Moti Mahal vs Daryaganj: Who Invented Butter Chicken And Dal Makhani?

Moti Mahal, a well-known restaurant chain, has taken legal action against Daryaganj, another eatery, for claiming to be the inventor of the iconic dishes Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani. The case is currently being heard in the Delhi High Court.

The renowned restaurant chains Moti Mahal and Daryaganj are embroiled in a legal dispute over the origin of two of India's most beloved dishes, Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani. The proprietors of Moti Mahal have filed a lawsuit against Daryaganj, claiming that it was their predecessor, Late Kundal Lal Gujral, who invented these iconic dishes, and that Daryaganj is misleading the public by attributing their creation to their predecessor.

Moti Mahal's Claim of Inventorship

Moti Mahal asserts that Gujral, a culinary pioneer, created the first Tandoori Chicken and subsequently went on to invent Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani after the partition of India. They contend that Gujral, faced with the challenge of preserving unsold leftover chicken in the absence of refrigeration, devised a delectable sauce to rehydrate the chicken. This sauce, known as the makhani or butter sauce, is a rich gravy made with tomatoes, butter, cream, and spices, giving the dish its distinctive tangy flavor.

Moti Mahal further claims that the invention of Dal Makhani is closely linked to the creation of Butter Chicken. Gujral applied the same innovative recipe to black lentils, resulting in the birth of Dal Makhani around the same time.

Daryaganj's Contention

During the court hearing, Daryaganj's counsel vehemently contested Moti Mahal's claims, asserting that the lawsuit is baseless and lacks a valid cause of action. The counsel argued that Daryaganj has not engaged in any false representation or claim and that the allegations made in the suit are far from the truth.

Regarding a photograph of the Moti Mahal restaurant in Peshawar, Daryaganj's counsel maintained that the establishment was jointly founded by the predecessors of both parties, Gujral of Moti Mahal and Jaggi of Daryaganj. This, according to the counsel, invalidates any claims of exclusive rights over the image that Moti Mahal might assert.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

Justice Sanjeev Narula of the Delhi High Court has issued a summons to the owners of Daryaganj restaurants, requiring them to file a written statement in response to the suit, along with an affidavit admitting or denying the authenticity of the documents presented by Moti Mahal. The court has scheduled the next hearing for May 29, 2023.

The outcome of this legal battle will determine the rightful claim to the origin of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani, two dishes that have become synonymous with Indian cuisine and are enjoyed by food lovers around the world.