Khadim pens a spicy time travelling Teesside text

When did curry come to Britain? Who served the first Indian curry in Middlesbrough and when? How was an Indian restaurant involved in Middlesbrough’s Canon Street riots of 1961?

These and many other spicy issues are explored in a new book Going for a curry? A Social and Culinary History, by Khadim Hussian. The book costs £8 from Ek Zuban publishers. It has been funded by an enterprise development grant from the University of Teesside, with support from Middlesbrough Council.

Father-of-five Khadim, 49, from Middlesbrough, works as a machine technician in Billingham. He has a long interest in poetry and creative writing and has completed several courses at the University of Teesside. These include a Higher National Certificate in Chemistry and four writing courses. While studying, Khadim met Dr Tony Nicholson, a Principal Lecturer in History at the University, who suggested the book.

Khadim said: “I was going to write a global history of curry but then narrowed it down to Middlesbrough. The book will be of interest to anyone interested in Middlesbrough’s social development, particularly the Asian community and how far it has changed over the years.

“I was surprised by the facts revealed by my research. For example, the first Indian curry served in Middlesbrough was probably at the end of World War II. It was served in the Paradise Café Restaurant over the Middlesbrough border. One 68 year-old pensioner, Mrs Smith, whom I interviewed, clearly remembered the food! She said of the Paradise’s co-owner: ‘No one could make curry like him and no one ever did.’ My own personal favourite curry is a traditional lamb bhuna.

“The University’s writing courses were valuable in writing the book, and the tutors’ efforts helped me to develop it from a dry history topic to a broader appeal. Since the writing courses I've also started to write poetry.”

Dr Ashok Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said: “This book should be read by every section of our local society, and from whatever country or continent they are from. This book is a unique extension of the local history of Teesside and Teesside’s people.”

The book can be ordered from Independent Northern Publishers, their web site is www.northernpublishers.co.uk or at Tees Valley Arts on 01642 264651. It is also available at local book shops and can be read in Middlesbrough’s Dorman Museum’s reference library.

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