Moti Mahal has filed a lawsuit against Daryaganj restaurant alleging that the use of the tagline “Creators of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani” is deceptive, as it suggests false information to the public.
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NEW DELHI: A captivating legal battle over culinary heritage, the Delhi High Court is set to determine the true originator of two iconic Indian dishes: Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani. This intriguing case involves Moti Mahal, a renowned restaurant, which has filed a lawsuit asserting its foundational role in the creation of these beloved recipes.
According to Moti Mahal’s claim, the genesis of these dishes can be traced back to their predecessor, Mr. Gujral. It is alleged that Gujral, in a stroke of culinary innovation, first crafted the Tandoori Chicken. His creative journey didn’t stop there; he later pioneered the recipes for Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani, introducing them to India following the partition.
The story behind these inventions is as fascinating as the dishes themselves. Moti Mahal’s narrative suggests that Gujral faced a practical dilemma in the early days of his restaurant: how to manage unsold leftover chicken without refrigeration. To solve this, Gujral reportedly concocted a unique sauce, known as ‘makhani’ or butter sauce. This gravy, a rich blend of tomatoes, butter, cream, and spices, not only rehydrated the chicken but also imparted a tangy and irresistible flavor, thus giving birth to the now-famous Butter Chicken.
The invention of Dal Makhani, as per Moti Mahal’s lawsuit, was closely intertwined with that of Butter Chicken. Gujral, applying the same culinary principles, experimented with black lentils and crafted the Dal Makhani, a dish that has since become a staple in Indian cuisine.
“The invention of Dal Makhani is closely linked with the invention of Butter Chicken. He [Gujaral] applied the same recipe with Black lentils and gave birth to Dal Makhani around the same time,”
-Moti Mahal has said in suit.
This lawsuit and the ensuing court examination are not just about legal rights but also about preserving and acknowledging a significant part of India’s culinary history. The outcome of this case will officially recognize the true inventor of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani, dishes that have not only delighted palates in India but have also gained immense popularity worldwide. As the Delhi High Court delves into this delicious dispute, food enthusiasts and historians alike await with bated breath to see which establishment – Moti Mahal or Daryaganj – will be crowned as the authentic creator of these iconic dishes.
Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi and Chander M Lall along with advocate Shreya Sethi appeared for the proprietors of Moti Mahal.
Senior Advocate Amit Sibal along with advocates Pravin Anand, Dhruv Anand, Udita, Revanta Mathur, Nimrat Singh and D Khanna represented the owners of Daryaganj restaurant.
CASE TITLE:
[Rupa Gujral & Ors v Daryaganj Hospitality Private Limited & Ors]
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