The First Daryaganj Bangkok, Bringing the Original Taste of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani to Bangkok
- Chomp Magazine
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
North Indian restaurant Daryaganj has officially opened its doors in Bangkok, bringing with it 77 years of rich culinary heritage. Nestled within Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18, the restaurant was co-founded by Raghav Jaggi, the grandson of Moti Mahal Restaurant's owner Kundan Lal Jaggi — the man credited with inventing Murgh Makhani (Butter Chicken) and Dal Makhani back in 1947 in Delhi — alongside his childhood friend, restaurateur Amit Bagga.
Butter Chicken is a beloved modern classic enjoyed by people around the globe. As Amit Bagga shared, the origin of this iconic dish was quite unexpected. One night, as the restaurant was about to close, a customer walked in, yearning for some curry. At the time, the restaurant only offered chicken tikka. Kundan Lal Jaggi, using what he had on hand — tomatoes, chicken tikka, and spices — whipped up something new. To everyone's surprise, it was a hit! This dish quickly became a staple at the restaurant, winning the hearts of celebrities and even the Prime Minister of the time.
In tandem with his flagship creation, Kundan Lal Jaggi conceived Dal Makhani as a vegetarian alternative that would resonate with guests seeking meatless options. This dish involved meticulously slow-cooking black lentils with a combination of tomatoes, generous amounts of butter, and a medley of herbs, all done in a traditional tandoor. The result was a luscious, creamy texture and a rich, comforting flavour that became synonymous with Indian cuisine.
As its popularity soared, many other establishments began serving it as well. Over the decades, both Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani have undergone various adaptations. Today's versions often incorporate additional heavy cream, enhancing their richness and imparting a subtly sweet taste that appeals to a broad spectrum of diners. With its opening in Bangkok, Daryaganj Bangkok aims to honour the original, heavy cream-free recipes and introduce them to a new audience, bridging the gap between tradition and modern diners.
Daryaganj Bangkok, named after a neighbourhood in Delhi and nestled within the walled city of Old Delhi, is the birthplace of the famed Moti Mahal. The restaurant boasts a warm brown decor that creates an inviting atmosphere. Throughout the space, framed historical photos celebrate the rich heritage of this Indian dining establishment. In addition to its history, the restaurant features a live kitchen, allowing diners to watch as their meals are prepared right before their eyes.
Daryaganj Bangkok offers a wide array of dishes worth trying, and of course, the Original 1947 Butter Chicken is one of them. This dish is prepared in the traditional way, using old-fashioned kitchen tools before blenders made their way to India. Without the addition of heavy cream, it boasts a unique flavour that is both savoury and refreshing, punctuated by a subtle hint of butteriness.
The Original 1947 Dal Makhani is crafted with painstaking attention to detail, closely following the authentic recipe developed by Kundan Lal Jaggi. This commitment to tradition guarantees that every serving is rich and flavourful, truly capturing the essence of the original taste. To elevate the dish's authenticity, the restaurant sources premium lentils straight from India, allowing diners to savour a genuine flavour that takes them back to 1947 with every bite.
Chicken Tikka is a culinary masterpiece that showcases the rich flavours of Indian cuisine. This dish features boneless and skinless chicken that is marinated in a luxurious blend of creamy yoghurt and an array of secret spices, allowing the meat to absorb a medley of aromatic flavours before being skewered. The marinated chicken is then expertly roasted in a traditional tandoor, a clay oven that provides a unique, smoky essence while ensuring the meat remains succulent and tender.
Tandoori Malai Jheenga showcases succulent tiger prawns marinated in a rich, creamy blend of spices and yoghurt similar to Chicken Malai Tikka. The prawns are then expertly cooked in a traditional tandoor, which imparts a distinctive smoky flavour and a beautifully charred exterior. This dish not only tantalises the taste buds with its vibrant spices and aromatic herbs but also offers a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it a true culinary delight that embodies the essence of Indian cuisine.
Mutton Seekh Kebab is a beloved classic that has won the hearts of many food enthusiasts. These flavourful skewers are made from minced mutton, which is spiced with a harmonious blend of aromatic herbs and spices, including cumin, coriander, garam masala, and fresh herbs like mint and cilantro. The mixture is skillfully shaped onto skewers and grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky, juicy treat that is both satisfying and rich in flavour.
Five Senses Mutton Curry is a richly flavoured dish that captivates the palate with its intricate layers and harmonious balance of heat and depth. This hearty curry features tender pieces of mutton, slow-cooked to perfection, allowing them to soak up a symphony of spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The dish is further enhanced by the addition of fragrant ginger, garlic, and a medley of aromatic herbs, creating a complex profile that is both warming and satisfying. The Five Senses Mutton Curry is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that tantalises all the senses.
Chicken Dum Biryani is a globally renowned dish that combines fragrant basmati rice, tender chicken, and an array of aromatic spices to create a rich and flavourful meal. This particular variety of biryani stands out due to its unique cooking method known as "Dum," which involves slow, double-layered cooking. During this process, the ingredients are sealed in a pot, allowing the steam to slowly infuse the rice and chicken with every essence of the spices, resulting in a deeply aromatic and succulent dish. The careful balance of spices—often including saffron, cardamom, and cloves—alongside the savoury marinade for the chicken enhances the overall taste. To add a spectacular touch, the inner lid of the pot is made of paper, which is ignited to create a dramatic presentation.
The restaurant has introduced an exciting new dish to its menu: Salmon Tikka is a seafood skewer dish with a rich and creamy texture. The salmon is smoked in-house and marinated in a blend of fresh cream and yoghurt, which not only tenderises the chicken but also infuses it with a velvety smoothness. The addition of dill and cucumber contributes freshness that enhances the overall flavour profile.
To truly savour these flavourful dishes, it's essential to serve them with an enticing bread basket. Include a variety of freshly baked naan, with its soft and pillowy texture, golden-brown missi roti that adds a nutty flavour, and flaky paratha for a delightful crunch. Complement this selection with Charrey Aloo, spiced potatoes that are perfectly cooked and bursting with authentic flavours, creating a complete and satisfying dining experience.
The dessert selection features an array of traditional favourites that are sure to delight any sweet tooth. Among these are the rich and syrupy Gulab Jamun, which consists of deep-fried milk and cheese solid balls soaked in a fragrant cardamom-infused sugar syrup. Another popular choice is Ras Malai, a creamy treat made from soft cheese rounds soaked in sweet milk flavoured with saffron and garnished with pistachios. Additionally, guests can enjoy Phirni, a creamy rice pudding delicately spiced with cardamom and often served chilled in small earthenware bowls, as well as Mango Kulfi, a mango-flavoured traditional Indian ice cream that comes in flavours, offering a refreshing end to any meal.
The coming of the Indian restaurant Daryaganj in Bangkok marks more than just the launch of another Indian restaurant in Bangkok; it continues a rich narrative that began over 77 years ago in the kitchens of Delhi. For Indians yearning for the familiar flavours of home, expats seeking something both comforting and extraordinary, and adventurous diners eager to savour the authentic butter chicken as it has been traditionally prepared, Daryaganj offers much more than a meal — it serves up a moment in history on a plate.
Daryaganj
Hours: Daily, 18:00-23:30
Tel: +662 658 7077
Website: https://www.daryaganjbangkok.com/
Location: Park Plaza, 9 Sukhumvit Soi 18, Khlong Toei, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
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