The Delhi High Court is poised to settle a culinary dispute between two iconic restaurants in the national capital, Moti Mahal and Daryaganj, over the claims of being the inventors of the renowned dishes Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani.
Moti Mahal's owners have filed a plea against Daryaganj, alleging the unauthorized use of the tagline "Inventors of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani."
Shared History:
Both establishments share a common history, with Moti Mahal originating as a small eatery in Peshawar by Kundan Lal Gujral, Thakur Das Magu, and Kundan Lal Jaggi. After the partition, Moti Mahal found its home in Daryaganj in 1947, sparking a culinary rivalry that has endured over the years.
Invention of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani:
Moti Mahal's Account:
Moti Mahal credits Gujral for creating the recipes of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani, along with the invention of tandoori chicken. According to their narrative, Butter Chicken emerged in the 1930s when Kundan Lal simmered leftover tandoori chicken in a rich tomato-based sauce, incorporating butter and cream.
Daryaganj's Account:
Contrastingly, Daryaganj attributes the invention to Jaggi, who, in 1947, improvised the recipe in response to a suggestion from a Bengali patron. With only a small amount of tandoori chicken left, Jaggi created a savoury gravy using tomatoes, fresh butter, and spices, incorporating the remaining tandoori chicken pieces to give birth to Butter Chicken.
Legal Battle:
Moti Mahal's Plea:
Moti Mahal contends that Daryaganj's claim as the "Inventors of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani" is misleading and creates a false impression of a connection between the two restaurants. Justice Sanjeev Narula of the Delhi High Court issued a summons on January 16, instructing Daryaganj to respond within a month.
Daryaganj's Response:
While Daryaganj is yet to formally respond, their legal representative argued in court that the allegation is false. They emphasized that the initial Moti Mahal establishment in Peshawar was a collaborative effort involving predecessors of both parties, challenging the sole attribution of credit to Moti Mahal.
As the Delhi High Court takes on the task of deciding the rightful claimant to the titles of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani, the culinary battle between Moti Mahal and Daryaganj reflects not just a legal dispute but also a clash of narratives, history, and culinary prowess. The verdict of the court will not only settle a legal matter but could potentially shape the legacy of these two iconic restaurants.
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