
If there’s one dish that defines Delhi’s love for North Indian cuisine, it’s Butter Chicken — creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a local foodie or a traveler on a gastronomic journey, finding the best butter chicken in Delhi is like hunting for treasure. Here’s everything you need to know.
🥘 What is Butter Chicken?
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a rich dish made with marinated tandoori chicken simmered in a buttery tomato-based gravy, finished with cream and a hint of kasuri methi. Invented in the 1950s, it’s become one of India’s most iconic dishes — and no city does it quite like Delhi.
🍽️ Top 6 Places to Try Butter Chicken in Delhi :
1. GULATI RESTAURANT PANDARA ROAD
Gulati Restaurant on Pandara Road in New Delhi is renowned for its iconic Butter Chicken, a dish that has been delighting patrons since 1959. Originally a modest dhaba, it has evolved into a celebrated fine-dining establishment, attracting both locals and celebrities .
🧈 Butter Chicken at Gulati
Gulati’s Butter Chicken is celebrated for its rich, creamy gravy and tender chicken pieces. The dish is tangy, with a perfectly thick and flavorful sauce, making it a must-try for enthusiasts of Mughlai cuisine .
🍽️ Other Popular Dishes :
1. Dal Makhani: A creamy lentil dish, though some reviews suggest it could be more comforting.
2. Galouti Kebabs: Mushroom and chicken versions that are melt-in-the-mouth tender.
3. Kakori Kebabs: Delicate and flavorful minced meat kebabs.
4. Hyderabadi Biryani: Aromatic and flavorful rice dish.
5. Gulab Jamun: A sweet finish to the meal, often praised for its warmth and taste .
🕒 Timings & Location
Address: 6, Pandara Road Market, New Delhi 110003, India
Hours: 12:00 PM – 11:45 PM
Contact: +91-11-2338-8836
🚗 Delivery & Takeaway
For those unable to dine in, Gulati offers home delivery and takeaway services within a 15 km radius. Orders can be placed via Zomato or Swiggy until 10 PM .
💬 Customer Feedback
While many patrons praise the Butter Chicken for its taste and consistency, some have noted that the dish leans towards the sweeter side. Others have mentioned that, despite its popularity, the pricing might be on the higher end compared to similar establishments .
✅ Final Thoughts
Gulati Restaurant remains a staple for those seeking authentic Mughlai flavors in Delhi. Whether dining in or ordering out, it’s a place where culinary tradition meets consistent quality.
2. HAVMOR PANDARA ROAD
Havmore, located at 11-12 Pandara Road Market, New Delhi, is a renowned institution celebrated for its iconic Butter Chicken. Established in 1959, it has become a staple for both locals and visitors seeking authentic Mughlai flavors.
🧈 Havemore Butter Chicken – A Legacy Dish
Havemore’s Butter Chicken is acclaimed for its rich, creamy gravy and perfectly spiced chicken. The dish is available in various portions:
Full: ₹850
Half: ₹575
Tikka Version: ₹895
🍽️ Recommended Pairings
To complement the Butter Chicken, consider pairing it with:
Garlic Naan or Missi Roti: Their crisp texture enhances the rich gravy.
Dal Makhani: A creamy lentil dish that balances the meal.
Brain Masala: A delicacy that adds depth to the dining experience.
🕒 Operational Hours & Contact
Address: 11-12 Pandara Road Market, New Delhi 110003, India
Phone: +91 96547 53606
Hours: 12:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Average Cost for Two: ₹2,000
💬 Customer Experiences
Many patrons praise the Butter Chicken for its consistent quality and flavor. A reviewer from Atlanta shared, “Enjoying butter chicken at Have More is now part of my routine when I visit New Delhi… Every single thing was so freaking tasty!”
However, some have noted variations in taste and quality. One diner mentioned, “The gravy had bearable but higher salt content… A bit disappointed by the other dish as well that was chicken tikka masala” .
🛵 Delivery & Takeaway
Havemore offers home delivery and takeaway services. Orders can be placed via platforms like Zomato and Swiggy, with delivery available until 10 PM .
Whether dining in or ordering out, Havemore’s Butter Chicken remains a must-try for enthusiasts of Mughlai cuisine.
3. DARYAGANJ RESTAURANT
Daryaganj – By the Inventors of Butter Chicken & Dal Makhani is a renowned restaurant in Delhi, celebrated for its rich culinary heritage and iconic dishes. The establishment pays homage to the legacy of Kundan Lal Jaggi, who, in 1947, is credited with creating Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani at his restaurant in Daryaganj, New Delhi .
🧈 Butter Chicken at Daryaganj
Daryaganj’s Butter Chicken is crafted using traditional methods, focusing on authentic flavors. The dish features tandoori-cooked chicken pieces enveloped in a buttery, tangy tomato-based gravy, distinguishing it from the creamier versions commonly found elsewhere .
🍽️ Other Popular Dishes :
1. Original Dal Makhani: Slow-cooked lentils with butter and spices.
2. Tandoori Chicken: Marinated and grilled to perfection.
3. Seekh Kebabs: Minced meat skewers with aromatic spices.
4. Chicken Pakora: Battered and fried chicken bites.
5. Baileys Kulfi & Phirni: Traditional desserts to conclude the meal .
🕒 Operational Hours & Contact
Address: Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001, India
Phone: +91 93551 11947
Hours: Typically open from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Average Cost for Two: Approximately ₹1,600
💬 Customer Feedback
While many patrons appreciate the authentic flavors and historical significance of Daryaganj’s offerings, some have expressed mixed reviews:
“The butter chicken we are used to now isn’t the one you are gonna find there, it’s more authentic but not creamy at all and is way too tangy!”
reddit.com
“Ordered food from Daryaganj after all the hype on Shark Tank. Let me tell you, it was so disappointing.”
These reviews highlight that while Daryaganj offers a traditional take on Butter Chicken, it may differ from the creamier versions some diners expect.
🧾 Final Thoughts
Daryaganj provides a nostalgic culinary experience, offering dishes that reflect the rich heritage of North Indian cuisine. For those interested in exploring traditional flavors and the origins of iconic dishes like Butter Chicken, Daryaganj presents an authentic dining option. However, it’s advisable to consider personal taste preferences regarding the style and richness of the dishes.