Daryaganj
Influencer Reviews1
Mark Wiens
About
Daryaganj is a celebrated restaurant in Delhi, India, credited with inventing the original butter chicken in 1947. The founders, including chef Kundan Lal Gujral, are also known for creating dal makhani. Daryaganj continues to honor these classic recipes, blending tradition with modern touches, and has expanded internationally, including a location in Bangkok.
The Visit
The experience at Daryaganj centers on tasting both the original 1947 butter chicken and its modern counterpart, highlighting the evolution of this iconic dish. The reviewer is struck by the harmony of flavors, the rich, buttery sauces, and the contrast in textures between the two versions. Alongside butter chicken, dishes like chicken biryani, mutton masala, and dal makhani showcase the restaurant’s mastery of North Indian cuisine, making for a deeply satisfying and memorable meal.
What They Ate
Quotes
"[Original Tandoori Chicken] The marination, the flavor goes all the way to the bone… the spices are not overpowering, they’re not in your face, it’s like this gentle spice that just kind of keeps building."
"[Original Butter Chicken 1947] the chunkiness of the tomato puree, the acidity, the smokiness of the chicken tikka, all of it combined together is a pure harmony."
"[Paneer Tikka] You taste that texture of that paneer, kind of crumbles in your mouth, but then the outsides are charred, the edges are charred, and just absorbed, filled with all the smoke from the tandoor."
"The quality of the food at this place is really on the next level… the quality, the care, the precision of the dishes really stands out, and it’s been an amazing meal."
Our Reflection
Daryaganj offers more than just a meal—it’s a living testament to culinary history. The reverence for the original 1947 butter chicken is palpable, with each bite evoking nostalgia and pride. The contrast between the chunky, tomato-forward original and the silky modern version sparks genuine appreciation for tradition and innovation. The biryani’s floral notes and the mutton masala’s tenderness add depth, while the dal makhani’s storied origins round out the experience. This is food that tells a story, inviting diners to savor both heritage and flavor.
This review includes brief, attributed excerpts of copyrighted material used for the purposes of commentary, criticism, and education. Such use is permitted under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. All rights to the original works remain with their respective creators and copyright holders. Our intent is to highlight, celebrate, and help audiences discover these creators by directing attention to their original content.