"I'm Indian and I love how you cook.”
An American influencer cooking Chicken Tikka Masala from scratch has drawn praise online, with many Indians applauding his care, technique and understanding of the dish.
Food remains one of the simplest ways cultures connect.
Social media has only accelerated that exchange, with creators routinely exploring cuisines far from their own backgrounds.
Chicken Tikka Masala is among the most recognisable dishes globally. It is rich, comforting and widely adapted outside South Asia.
That popularity also brings frequent oversimplification. Authentic attempts tend to stand out quickly.
That is what happened when American vlogger Nolan Hansen shared his version online.
Nolan has over 4 million Instagram followers and is known for his regular collaborations with Mr Beast.
He cooked the dish from scratch, attracting attention for his method.
The video begins with a traditional marinade.
Nolan mixes yoghurt with red chilli powder. Garam masala, turmeric, coriander powder, garlic and ginger follow. The ingredients are then blended.
The chicken is evenly coated and left ready for cooking. It is then cooked in a pan on the stovetop.
He moves onto the curry base.
Chopped onions are sautéed in oil until golden brown. Ground spices are added and briefly cooked. This step allows the flavours to develop.
A cup of tomato purée is then added to the pan. The sauce simmers gently on low to medium heat.
Once the gravy thickens, the chicken is folded back in. Fresh coriander is used as a garnish.
The dish is served with white rice and naan.
The presentation is simple and familiar, closely mirroring home-style versions of the dish.
View this post on Instagram
Nolan’s video went viral and the response from viewers was immediate.
Many appreciated Nolan’s way of cooking the iconic dish.
One wrote: “I’m Indian and I love how you cook.”
Another said:
“Bro, someone please give him an Aadhaar card.”
Several viewers encouraged him to explore Indian cuisine further, with one comment reading:
“Make chicken biryani, Hyderabad style.”
Others kept it simple. “My favourite food” appeared repeatedly across the comments.
Suggestions continued to roll in.
One foodie suggested: “Idli and sambar next.”
Another said: “Make pav bhaji.”
Food content online often relies on exaggeration or shortcuts. Hansen’s video landed because it avoided both. The cooking was unhurried, the ingredients familiar, and the techniques easy to recognise.
That simplicity mattered more than perfection. Viewers saw curiosity rather than performance, and effort rather than novelty. It showed how cultural appreciation feels most natural when it is not being overstated.
In a crowded food space, that quiet confidence stood out. Sometimes, cooking something properly is enough to create a connection.
Loading ...