Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is the dish that introduced most of the world to North Indian cooking, and at our York Street kitchen we keep it close to the Delhi original. Boneless chicken is marinated in yogurt, ginger, garlic and Kashmiri chilli, rested overnight, then cooked in a clay tandoor so the edges catch a little colour before the meat ever meets the sauce. That tandoor smoke is what separates a real butter chicken from a plain sweet tomato curry.
The gravy is built separately. Ripe tomatoes are cooked down slowly, whole spices are bloomed in butter, and the sauce is finished with cream and a pinch of crushed fenugreek leaf. We keep the sweetness restrained so the smoke and the spice still come through. It is a mild, family-friendly curry by default, and the kitchen is happy to lift the heat if you ask.
How We Cook Butter Chicken at Dil Tak
Every service starts with a fresh tandoor batch, so the chicken going into your order was grilled the same day rather than reheated from a holding tray. The makhani gravy is simmered in small batches through the day for the same reason: a sauce that has been sitting for hours loses the brightness of the tomato and turns flat.
Because the sauce is emulsified with butter and cream rather than thickened with flour, it holds up well in a takeout container. If you are ordering Butter Chicken for delivery to a condo in CityPlace, an office in the Financial District or a hotel near the Harbourfront, it will still be glossy and hot when the bag is opened.
Ways to Enjoy Butter Chicken at Dil Tak
Perfect Pairings
- Fresh butter naan or garlic naan straight from the tandoor
- Steamed basmati or a side of Chicken Biryani
- Classic Chicken Tikka to start the table off
- A cold beer or a lassi from the bar
Good to Know
- Mild by default; ask for medium or hot when you order
- Available for dine-in, takeout, delivery and catering
- Popular for office lunches in the Bay Street Corridor
- Served late — kitchen runs until 11:30 pm, and past midnight on Fridays and Saturdays
Butter Chicken in Toronto: Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get good butter chicken near Union Station?
Dil Tak Indian Cuisine and Bar is at 8 York St, a short walk from Union Station and Scotiabank Arena. You can eat in, pick up an order on the way to the train, or have it delivered anywhere in downtown Toronto.
Is your Butter Chicken spicy?
No. Our Butter Chicken is mild and creamy by default, which makes it a safe pick for children and for anyone new to Indian food. Tell your server or add a note to your online order if you would like it medium or hot.
Can I order Butter Chicken for a group or office lunch?
Yes. Butter Chicken is one of our most requested catering trays for offices in the Financial District, King West and the Bay Street Corridor. Call +1 (416) 359-0777 and we will size the order for your headcount.
