Was Butter Chicken Born in Peshawar? The Legal Sizzle Between Moti Mahal and Daryaganj
In a bustling city like Delhi, where food is as diverse as its people, a spicy legal battle is heating up over the origins of the much-loved butter chicken. The Delhi High Court will hear arguments on September 12 between two rival restaurants, Moti Mahal and Daryaganj, each claiming to be the true creator of this creamy curry.
The case began in January 2024 when both eateries laid claim to the recipe. Moti Mahal argues it is the original inventor and is seeking $240,000 in damages from Daryaganj. The dispute, which last saw action in May, awaits further legal proceedings.
Here’s a twist: the origins of butter chicken trace back to Peshawar. The legendary Moti Mahal Hotel, founded by Kundan Lal Gujral in 1920, was where butter chicken was first introduced. After the Partition, Gujral moved to India and opened another Moti Mahal in Delhi in 1947, continuing his culinary legacy.
In the early 20th century, Peshawar’s Fawara Chowk housed the original Moti Mahal, famous for its rich and flavorful dishes. Local resident Mushtaq Khan fondly remembers the restaurant’s aromatic teas, crispy pakoras, and more. Even British patrons of the Raj enjoyed its offerings.
Today, the spot where Moti Mahal once stood is now a clothing shop owned by Iqbal Arif. Iqbal recalls a poignant moment from the 1980s when Gujral, reflecting on his lost restaurant, was seen weeping against a tree outside Iqbal’s shop.
So, while Delhi’s restaurants battle over ownership, the roots of butter chicken definitely lie in Peshawar.
