There are some foods that extend across borders, cities, states and even countries to unite people in the culinary equivalent of a singularity. One such dish is undoubtedly the world famous Butter Chicken. While now something of a global phenomenon, the dish’s surprisingly modest roots actually lay low on the streets of Delhi where the very best of it can be experienced even today.

These days, even top International chefs aspire to master the creamy texture and flavoursome gravy but the beauty of Murgh Malai all started in the glow of harsh tube-lights in a grimy, run-down kitchen in our capital city and nothing can ever change that. This ultimate comfort food has all the hallmarks of Mughlai cuisine so you know that it will fill you with warmth and indulgence in every bite. It’s not fancy, so put down your silverware and dig in with a soft naan, your hands and eventually your face as you follow our guide to the very best butter chicken in Delhi.

I. Aslam’s Chicken Corner – Chandni Chowk

While this isn’t your run of the mill butter chicken, Aslam has a special method that makes his dish a winner. The tandoor roasted chicken pieces are soaked in a sinful butter sauce before it’s added to the regular tomato based gravy. They also have a special marinade, which is apparently top secret information. The creamy creation is best served with hot naan and if you visit around Ramadan, be sure to add a portion of biryani and seekh kebabs to your order.

What it will cost you: A taste of this exclusive creation only costs Rs. 300 so there are no excuses for missing out.

II. Gulati Restaurant – Pandara Road Market

One of the more elite options for butter chicken seekers Gulati has been around about 40 years and has almost always been packed to the brim with people clamouring for a taste of their signature dish. While locals claim that the fancy interiors and large crowds are off putting when looking for an authentic experience there is no denying that the balanced heady flavours of the chicken swimming in a creamy, buttery sauce have become fan favourites. They try to marry the best aspects of Mughlai and Indian cuisine to create a new flavour and clearly it’s been working. A big helping of butter chicken with a soft naan and a side of sheek kebab will definitely convert you to a hardcore Gulati lover.

What it will cost you: The butter chicken comes in large, medium and small sizes at Rs. 370, Rs. 230 and Rs. 170 respectively so there’s no need to waste a delicious drop. Also comes in handy if you happen of be entertaining a small blond girl and a family of bears.

III. Havemore – Pandara Road Market

This legendary dhaba-style restaurant is a local treasure with locals swearing by their sinful take on butter chicken. Open past midnight this a frequent stop for late night revellers looking for something hearty to soak up the night’s indulgences. Pair it with the tandoori fish and the garlic naan and you’ll really understand why Havemore has achieved nationwide fame.

What it will cost you: Delicacies like this come at a price with a half costing Rs. 495 and a full portion coming in at Rs. 745.

IV. Invitation – Ashok Vihar Phase II

Locals in North Delhi swear by this place for all your butter chicken needs. It seems that their dish only gets better as the years pass. It may not have the fanciest ambience but this no fuss approach means that they are putting all their resources and hard work into giving you the best possible food. Their dal makhani and butter naans are a must try and they also have a great original recipe for Afghani chicken which is very popular. So settle down in the simple wooden chairs and prepare your stomach for the upcoming feast.

What it will cost you: You’ll have to loosen the purse strings a bit here as a half portion costs Rs. 410 with a full coming in at Rs. 780

V. Kake Da Hotel – Connaught Place

Originally a food cart Kake Da Hotel has been serving the most lipsmacking butter chicken since 1931. After independence they found themselves a small run-down hole in the wall to call a restaurant and have been there ever since. While the premises themselves aren’t exactly appealing we promise that the food will put all your worries to rest. It’s usually packed and works on a ticket system so when your name is called you better rush to claim your goodies. They also make some really exceptional tandoori rotis that are great on their own or soaked in the stupendous sauce.

What it will cost you: It’s Rs. 340 for a half portion and Rs. 580 for a full one but their servings are generous so you’ll be sure to get your money’s worth.

VI. Minar – Connaught Place

Their famous butter chicken has been delighting customers for decades. Thick and creamy with a plate orange hue they’ve taken the dish to a whole new level. For the more adventurous they serve a really delicious brain curry and their mutton burra is famed for its perfection. So if you do visit this renowned establishment order up these dishes with a side of their soft garlic naans, crack open a cold beer and prepare your tastebuds for a ride of a lifetime.

What it will cost you: At Rs. 400 for a half and Rs. 780 for a full portion it’s a bit pricier than some of our other options but the phenomenal taste is worth the extra cash.

VII. Mini Mughal – M Block Market, GKII

As the name suggests this family restaurant specialises in bringing you the best of traditional Mughlai cuisine. This of course means that a trip here will bring you plenty of artery clogging deliciousness so you may want to stick to health food the week before. Aside from their dreamy butter chicken which is loaded with cream and butter you have to order a plate of their malai tikka. Pair these with butter naan that is literally dripping with butter and you’ll be dancing in a dairy-fuelled dream world.

What it will cost you: Their sweet, delicious chicken comes in at Rs. 380 for a half and Rs. 680 for a full.

VIII. Moti Mahal Deluxe – Daryaganj

Every great hero has an original story and for the hero of Indian cuisine it’s no different for our hero of North Indian cuisine. The legacy of butter chicken began here, in the kitchens of this dim restaurant with peeling paint that obscures the magic that infuses its signature dish. Set up in 1947 they are credited with being the creators of tandoori cuisine and remain the go-to location for foodies looking to sample the authentic tastes of Delhi. They cater mainly to meat eaters and other than the butter chicken their must try’s are the tandoori chicken and the bhuna ghosht. For the vegetarians they have a special meatless version of the makhani gravy so that no one has to leave without being a part of this magical experience.

What it will cost you: A taste of the world famous original will cost you Rs. 370 for a half and Rs. 580 for a full plate.

IX. Mughal Mahal – Rajendra Place

This iconic eatery has been a fixture in the minds of Delhi-ites for decades. Their retro interiors have remained unchanged since they opened, as has their butter chicken recipe which is still their biggest crowd pleaser. It’s unique creaminess and vaguely sweet aftertaste is what keeps patrons coming back for more. They altered the traditional recipe ever so slightly so that they had a dish they could truly call their own. They may have a limited menu but while there you should order up a plate of chicken pakoras and mutton pasanda to really enjoy this feast the way it was intended.

What it will cost you: At Rs. 350 you’ll get a chance to eat like a king.

X. National Restaurant – Connaught Place

Another throwback from the past, this restaurant has been serving up their version of the classic dish for over 50 years. There are some dishes which call for you to drop all pretences of etiquette and National’s butter chicken is just one of those items. They cater to people from all walks of life so whether it’s a college kid or a suited up CEO you’ll find everyone here digging in to their food with wild abandon. They also serve up a mean butter naan which is a nice balance of fluffy and chewy and is a must add to your butter chicken order.

What it will cost you: You can watch your figure with a half portion at Rs. 310 or go the whole hog with the full plate at Rs. 550

XI. Pind Balluchi – South Ex I

With multiple outlets across the city this restaurant is a much beloved face on the butter chicken scene. Their creamy, spicy curries with generous mounds of chicken are consistently delicious and locals swear by their unfailing traditional recipe. With their dedication to excellence in Mughlai cusine it’s no wonder that they had to keep expanding to keep up with their ever-growing fan base.

What it will cost you: You can’t put a price on perfection but if you could it would be Rs. 385

XII. Rajinder Da Dhaba – Safdarjung Enclave

While it started off as a small dhaba style eatery, Rajinder has since expanded to include two more offshoots, Rajinder Express and RDX restaurant and bar. This is perfect when you need their amazing butter chicken in a rush or if you feel like teaming it up with a few beers on a lazy afternoon. Whichever outlet you choose you are sure to get a helping of the creamiest and spiciest butter chicken you’ve ever tried thanks to the extra masala they use while frying up the chicken.

What it will cost you: This matchless masala comes at a very reasonable Rs. 330 for a half and Rs. 550 for a full.

Research by Meharunnisa Moula Sahib