Best Butter Chicken in Delhi: Moti Mahal, Daryaganj & More
Where to eat butter chicken in Delhi, from the original Moti Mahal in Daryaganj to Pandara Road favourites, plus the origin court case and what to order.
For butter chicken in Delhi, start with the two restaurants that both claim to have invented it: the original Moti Mahal in Daryaganj, Old Delhi, and Daryaganj, the chain run by the other founding family. Then try the Pandara Road restaurants near India Gate, such as Gulati and Havemore, which are many Delhi families' favourites for a rich, buttery version. Expect to pay roughly ₹500–800 for a half portion at a sit-down restaurant, and order it with butter naan and dal makhani.
The butter chicken story in brief
Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, became famous at Moti Mahal, the restaurant that opened in Daryaganj in 1947 after its founders moved from Peshawar at Partition. The cooks reportedly simmered leftover tandoori chicken in a tomato, butter and cream sauce so it would not dry out.
Who exactly created it is now a court case. In January 2024, Moti Mahal, run by the family of Kundan Lal Gujral, sued the Daryaganj restaurant chain, run by the family of Kundan Lal Jaggi, in the Delhi High Court over the claim to have invented butter chicken and dal makhani. Daryaganj says Jaggi was Gujral's partner in the original restaurant. You can taste both sides of the argument in one evening.
Where to eat butter chicken in Delhi
| Restaurant | Area | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Moti Mahal | Netaji Subhash Marg, Daryaganj (Old Delhi) | The original 1947 restaurant; old-school dining room and the historic recipe |
| Daryaganj | Several outlets across Delhi NCR | The Jaggi family's restaurant chain; a smoother, more polished version in modern surroundings |
| Gulati | Pandara Road Market, near India Gate | A long-running Punjabi restaurant known for rich, buttery gravies; busy at dinner |
| Havemore | Pandara Road Market, near India Gate | Next door to Gulati, with a similar menu and loyal regulars |
| Moti Mahal Delux outlets | Across Delhi | A separate franchise chain using the Moti Mahal name; convenient if you are far from Old Delhi |
Each restaurant's style is different: some are tangy and tomato-forward, some sweet and creamy. If you are trying more than one, order a half portion at each.
Plan your visit
- Moti Mahal, Daryaganj: combine with Red Fort and Jama Masjid in the afternoon, then dinner. The nearest metro is Delhi Gate on the Violet Line. See the Red Fort guide.
- Pandara Road: a short auto ride from Khan Market or India Gate. It works well after an evening at India Gate.
- Daryaganj outlets: check the nearest branch to where you are staying; they are in modern malls and dining districts.
- Reservations: popular places fill up on weekend evenings. Book or arrive before 8 PM.
Beyond butter chicken
If you like rich North Indian food, try dal makhani (the same restaurants make it), tandoori chicken, and the Mughlai dishes around Jama Masjid, such as mutton korma and nihari. The Old Delhi food walk covers the kebab lanes, and vegetarians can try paneer makhani, the same sauce with cottage cheese; see the vegetarian food guide.
“We are staying in Connaught Place. Where should we go for butter chicken tonight, and should we book?”
FAQ
Where was butter chicken invented?
It was popularised at Moti Mahal in Daryaganj, Delhi, after 1947. Who invented it, Kundan Lal Gujral or Kundan Lal Jaggi, is the subject of a case between Moti Mahal and the Daryaganj restaurant chain in the Delhi High Court.
Which is the best butter chicken in Delhi?
It depends on taste. Moti Mahal in Daryaganj is the historic original, Daryaganj is the other founding family's version, and Gulati and Havemore on Pandara Road are local favourites.
How much does butter chicken cost in Delhi?
At sit-down restaurants, a half portion usually costs about ₹500–800. Dhabas and smaller places charge less.
What should I eat with butter chicken?
Butter naan or lachha paratha, dal makhani and onion salad are the classic combination.
Sources and verification
Checked on 26 October 2026.
- Wikipedia: Butter chicken – history at Moti Mahal
- The Week: Moti Mahal vs Daryaganj legal tussle (January 2024)
- Al Jazeera: Butter chicken battle in court (February 2024)
Prices and opening hours change often. Check each restaurant before you go.