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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