man named A.M. Buhari at the Buhari Hotel restaurant in Tamil Nadu in 1965. The restaurant was known for numbering its signature dishes, like Chicken 78 and Chicken 82. It still serves Chicken 90 to this day.
Naming the recipe after its birth year seems like a logical move. Additionally, an alternate explanation states that soldiers stationed in Chennai used “65” to identify the chicken dish by number on a lengthy menu they struggled to comprehend. Both versions link the number 65 directly to the year 1965 when the dish first emerged.
How Chicken 65 Evolved Across India
Chicken 65 was first made in Tamil Nadu, but it has since spread all over India. Recipes from different parts of the world have been changed to fit their own tastes.
For example, Kerala-style Chicken 65 features bold, hand-ground masalas and a fiery red chutney. Karnataka’s version often includes freshly grated coconut. Andhra Pradesh’s fiery Kodi 65 amps up the spice factor.
Chicken 65’s original recipe comes from Tamil Nadu, but it has changed to reflect the tastes of different parts of India while keeping its unique name.
The Crispy, Spicy Sensation Enthralls India
In the end, the exact origins of the name Chicken 65 may remain shrouded in mystery and myth. But one thing is crystal clear – this crunchy, intensely flavored chicken snack is a shining star of Indian cuisine loved by many.
Its popularity extends beyond restaurants into street food carts and home kitchens. The complex medley of spices, herbs, chili heat, and popcorn-like crunch has made Chicken 65 an instant classic.
While the history behind its naming is hazy, the flavors that make this dish an Indian favorite are abundantly clear. Chicken 65 continues to be one of the most iconic and irreplaceable Indian appetizers for good reason – its one-of-a-kind taste and texture.
So next time you crack into these crispy chicken nuggets bursting with tangy, spicy flavor, appreciate just how this mysteriously named dish became so legendary across India!
Interesting story behind the famous ‘Chicken 65’
If you are a chicken lover, then you must have had Chicken 65 which is a lip-smacking dish that is often served as a starter or with a roomali roti. This deep-fried chicken dish is quite popular all across India and people have even come up with different versions of it. But have you ever wondered why is there a number in the name of the dish? Read on to know the interesting story behind the origin of Chicken 65 and an easy recipe to make it at home. ( credits- istock).
Why is Chicken 65 called so?
FAQ
Why is it called Chicken 65?
For those who are wondering why the dish is called Chicken 65, it’s because it was first made in 1965. Many people also say that the chicken was chopped into 65 pieces or was marinated for 65 days, that’s why the dish got its unique name.
Was Chicken 65 named on the fly?
Yet another theory about the dish is that Chicken 65 was named on the fly. AM Buhari was entertaining some guests on New Year’s Day in 1965 and one of his chefs had prepared a new chicken dish. When his guests quizzed him about the name of the dish, AM Buhari called it Chicken 65 and the name stuck.
Was this chicken dish a 65th item on a restaurant menu?
One common theory is that this chicken dish was the 65th item on a restaurant menu (via The Kitchn). This certainly seems plausible, as many restaurants of all varieties can name their dishes by number for clarity. Another theory holds that the dish named for the number of a certain ingredient, like 65 chiles or 65 spices.
Why is Chicken 65 so popular in South India?
Fiery red, deep fried and crunchy, the Chicken 65’s popularity comes as no surprise. A staple in many parts of South India, this ‘starter’ is now cooked and ordered across the country and in some parts of the globe too. The story of its origin and how it came to be called Chicken 65 has many versions. Read along to go back in time.
Who invented chicken 65?
Chicken 65 was actually invented by A. M. Buhari in the year 1965 in the state of Tamil Nadu. This dish was on the menu at Buhari Hotel. Later, other versions like Chicken 78, Chicken 82, and Chicken 90 were added. Chicken 65 and Chicken 90 are still sold at Buhari Hotel, priced at Rs 305 and Rs 340, respectively.
Is Chicken 65 boneless?
Whatever the origins, Chicken 65 has now spread far and wide and developed its own local flavors. According to chef Sebastian Abraham of Zambar, “Chicken 65 is a classic but each South Indian state has its own version. I like Chicken 65 with the bone in it, but our restaurant has to serve it boneless because it’s easier to eat. “.
What does 65 mean in Chicken 65?
Why is Chicken 65 named like that?
… Chennai, they often used to get confused due to the language barrier and end up ordering the 65th dish on the menu as it was a yummy spicy fried chicken dish
Why is it called 65?
Some even think that the chicken was marinated for 65 days. But, the real reason behind the name is actually the year it was made in. Chicken 65 was first made at the Buhari Hotel in Chennai in 1965.
What is the story behind Chicken 65?
There used to be a military hotel in Chennai where they had all the dishes displayed with number on a board so that those who didn’t understand tamil can order by just telling the number. That particular dish was the number 65 . So people used to order chicken 65. The chicken dish was invented in 1965.