The first time in a while I got a takeaway last night. Rather than our usual more modern and slightly pricier local, we went to one of the more traditional BIR's locally.
I had a Chicken Chilli Massalla and eating it at home was useful as I could eat it 'in the cold light of day'.
What struck me on close inspection was the amount of oil. Probably twice as much as would be on one of mine made at home, so maybe 6-7 tbps going into the final dish (unless it's coming from the gravy).
That taste, was definitely different also. Just as prominent but more of a smokier tone to it rather than the spicey one from our regular place. I keep changing my mind on this but I would also now say that there isn't an ingredient added that we are all missing, but maybe we are all missing the boat slightly with a few factors and it is the cumulative effect. Certainly I'd say that 'that' taste does vary from BIR to BIR presumably as a result of different base recipe/method. I still think everyone should crack on. I think it is still possible to get this nailed, and in time more and more of us will.
That said it won't be me. I'm having a month off beer at home, and all curries!