Inside the Spicy Legal Showdown Between Moti Mahal and Daryaganj Over Who

In the bustling culinary landscape of India, a legal battle has been simmering that could determine the rightful originator of one of the country’s most beloved dishes: butter chicken. The Delhi High Court is currently embroiled in a case between two prominent restaurant chains, Moti Mahal and Daryaganj, each claiming to be the inventor of this creamy, tomato-based curry.

The dispute centers around the legacy of Kundan Lal Gujral, who is widely credited with creating butter chicken. His family, associated with Moti Mahal, has taken legal action against Daryaganj, asserting that the latter cannot claim the title of inventors of the dish. The plaintiffs argue that Gujral invented butter chicken as a way to repurpose unsold tandoori chicken, thus giving birth to a dish that would transcend borders and become a global sensation.

Daryaganj, on the other hand, contends that a late family member was a partner in opening the original Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi in 1947, suggesting a shared heritage in the creation of the dish. This claim has led to a contentious debate over who can rightfully lay claim to the title of “inventor” of butter chicken.

Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a dish that originated in Delhi and is characterized by its rich sauce made from tomatoes, cream, and butter. It is distinct from tikka masala, a British Indian concoction that is tangier and spicier, whereas butter chicken is known for its sweeter and milder flavor profile.

The origins of butter chicken trace back to the ingenuity of Chef Kundan Lal Jaggi, who, while working at Moti Mahal in Daryaganj, sought a solution for dry tandoori chicken pieces by creating a curry with simple ingredients like tomato, cream, and butter. This improvisation not only saved the chicken from going to waste but also led to the creation of a dish that would captivate the palates of food lovers worldwide.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the culinary world watches with bated breath. The outcome of this case may finally settle the long-standing question of who can rightfully claim the title of the inventor of butter chicken, a dish that has become synonymous with Indian cuisine across the globe.

In conclusion, the legal battle between Moti Mahal and Daryaganj is more than just a fight over a recipe; it’s a struggle for cultural and historical recognition. The verdict will likely have lasting implications for both restaurants and for the legacy of Indian culinary innovation.