Looking For The Best Butter Chicken In Delhi?
We visited iconic restaurants across Pandara Road, Daryaganj, Connaught Place, Rajouri Garden and GK to shortlist the 12 places serving the city’s most delicious butter chicken.
One of India’s most beloved dishes, Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is praised for its flavourful spices, rich and creamy texture. Originating in Delhi in the 1950s, it was created by chefs at the iconic Moti Mahal restaurant as a way to reuse leftover tandoori chicken by simmering it in a buttery tomato-based gravy.
The dish’s distinctive velvety texture and slightly smoky flavour come from the tender chicken pieces cooked in a mildly spiced sauce made with tomatoes, butter, cream, and a mixture of garam masala and kasuri methi.
Butter chicken, which strikes a balance between tang and decadence, is more well-known for its cosy appeal than its fiery heat.
Butter chicken, which is popular in India and around the world, is usually enjoyed with naan, roti, or steamed rice, making it a timeless classic that represents the global popularity of Indian cuisine.
If Butter chicken had a capital, it would be Delhi. Downtown Mirror’s team visited the city’s most iconic restaurants to find the best of the best; Here are our must-try recommendations, have a look …
1. Havemore Restaurant
Location: 11-12, Pandara Road Market, New Delhi
Opens – 12noon – 12midnight
₹2,500 for two
Havemore’s Butter chicken is known for its rich, velvety gravy and perfectly charred tandoori chicken. The recipe leans towards a creamy, mildly sweet profile, balanced with tomatoes, butter, and a generous swirl of cream, comfort food at its finest.
2. Gulati Restaurant
Location: 6, Pandara Road Market, New Delhi
Opens- 12noon – 12midnight
₹2,200 for two
Gulati serves a robust, flavour-forward Butter chicken with deep tomato notes and smoky undertones. The gravy is thick and indulgent, while the chicken remains juicy, making it a favourite among traditionalists.
3. Ikk Panjab
Location: J 2/17, Ground & 1st Floor, BK Dutta Market, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi
Opens – 12noon – 12midnight
₹2,500 for two
At Ikk Panjab, Butter chicken is elevated with authentic Punjabi flair. Expect a well-spiced, slow-cooked gravy that balances creaminess with bold masalas, paired with tender chicken that absorbs every layer of flavour.
4. Shikhara Restaurant
Location: Shop 4, Guru Nanak Market, R-Block, Greater Kailash 1 (GK 1), New Delhi
Opens – 6pm
₹1,200 for two
Shikhara’s version offers a lighter take on Butter chicken, focusing on smooth textures and subtle spices. The tomato-based gravy is refined and aromatic, appealing to those who prefer elegance over heaviness.
5. New Minar Restaurant
Location: M-65, M Block Market, Greater Kailash 1 (GK 1), New Delhi,
Opens – 12noon – 11pm
₹1,600 for two
A cult favourite, New Minar’s Butter chicken stands out for its bold, home-style taste. The gravy is rich without being overpowering, with smoky chicken pieces that give it a comforting, old-school charm.
6. Daryaganj
Location: Regal Building, Hanuman Road Area, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Opens – 6pm
₹1,600 for two
Daryaganj is celebrated for serving the “original” Butter chicken recipe. The dish stays true to its roots, tandoori chicken simmered in a buttery, tangy tomato gravy that is indulgent yet perfectly balanced.
7. Kake Da Hotel
Location: 67, Municipal Market, Connaught Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Opens – 12noon – 12midnight
₹400 for two
Known for its rustic Punjabi cooking, Kake Da Hotel’s Butter chicken is hearty and robust. The gravy is thick and spiced, with a generous dose of butter, delivering a no-frills, flavour-packed experience.
8. Chicken INN
Location: 3-15, Pandara Road Market, New Delhi
Opens – 12noon – 1am
₹1,800 for two
Chicken Inn’s Butter chicken is all about consistency and comfort. The gravy is creamy and mildly spiced, allowing the flavour of the chicken to shine through, making it a crowd-pleaser for all palates.
9. Moti Mahal
Location: 3703, Netaji Subhash Marg, Daryaganj, New Delhi
Opens – 12noon – 12midnight
₹1,300 for two
The birthplace of Butter chicken, Moti Mahal’s recipe is iconic. Tender tandoori chicken is cooked in a buttery tomato sauce with gentle spices, offering a nostalgic taste of the dish’s legendary origins.
10. Rajinder Da Dhaba
Location: AB 14, Safdarjung Enclave Market, Safdarjung, New Delhi
Opens – 3pm – 11:30pm
₹600 for two
Rajinder Da Dhaba serves a punchy, unapologetically bold Butter chicken. The flavours are intense, the gravy is rich, and the dish pairs perfectly with their famous butter naan.
11. Dhaba – The Claridges
Location: 12, The Claridges, Auranzeb Road, Khan Market, New Delhi
Opens – 7:30pm
₹5,500 for two
This upscale dhaba-style restaurant offers a refined version of Butter chicken. The gravy is smooth and luxurious, with carefully balanced spices that reflect both tradition and fine dining sensibilities.
12. Invitation Restaurant
Location: 3, Community Centre, Ashok Vihar Phase 2, New Delhi
Opens – 7:30pm
₹1,600 for two
Invitation’s Butter chicken is comforting and familiar, with a well-rounded gravy that blends tomatoes, cream, and mild spices. It’s a dependable choice for those seeking classic flavours without excess richness.
Butter chicken Isn’t just a dish, It’s an emotion!
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Which Restaurant is Best for Families?
If you’re planning a family outing, several restaurants in Delhi offer not just exceptional butter chicken but also a comfortable dining experience. Gulati Restaurant on Pandara Road is a popular choice for families thanks to its spacious seating, attentive service, and consistently delicious North Indian cuisine. Havemore Restaurant is another long-time favourite, known for its rich butter chicken, family-friendly atmosphere, and generous portions.
For those looking to experience the original recipe, Moti Mahal in Daryaganj provides a classic dining experience steeped in culinary history. Daryaganj Restaurant is also a great option, offering a modern ambience while celebrating the legacy of the iconic dish. These restaurants cater to diners of all ages, making them ideal for family lunches, weekend dinners, and special occasions.
Top Family-Friendly Butter Chicken Restaurants in Delhi:
- Gulati Restaurant (Pandara Road) – Spacious seating and signature creamy butter chicken.
- Havemore Restaurant (Pandara Road) – Rich flavours, generous portions, and excellent service.
- Moti Mahal (Daryaganj) – Home of the original butter chicken with a heritage dining experience.
- Daryaganj Restaurant – Modern setting with authentic North Indian flavours.
- Pind Balluchi – Comfortable ambience with a wide variety of North Indian dishes for the whole family.
These restaurants are known for their quality food, welcoming atmosphere, and menus that appeal to both adults and children, making them among the best family dining destinations in Delhi.
History of Butter Chicken
Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of India’s most iconic dishes and a symbol of North Indian cuisine. Its origins can be traced back to Delhi in the early 1950s, where it was created at the legendary Moti Mahal Restaurant in Daryaganj by restaurateurs Kundan Lal Gujral, Kundan Lal Jaggi, and Thakur Dass Magu.
The story goes that the chefs wanted to avoid wasting leftover tandoori chicken, which tended to dry out over time. To solve this, they simmered the grilled chicken in a rich, velvety gravy made with tomatoes, butter, fresh cream, and aromatic spices. The result was a flavourful, mildly spiced dish with a creamy texture that quickly became a favourite among diners.
As Delhi evolved into a culinary hub, butter chicken spread across the city, with restaurants adding their own signature twists. Some versions are sweeter and creamier, while others offer a smokier or spicier flavour. Despite these variations, the essence of the dish — a perfect balance of smoky tandoori chicken and buttery tomato gravy — remains unchanged.
Today, butter chicken is one of the most recognised Indian dishes worldwide, featured on restaurant menus from London and New York to Dubai and Sydney. Yet, for many food lovers, Delhi remains the ultimate destination to experience authentic butter chicken, with iconic restaurants like Moti Mahal, Gulati, Havemore, and Daryaganj continuing to serve this timeless classic.
Did You Know?
Butter chicken was created as an innovative way to repurpose leftover tandoori chicken, making it one of the world’s most famous dishes born from a simple idea to reduce food waste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which restaurant serves the best butter chicken in Delhi?
Many food lovers consider Moti Mahal in Daryaganj the birthplace of butter chicken, while Gulati, Havemore, and Daryaganj Restaurant are also among the top places serving authentic butter chicken in Delhi.
2. Where was butter chicken invented?
Butter chicken was invented at Moti Mahal Restaurant in Daryaganj, Delhi, by Kundan Lal Gujral in the 1950s. The dish was created by combining leftover tandoori chicken with a rich tomato and butter-based gravy.
3. Which is the original butter chicken restaurant in Delhi?
The original butter chicken is widely associated with Moti Mahal, Daryaganj, where the iconic recipe was first created.
4. Which area in Delhi is famous for butter chicken?
Pandara Road, Daryaganj, Connaught Place, Rajouri Garden, and Greater Kailash (GK) are among the most popular areas to enjoy delicious butter chicken.
5. What is the average price of butter chicken in Delhi?
A full serving of butter chicken in Delhi typically costs between ₹400 and ₹900, depending on the restaurant and portion size.
6. Which restaurant serves the creamiest butter chicken in Delhi?
Restaurants like Gulati, Havemore, and The Spice Route are well known for their rich, creamy, and flavorful butter chicken.
7. Is butter chicken in Delhi spicy?
Traditional Delhi-style butter chicken is mildly spiced with a creamy tomato-based gravy. However, spice levels may vary depending on the restaurant.
8. Which butter chicken is best for first-time visitors to Delhi?
If you’re visiting Delhi for the first time, Moti Mahal, Gulati, Havemore, and Daryaganj Restaurant are excellent choices for experiencing authentic butter chicken.
9. Can I order the best butter chicken in Delhi online?
Yes. Most of Delhi’s popular butter chicken restaurants offer home delivery through food delivery platforms and their own takeaway services.
10. Which restaurant offers the best value-for-money butter chicken in Delhi?
Several restaurants, including Havemore, Daryaganj Restaurant, and Rajinder Da Dhaba, are known for serving generous portions with excellent taste at reasonable prices.
11. What should I eat with butter chicken?
Butter chicken pairs best with butter naan, garlic naan, tandoori roti, laccha paratha, or jeera rice, depending on your preference.
12. Which restaurant is best for family dining and butter chicken in Delhi?
Restaurants such as Gulati, Havemore, and Moti Mahal are popular family dining destinations, offering comfortable seating and signature butter chicken.
13. What makes Delhi’s butter chicken different from other cities?
Delhi’s butter chicken is known for its rich, buttery tomato gravy, tender tandoori chicken, balanced spices, and authentic North Indian preparation that originated in the capital.
14. Are there any late-night places to eat butter chicken in Delhi?
Yes, several restaurants and dhabas across Connaught Place, Rajouri Garden, and parts of South Delhi offer butter chicken until late evening or night. Timings may vary by location.
15. Which restaurants are featured in Downtown Mirror’s list of the best butter chicken in Delhi?
Our curated list includes iconic names such as Moti Mahal, Gulati, Havemore, Daryaganj Restaurant, and other legendary establishments known for serving exceptional butter chicken across Delhi.
Our curated list includes iconic names such as Moti Mahal, Gulati, Havemore, Daryaganj Restaurant, and other legendary establishments known for serving exceptional butter chicken across Delhi.
