Rude Food by Vir Sanghvi: The battle of the Butter Chickens

It is the most famous dish of Indian restaurant cuisine. But now a new war has broken out about its invention.

All over the world, there are dishes that are associated with individual restaurants. For instance, Carpaccio was created by Harry’s Bar in Venice. Or there are individual chefs who are credited with the invention of dishes and styles of cooking: the French chef Auguste Escoffier created two dishes for the singer Dame Nellie Melba – Melba Toast and Peach Melba – that are still served all over the world.

Does anyone remember what the original butter chicken is like? There are too many variations floating around these days

Was Butter Chicken as originally invented different from what we get in today’s restaurants?

Moti Mahal invented Tandoori Chicken, which went on to become world famous

Gujral’s grandson Monish took the restaurant places

Moti Mahal now has over 200 outlets across the world

Kundan Lal Jaggi is said to be the inventor of the dish

The original Butter Chicken was simpler, with chopped tomatoes, cream, butter and spices

The Jaggi camp opened Daryaganj, a successful restaurant at Aerocity

The photo at Daryaganj of the team from 1951

Kundan Lal Gujral, was the face of Moti Mahal for years