[Delhi] I ate at Daryaganj (Connaught Place), the birthplace of butter chicken
First time in North India!
I've always been curious about Daryaganj, known as the birthplace of butter chicken. This time, I visited the branch in Connaught Place, Delhi.
Butter chicken was born from "leftovers"
Butter chicken is so famous now that it's synonymous with Indian curry in Japan.
It seems the origin of butter chicken was a discussion about how to utilize leftover tandoori chicken.
Back in 1947, it started when they simmered leftover tandoori chicken in tomatoes and butter for customers who arrived just before closing. Moreover, since there were no mixers or grinders at the time, the tomatoes were crushed by hand.
There is another restaurant that claims to be the birthplace of butter chicken, but when I asked the locals, they told me, "This one is more recommended," so I chose Daryaganj this time.
There are two types of butter chicken
There was a signature one and an original one!
- The Original 1947 Butter Chicken
The original recipe from that time by founder Kundan Lal Jaggi. A dish combining hand-crushed ripe tomatoes and butter with tandoori chicken (bone-in/boneless selectable), finished with chopped green chilies and ginger. 736rs
- Today's Butter Chicken
A modern version combining boneless tandoori chicken tikka with a smooth, buttery tomato sauce. This is also 736rs
Of course, I ordered the original 1947 version!
How is authentic butter chicken!?
It's different from the butter chicken in Japan.
The butter chicken I eat in Japan is too rich in both flavor and thickness, so I don't eat it because it feels a bit heavy.
The last time I had it was at Gurgaon in Ginza for a farewell party for a friend going to Gurgaon.
But the butter chicken here is rich yet not cloying. It was packed with what seemed like grated vegetables, giving the flavor depth without feeling heavy.
I chose boneless meat, and the smokiness of the tandoor was really effective, with the flavor spreading with every bite. The side of onion pickles was also refreshing and provided a nice accent.
I chose plain naan
It came without any butter, topped with ajwain instead.
It's different from the fluffy naan I eat in Japan, it's fresh✨
Actually, the staff told me "rice is more recommended," but this is my first time eating naan in North India.
Since I was here, I dared to choose naan.
Next time, I'll try eating it with rice as recommended.
It seems like it would go well with butter rice or something.
The portions are large, so be careful not to order too much
I was curious about other menu items, but the staff told me "the portions are large," so this time, two women ordered only butter chicken and naan.
Even so, we were more than full.
Thank you, staff🙏
Will I visit again?
Yes! The restaurant was clean and nice, and the restrooms were good too.
However, I honestly find it difficult to decide whether to visit downtown Delhi again.
There is also a branch in Aerocity, so it is quite possible I might stop by just for the butter chicken during a transit layover (lol).
That is how satisfying that dish was.
📍Store Information
Daryaganj (Connaught Place branch)
Regal Building, Hanuman Road Area, Connaught Place, New Delhi