In a sizzling legal showdown, the iconic Indian dishes, Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani, are at the center of a fierce battle between Moti Mahal and Daryaganj restaurants, as they lock horns in the Delhi High Court over the tagline “Inventors of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani.”
Moti Mahal, renowned for its culinary legacy, has filed a lawsuit against Daryaganj, alleging that the latter is misleading the public by creating a false association between the two establishments. The suit argues that Daryaganj is falsely suggesting a connection with Moti Mahal, whose first branch was established in Daryaganj.
Justice Sanjeev Narula, presiding over the case, has directed the owners of Daryaganj restaurant to submit a written response within a month, marking a significant chapter in the ongoing legal dispute.
Both restaurant chains claim to be the originators of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani, adding layers of complexity to the culinary battle. Moti Mahal attributes the invention to its founder Kundal Lal Gujral, highlighting the global recognition these dishes have gained due to his culinary expertise.
Moti Mahal contends that Mr. Gujral’s creativity sparked the birth of Butter Chicken when he sought a solution for unsold tandoori chicken, ultimately crafting a sauce to rehydrate the chicken. On the other side, Daryaganj disputes the claims, asserting that Kundal Lal Jaggi is the true innovator behind the iconic dishes.
The legal representation for Daryaganj argued that the original Moti Mahal restaurant in Peshawar, Pakistan, was a joint venture between the predecessors of both parties—Gujral of Moti Mahal and Jaggi of Daryaganj.
As the legal battle unfolds, the court is set to reconvene on May 29, leaving the tantalizing debate over the rightful “inventor of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani” to simmer until then. The clash highlights the significance of culinary heritage and the stakes involved in claiming credit for cherished and globally acclaimed dishes.
Sources By Agencies