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Whether you were born and raised in New Delhi or New York, there is a good chance you have tasted one of India’s best-known delicacies: butter chicken. The aroma of a golden brown chicken basking in a delectable curry sauce has captivated chefs worldwide who have tried to replicate the meal.
The creator of butter chicken, Kundan Lal Gujral, was inspired in Delhi, where he operated the popular restaurant, Moti Mahal. He started out experimenting with different types of chicken toppings but eventually settled upon yogurt with multiple spices. This combination created a crisp, vibrant, red-colored shell with a tender, smoky-tasting center. The unique style quickly garnered popularity and propelled Indian food into the world spotlight. It was not long before Moti Mahal was serving world leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Zakir Hussain, and John F. Kennedy.
The appeal of butter chicken also has to do with its mastery of vegetables. Popular chef Gordon Ramsay, says that “it doesn’t taste tart like it’s been laced with tomato puree,” but rather sweet, like “it uses fresh tomatoes.” The combination of fresh ingredients and smooth sauce creates an exotic taste with every element complimenting the other. The incredible flavors within this dish have allowed it to spread through every corner of the world.
This mouthwatering dish has reached a wide range of countries through local restaurants and the microwavable aisle at grocery stores. This spread has not only promoted the Indian cuisine culture but has also encouraged nations to make their own butter chicken variations: Canada’s Butter Chicken roti; New York’s Butter Chicken tacos; and New Zealand’s butter chicken pie. For chefs willing to make their own Indian delicacies, butter chicken is a fairly simple dish and a great place to start. The best way to get the true Indian taste of butter chicken is to follow Moti Mahal’s butter chicken recipe.
The rich taste of butter chicken has allowed it to gain the acknowledgement and enjoyment of people and cultures from around the world. Through its popularity, butter chicken acted as an ambassador for a vibrant and wonderful cuisine and allowed many to connect over a shared interest in this delicious dish. Though the making of butter chicken around the world stemmed from India, it is a great example of how food can bring together any cultural group and unite them under a common love. As restaurants open up and the world slowly returns to normal, we encourage you to go out and enjoy this exquisite Indian meal, whether it’s your first time or thousandth time. Bon Appetit!
Deya Singh
