Touching tributes have been pouring in for a British curry house owner who is believed to have invented the world's first chicken tikka masala.
Ali Ahmed Aslam, the owner of Glasgow's famed Shish Mahal restaurant, died on Monday at the age of 79.
He opened the curry house in 1964, following in the footsteps of his father, Noor Mohammed, who ran what many consider to be the city's first "proper" Indian restaurant - the Green Gates.
In the 1970s, Ahmed Aslam, also known as Mr Ali, is said to have created what is now one of Britain's most favourite curries.
He laid claim to the legendary dish after a customer complained their chicken tikka was too dry, reports Glasgow Live.
Mr Ali's chefs then whipped up a new sauce using a can of Heinz tomato soup and some curry spices, it is claimed.
The sad news of his passing was announced on Shish Mahal's social media accounts. His funeral was held at Glasgow Central Mosque on Tuesday.
Earlier this week, the restaurant wrote on Facebook: "Mr Ali passed away this morning…. we are all absolutely devastated and heartbroken.
"The restaurant will be closed for the next 48 hours."
Tributes flooded in to the "legend", with many customers crediting Shish Mahal as the place they had their "first proper curry".
One person wrote: "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."
Another said: "I had my first ever curry there and from then on I was hooked. Rest in peace."
A third added: "So very sad, my condolences to Mr Ali’s family. I have many treasured memories of time spent at the Shish in the 70s. My first curry experience."
A fourth customer posted: "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."
And a fifth 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."
