28.646977.2400Delhi, Delhi

RESTAURANT

Moti Mahal Daryaganj - The Birthplace of Butter Chicken in Delhi

The legendary Daryaganj eatery credited with inventing Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani, offering a taste of authentic North Indian culinary history.

Delhi, Delhi1-2 hours12:00 PM – 11:59 PMFree EntryNo Photography

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Best Season:This is an indoor restaurant, so it can be visited year-round. However, the best months to be in Delhi are from October to March, when the weather is pleasant. The restaurant is most enjoyable for dinner, between 8 PM and 10 PM, when the atmosphere is lively. For a quieter meal with less waiting time, consider visiting for a late lunch around 2:30 PM on a weekday.

Duration:1-2 hours

Entry (Indian):Free

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit Moti Mahal Restaurant?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

Moti Mahal in Daryaganj is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary institution with a significant place in India's food history. This is widely accepted as the birthplace of two iconic dishes: Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani. The atmosphere inside is a step back in time, with simple, unpretentious decor that prioritizes comfort and tradition over modern aesthetics. The focus here is entirely on the food, which remains true to its origins.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

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BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

Evenings (8 PM - 10:30 PM) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and on public holidays.

Moderate

Weekday evenings (7 PM - 10 PM) and weekend lunch hours (1 PM - 3 PM).

Low Season

Weekday afternoons (12 PM - 3 PM) are generally the quietest.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

Free

No entry fee

Opening Hours

12:00 PM — 11:59 PM

Open all days of the week. Last order is usually taken around 11:30 PM. It is advisable to call ahead to confirm timings during major public holidays.

This is a restaurant and there is no entry fee. The average cost for a meal for two people is approximately ₹1500 - ₹2000.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

3704, Netaji Subhash Marg, Daryaganj, New Delhi

Coordinates

28.6469, 77.2400

Nearest City

Delhi

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How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the nearest airport, located about 22 km away. A taxi from the airport will take approximately 45-60 minutes, depen...

By Train

New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) is just 4 km away, and Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI) is about 3 km away. Both are major hubs with nationwide connectivity. Yo...

By Road

The restaurant is situated on Netaji Subhash Marg, a major road in Old Delhi. It is well-connected by road to other parts of the city like Connaught Place (4 km...

Local Transport

The most convenient way to reach is by Delhi Metro (Violet Line to Delhi Gate station). Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are abundant in the area. Taxis and a...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

Established in 1947 by Kundan Lal Gujral, Kundan Lal Jaggi, and Thakur Dass, Moti Mahal was started by refugees from Peshawar after the Partition of India. They brought with them the tradition of the tandoor. The restaurant's claim to fame is the invention of Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani), reported...

Significance

Moti Mahal's significance lies in its immense contribution to North Indian cuisine. It is globally recognized for inventing Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani, dishes that are now staples in Indian restaurants worldwide. The restaurant played a pivotal role in popularizing tandoori cooking, transforming...

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