Who invented Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani? Delhi HC to decide!

New Delhi, December 20: A delectable dispute has landed on the plate of the Delhi High Court, sparking a heated debate over the rightful claim to the invention of two of India's culinary treasures — Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani. The clash centres around two culinary giants, Moti Mahal and Daryaganj, each vying for the prestigious title of the 'inventor' of these iconic dishes that have secured a special place in the hearts of Indian food enthusiasts.

The legal spat unfolded when the proprietors of Moti Mahal decided to take legal action against the owners of Daryaganj restaurant. Moti Mahal alleged that Daryaganj's use of the tagline 'Inventors of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani' was misleading the public into believing an association between the two establishments. The initial courtroom showdown occurred on January 16 under Justice Sanjeev Narula, who promptly issued summons and requested a written response from Daryaganj within a month, according to a report by Bar and Bench.

Moti Mahal's narrative attributes the genesis of these culinary delights to the late Kundal Lal Gujral, its predecessor. Post-partition, the tale unfolds how Gujral, grappling with the challenge of unsold Tandoori Chicken drying out without refrigeration, ingeniously concocted the makhani sauce. This rich blend of tomatoes, butter, cream, and spices not only revived and enhanced the chicken, but also gave birth to the beloved 'Butter Chicken,' as per the report. Applying this luscious sauce to black lentils resulted in the creation of the iconic Dal Makhani.

However, Daryaganj restaurant, represented by senior advocate Amit Sibal and their legal team, staunchly refutes these claims, describing the lawsuit as "baseless." According to Bar and Bench, Daryaganj argued that there was no false representation and pointed out that the original Moti Mahal restaurant was a joint venture between the predecessors of both parties — Gujral of Moti Mahal and Jaggi of Daryaganj — in Peshawar, Pakistan.

The courtroom drama will continue to sizzle as the case is scheduled for its next hearing on May 29.

In a city known for its diverse culinary landscape, this legal showdown adds a unique twist to the rich tapestry of Delhi's gastronomic heritage. As the Delhi High Court grapples with this savory battle, food enthusiasts across the nation await the next chapter in the tale of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani - dishes that have not only tantalised taste buds, but are now at the heart of a legal culinary clash.

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