King of All Curries: The Truth Behind India’s Most Beloved Dish

When people ask what the king of all curries, a rich, creamy Indian dish with tender chicken in a tomato-based sauce, often served with naan or rice. Also known as butter chicken, it is the dish that turned global audiences into Indian food fans—the answer isn’t spicy vindaloo or complex rogan josh. It’s butter chicken. And it’s not because it’s the most traditional. It’s because it’s the most forgiving, the most satisfying, and the most universally loved. No one walks away from butter chicken unhappy. Not even the pickiest eaters.

This dish doesn’t shout—it whispers. It doesn’t burn your tongue, it warms your soul. The magic lies in its balance: smoky tandoori chicken, gently simmered in a sauce of tomatoes, cream, butter, and just a hint of spice. It’s the kind of curry that makes you want to lick the plate clean. And yes, it started as a clever way to use leftover tandoori chicken in Delhi’s Moti Mahal restaurant back in the 1950s. That’s right—it was born from leftovers. Now it’s on every Indian restaurant menu from London to Los Angeles. You won’t find it in every home kitchen across India, but you’ll find it in every tourist’s memory.

What makes it the king of all curries isn’t just flavor—it’s adaptability. You can make it mild for kids, richer for guests, or lighter with yogurt instead of cream. It pairs with everything: naan, rice, even toast. It’s the dish you order when you’re unsure what to try, and the one you come back to when you want comfort. It’s also the dish that taught the world that Indian food doesn’t have to be hot to be amazing.

Behind this dish are the tools of Indian cooking: yogurt marinades, charcoal grills, slow-simmered sauces, and the quiet art of layering spices without overwhelming. It’s not about complexity—it’s about harmony. And that’s why it lasts.

Below, you’ll find real stories, recipes, and insights from people who’ve cooked, eaten, and fallen for this dish. Whether you’re trying to make it at home, understand why it’s so popular, or just want to know what makes it different from other curries—you’ll find it here. No fluff. Just the truth about the dish that rules Indian tables around the world.