Too often, restaurants claiming to serve “authentic” Indian food fall short, especially when it comes to butter chicken. What should be a rich, smoky, and delicately spiced dish is often reduced to overly sweet, jarred sauce or bland tomato gravy with chunks of chicken. These shortcuts strip away the complexity and soul of one of India’s most beloved recipes.
To help you avoid disappointment, we’re breaking down what truly makes authentic Indian cuisine so special—and where to find the best butter chicken in Didsbury. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious first-timer, here’s how to enjoy a 100% flavour-balanced, expertly prepared version of this classic.
Originally known as Murgh Makhani, butter chicken began in Delhi restaurants in the 1950s. This iconic dish is made with leftover tandoori chicken mixed in a rich tomato, butter, and cream sauce. The result revolutionized Indian butter chicken forever.
Unlike many Western interpretations that lean heavily sweet or use shortcuts like ketchup-based sauces, traditional Indian butter chicken maintains a sophisticated balance of tangy tomatoes, warming spices, and just enough cream to create that signature silky texture.
From Delhi’s bustling streets to Didsbury’s cosy restaurants, this food continues to win hearts with its perfect harmony of flavours that somehow manages to be both comforting and exotic.
So what separated a butter chicken as the best version?
The secret is the art of preparation. Authentic preparation begins with properly marinated chicken, typically soaked for hours in yoghurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and spices that are mixed deep into the meat.
This marination process ensures each bite delivers flavour from within, not just from the sauce coating.
The magic happens in the tandoor, where marinated chicken develops that essential smoky char and slightly crispy exterior that contrasts perfectly with the creamy gravy.
The sauce itself separates exceptional Indian cuisine butter chicken from other versions. Premium restaurants slow-simmer fresh tomatoes until they break down completely, creating a rich base that’s then enriched with butter, cream, and a precise blend of spices. Key indicators of quality include:
Further read: Best Indian Food in Manchester: Top Dishes You Can’t Miss
When searching for the best butter chicken in Didsbury, Durbar Square stands out as the top choice for authentic Indian cuisine. Their master chef’s decades of experience shine in every dish.
The chicken is grilled in a traditional tandoor with the proper marinade, giving it the necessary smoky char. The sauce is crafted from slow-simmered fresh tomatoes, house-ground spices, rich cream, and just the right amount of butter, creating the signature, flavorful balance that defines true taste.
It’s not our words. James Hamilton says, “Amazing service, standout poppadom sauces, and the best butter chicken I’ve ever had.” Our commitment extends beyond just great food; their warm hospitality and cosy atmosphere make every visit feel like dining with family.
Durbar Square offers flexible dining options, including dine-in service in their beautifully decorated space featuring traditional artwork and comfortable seating, plus efficient takeaway and delivery services for those craving this cuisine at home.
Further read: Best Tandoori Chicken in Manchester: An Authentic Taste of Durbar Square
Maximising your butter chicken experience involves thoughtful pairing choices that complement rather than compete with the dish’s rich, complex flavours. Here are some tips:
Choose the Right Accompaniment
Add Contrast with Smart Sides
Don’t Forget the Drink Pairing
Best Times to Order
Durbar Square is a go-to spot for lovers of authentic Indian cuisine, and nothing showcases this better than the best butter chicken served. Known for its bold spices, creamy tomato base, and tender chicken, Indian butter chicken here is made with care and tradition.
In a neighbourhood full of food lovers, only those who stay true to classic techniques stand out—and Durbar Square does just that. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just wondering what butter chicken is all about, this is the place to try it. From the first bite to the last dip of naan, you’ll understand why locals call it the best.
Ready to taste the real thing? Visit Durbar Square today or order your butter chicken online.
Butter chicken is made with marinated chicken, tomato puree, butter, cream, onions, garlic-ginger paste, and warm Indian spices like garam masala and kasuri methi.
Its rich, creamy tomato sauce, smoky tandoor-cooked chicken, and perfectly balanced spices create the signature mild yet flavorful profile people love in Indian butter chicken.
Serve butter chicken with garlic naan, plain basmati rice, cucumber raita, and mango lassi for a full Indian cuisine experience that complements the dish’s creamy richness.
While tastes vary, butter chicken is widely considered one of the best Indian dishes for its comforting, flavorful sauce and broad appeal, even to those new to Indian cuisine.
Traditional butter chicken is mild, with subtle spices balanced by cream and butter. Most restaurants can adjust heat levels to your taste, making it suitable for all spice levels.
Enjoy rich, creamy butter chicken at Durbar Square, Didsbury—Manchester’s top spot for authentic Indian-Nepalese cuisine.
