Daryaganj - By the Inventors of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani

Daryaganj at Connaught Place

Daryaganj

Another Gem in the roundabouts of Delhi's heart Connaught Place. Daryaganj is the tribute to Mr Kundan Lal Jaggi's legacy, the story of Mr Jaggi is more than a century old, which was started in the year 1920 at the Peshawar of Undivided India. 

Interior

During the Independence of India, Mr Jaggi with his 2 partners moved to New Delhi and opened India's finest restaurant in the lanes of Daryaganj where he invented the forever loved "Butter Chicken and Dal Makhni" along with some other iconic dishes and shared its unique recipe with his family. 

Wall Of Legacy

After opening in 1947 Mr Kundan Lal and his team have served many renowned people including the 1st Prime Minister of India. 

Now, coming to the overall experience of my visit to Daryagnaj the Restaurant.

Daryaganj at Connaught Place

When you enter this place two things that you can't ignore, first, the old 90s music that takes you back to the golden era of Bollywood music and second, the amusing interior and lightning at this place, that gives you positive vibes (I'm in love with exposed brick wall interior).

Interior

 This place is small with a bar set up at the end of the restaurant but despite the small sitting space, the team at Daryaganj is following all the social distancing norms and keeping a vacant table between two occupied table to maintain the safety of their guests. The service here is a bit slow but then I assume this is the attempt to keep up with the authenticity of the original dishes and that'll take some precision.

Maintaining Social Distancing 

Now, coming to the most important part "Food"

Beverages: There are limited options in the Drinks Menu to choose from, so I choose the simplest of all. 

1. Mattha from Daryaganj: There was nothing special about the Mattha, it was simply a glass of ordinary buttermilk.

2. Peach Iced Tea: The overwhelming sweet taste was totally overpowering the Peach flavour. 

The beverages were totally not up to the mark when you're coming to a place like Daryaganj but as per the Manager, they are going to introduce a few more drinks to the menu. 

Starters:

1. Bharwan Paneer Tikka: Paneer Tikka stuffed with Paneer, I liked the soft texture and flavours of the Tikka. 

Bharwan Paneer Tikka

2. Mushroom Kurkuri: Mushrooms stuffed with cheese, and the crispy outer layer. I really loved it, the texture and juicy mushroom make it a must-try. 

Mushroom Kurkuri

3. Mutton Burrah: The presentation of Mutton Burrah was totally mouth-watering and the mutton was juicy and soft.  

Mutton Burrah

4. Dahi Ke Kebab: Kebabs were very soft and melting in the mouth, a bit on the sweeter side. 

Dahi Ke Kebab

5. Paraanth ki Chaap: It's more like Mutton Parantha with some roasted garlic on top (don't try roasted garlic without the Parantha). Totally must -try.

Paraanth ki Chaap

And now, the most awaited Main Course:

Main Course

1. The Original 1947 Dal Makhani: Dal Makhni from the inventor of Dal Makhani is totally a must-try. The creamy texture of Dal Makhani is totally amusing. Definitely, coming from the kitchen of the inventor of Dal Makhani. 

The Original 1947 Dal Makhani

2. The Original Butter Paneer: Another gem discovered in the Kitchen of Mr Kundan Lal Jaggi. creamy texture and soft well-cooked paneer make it a totally a must-try. 

The Original Butter Paneer

3. Mutton Dum Biryani: Soft mutton and well cooked, Biryani smells so good. 

Mutton Dum Biryani

Dessert, the best part:

1. Gulab Jamun: Nothing is better than warm and soft Gulab Jamun to finish your meal.  

Gulab Jamun

2. Ras Malai: Perfect Ras Malai, fo my sweet-tooth cravings. 

Ras Malai

Overall, Daryaganj is a must-try place with your friends and family, the place is a bit expensive but the food is totally worth your time and money. My biggest regret is not trying Butter Chicken because of the Bird Flu, next time I'll surely try that as well.