If you’re a true Indian food lover, especially someone who dreams in shades of creamy, tangy, buttery red Butter Chicken, this one’s for you. Delhi is known for many culinary delights, but butter chicken tops the list. As someone who has roamed the streets and fine-dined in the capital in search of the perfect bite, I bring you the 5 Best Places to Eat Butter Chicken in Delhi—each a masterpiece in its own.
Whether you’re a tourist, a local foodie, or just someone planning a weekend food crawl, bookmark this list. Let’s dig in!
Moti Mahal, Daryaganj – The OG of Butter Chicken
Address: 3703, Netaji Subhash Marg, Daryaganj, New Delhi
Timings: 12 PM – 11 PM
Cost for Two: ₹1000 (approx)
If butter chicken had a birthplace, it would be here. Moti Mahal in Daryaganj is a legend, not just in Delhi but across the world. This is where the dish was supposedly invented by Kundan Lal Gujral back in the 1950s.
I remember stepping into this iconic spot with sky-high expectations—and it still managed to surpass them. Their butter chicken is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with smoky tandoori flavours. The gravy is thick, mildly tangy, and comforting with every spoonful.
Must Try With: Butter naan or their signature tandoori roti.
Why it’s a Must Visit: It’s not just food; it’s culinary history. No butter chicken list is complete without Moti Mahal.
Gulati Restaurant, Pandara Road – Luxury on a Plate
Address: 6, Pandara Road Market, New Delhi
Timings: 12 PM – 12 AM
Cost for Two: ₹1500 (approx)
Ask any Delhiite where to find the best butter chicken in a slightly upscale setting, and Gulati will be the most common answer. I’ve been here more times than I can count, and trust me, the consistency is unmatched.
Their butter chicken is what I like to call “premium comfort food”. It’s luxuriously creamy, slightly on the sweeter side, and packed with depth. The chicken is tender, cooked just right, and the gravy has that velvety finish that makes you close your eyes with every bite.
Must Try With: Garlic naan or roomali roti.
Insider Tip: Go early in the evening or be prepared to wait. It’s that popular!
Rajinder Da Dhaba, Safdarjung Enclave – Street Style Heaven
Address: AB-14, Safdarjung Enclave Market, New Delhi
Timings: 5:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Cost for Two: ₹800 (approx)
Looking for a hearty, no-frills butter chicken experience? Rajinder Da Dhaba is your answer. This place redefines what a dhaba can be in a modern metro city. While it started off as a small eatery, today it’s an institution in itself.
Their butter chicken is bold and flavorful, with a little extra spice than the usual creamy versions. If you love a bit of kick in your curry, you’ll love this. The meat is juicy and well-charred from the tandoor, soaking up the gravy perfectly.
I often stop here after work for a quick bite in my car—classic Delhi style with the stereo playing and food on the dashboard.
Must Try With: Lachha paratha or tandoori roti.
Pro Tip: Try their chicken malai tikka as a starter—it pairs beautifully with the butter chicken.
Aslam Chicken, Jama Masjid – A Tangy Twist on Tradition
Address: Jama Masjid, Matia Mahal Road, Old Delhi
Timings: 4 PM – 1 AM
Cost for Two: ₹600 (approx)
This one’s a bit unconventional. You won’t find your typical tomato-based butter chicken here. What Aslam Chicken serves is more like a buttery, tangy grilled chicken with a curd-based gravy—topped with heaps (and I mean heaps) of melted butter.
It’s street-style chaos meets culinary creativity. The chicken is marinated in a secret blend of spices, grilled on skewers, then dunked in a pan with butter, cream, and masala. The result is sinfully indulgent, tangy, and rich with smoky flavours.
I stumbled upon this place during a Ramzan food walk and have returned every time I crave something different yet delicious.
Must Try With: Roomali roti and a side of green chutney.
Warning: Don’t count calories here—just surrender to the experience.
Embassy, Connaught Place – Old World Vibes,Timeless Taste
Address: 11-D, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Timings: 12 PM – 11 PM
Cost for Two: ₹1500 (approx)
Located at the heart of central Delhi, This place is a reflection of capital’s culinary heritage. My experience here was like stepping back in time. Their Butter chicken is rich, creamy and flavourful. The chicken is slow cooked tender and melts in the mouth.What I loved the most was the old school presentation simple yes so satisfying.
Must Try With: Tandoori Roti or Butter Naam
Bonus Point: You will feel like you are dining in 1970’s Delhi
Final Thoughts: Where Should You Go First?
Honestly, if I had to rank these five based purely on my cravings:
- Moti Mahal – for nostalgia and legacy
- Gulati – for premium comfort food
- Rajinder Da Dhaba – for spicy, affordable indulgence
- Aslam Chicken – for a twist on tradition
- Embassy – for the timeless taste
But each of these places serves butter chicken in a unique avatar—whether it’s the legacy taste, the smoky street-style version, or a modern creamy delight. My recommendation? Try them all across weekends and thank me later!
FAQs – Butter Chicken Lovers, This is for You!
Q: What makes Delhi’s butter chicken so special?
A: Delhi’s butter chicken blends smoky tandoori marination with rich, buttery tomato gravy—a match made in culinary heaven. Plus, it’s got decades of street cred!
Q: Is butter chicken always spicy?
A: Not necessarily. It’s usually mildly spicy with a rich, creamy texture. But places like Rajinder Da Dhaba give it a spicy kick.
Q: Can I get good butter chicken for under ₹500 in Delhi?
A: Yes! Try Aslam Chicken or Rajinder Da Dhaba for budget-friendly yet flavour-packed versions.
Q: Is butter chicken the same as chicken tikka masala?
A: Nope! While similar in some ways, butter chicken is creamier, less spicy, and has a richer texture than tikka masala.
The Verdict
Delhi is heaven for butter chicken lovers, this is my 5 Best Places to Eat Butter Chicken in Delhi and this list is just the beginning. From iconic institutions to buzzing new joints, the city keeps reinventing this North Indian classic in ways that continue to surprise and satisfy.
I’ve personally tried each of these places, sat down with naan in hand, and let the gravy do its magic—and I’m telling you, you cannot go wrong with any of them.
So go ahead, gather your foodie squad, and plan your next butter chicken crawl across Delhi. And don’t forget to come back and tell me your favourite!
Have a favourite spot that’s not on this list? Drop it in the comments—because for butter chicken lovers, the hunt never truly ends.
Very nice information, I will definitely try these.