Best Butter Chicken in Washington DC
Indian food is an alchemy of flavours and combines sweet and spicy with sour and savoury in a myriad of cooking techniques that date back centuries.
Washington DC is blessed with a plethora of Indian restaurants. The nostalgia of a perfectly soft naan paired with butter chicken is something that brings in a sense of a plethora of excellent Indian restaurants
Let’s explore this vibrant and bustling city that is the heart of the US and explore some of the best butter chicken in Washington DC.
1. Rasika & Rasika West End
Location: 1190 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington DC
Website: https://www.rasikarestaurant.com/westend/menu/
About the restaurant: the restaurant boasts locations visually stunning with a gorgeous, ornate décor but the cuisine offered at both locations is simply spectacular encapsulating the true essence of fine Indian cuisine. Perfect for those special occasions that call for Indian hospitality.
Rasika‘s Butter Chicken: The restaurant is famous for and showcases some of the best Tawa (Griddle), Sigri (open Barbeque), Tandoori and regional curry dishes. A must visit to experience some of the best butter chicken in Washington DC. Broiled chunks of tender marinated chicken are topped with a silky and succulent tomato and fenugreek sauce with a touch of butter and cream.
Cost: $20 highlighting the authenticity and showcasing fine dining does complete justice to this above-average price tag, but well worth the try best paired with garlic naan.
2. Karma Modern Indian
Location: 611 I St NW, Washington DC
Website: https://www.karmamodernindian.com/
About the restaurant: Known for its traditional Indian cooking techniques along with unexpected ingredient combinations, forward-thinking flavour profiles, contemporary plating and impressive table service.
The restaurant sources high-quality ingredients to form the starting point of each dish and adds to those fresh spices which they grind in-house. The experienced culinary team transforms these ingredients into unforgettable meals.
Karma‘s Butter Chicken: A mild butter chicken with sweet notes of honey complemented by a rich buttery tomato and cream sauce with hints of piquant from dry fenugreek leaves. A perfect combo with hot naan straight out of the oven, my personal favourite is the wild mushroom and truffles naan.
Cost: $22 for the butter chicken and $6 for the naan sets you back lesser than 30 dollars for a fine meal at one of the best Indian restaurants in town, what you waiting for?
3. The Bombay Club
Location: 815 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC
Website: https://www.bombayclubdc.com/
About the restaurant: Located one block away from The White House, The Bombay Club has played host to dignitaries of all kinds running from Movie Stars to Diplomats, and Presidents. Established in 1988 it offers some of the finest traditional Indian cuisine fine-tuned to the palette of the 21st century. With a pedigree as such, it’s sure to be home to one of the best butter chicken in Washington DC.
The Bombay Club‘s Butter Chicken: Classic tandoori chicken tikka roasted to perfection in-house in a clay oven, tempered sweet ripe tomatoes blended with a secret mix of spices and topped with a generous serving of cream and butter come together like never before for a heavenly experience in all.
Cost: At $20 dollars this experience is a steal and is worth its weight in gold, perfect for those special occasions with a loved one.
4. Bindaas Foggy Bottom
Location: 2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington
Website: https://www.bindaasdc.com/foggybottom
About the restaurant: Trendy interiors, serene ambience, and mouthwateringly “bindaas” food come together to create a must-visit for those making their culinary escapades through the city, whether you love Indian food or not, home to one of the best butter chicken in Washington DC. Uthappam with roasted butternut squash and keema pao, minced lamb flavoured with Thai chillies on a toasted bun with a side of fresh salad is a must-try
Bindaas‘ Butter Chicken: Red bell peppers and tomatoes form the base for this modern take on the traditional recipe but are complemented by the same tender and juicy chicken tikka, that just melts in your mouth and leaves you coming back for more. The subtle notes of cinnamon and cardamom make it even better.
Cost: At $16 dollars it’s a steal deal and worth its weight in gold.
5. Indigo
Location: 243 K St NE, Washington DC
Website: https://www.indigowdc.com/
About the restaurant: featured in the Michelin guide this humble eatery pumps out some of the most mouth-watering Indian cuisines in hearty portions and budget-friendly options, making it a hot spot amongst the younger generation quickly forming a sort of cult following.
With a small and concise menu with an interesting set of alternative options, it’s good for both veg and non-veg delights.
Indigo‘s Butter Chicken: The classic Murgh Makhani 12 oz is accompanied as a meal along with an equal serving of rice, a hearty portion of masala chickpeas and a spinach & cilantro salad. Earning it a spot on our list of best butter chicken in Washington DC.
Cost: $16 is a steal for a meal that can easily be shared by two and is perfect for a takeaway or a cosy meal in the comfort of your home.
6. Masala Art
Location: 4441 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington DC
Website: https://www.masalaartdc.com/index.html
About the restaurant: A common spot for businessmen and people on the go, the restaurant is usually crowded on weekdays and caters to a fast-moving group of customers who seek a high-quality meal, with a comfortable yet face-paced service style. The restaurant is famous for its tandoori delicacies and prides itself in serving one of the best butter chicken in Washington DC. They also serve an exhaustive list of signature cocktails.
Masala Art‘s Butter Chicken: A combination of tender chicken tikka char broiled over a live charcoal grill and finished off with a silky and decadent butter and tomato sauce, with a hint of cream fenugreek and cashew nut.
Cost: $19.95 is a superb deal and can comfortably serve two people, perfect for those weeknight dinners or a quick takeaway.
7. Le Mirch Dupont
Location: 1736 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington
Website: https://www.lemirch.com/
About the restaurant: Sophisticated, fine dining restaurant showcasing a farm to table concept with emphasis on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients combined with Indian spices and cooking techniques employing centuries of tradition and culture and giving it a modern French twist. You can find a selection of famous classic dishes from the streets of Bombay and the cafes of France to your home in DuPont.
The Murgh Makhani, Chicken Maharaja and Pork Vindaloo are the most loved dishes on the menu.
Le Mirch‘s Butter Chicken: Located close to Central Station, the restaurant is specialised in serving North Indian cuisine and prides itself on having one of the best butter chicken in Washington DC. Dubbed the Chicken Maharaja, moist and flavorful boneless chicken breasts are cooked in our Royal lite, creamy tomato sauce infused with fenugreek leaves. The Moguls introduced this into Northern India. It is famous for its rich yet delicate flavours, which this dish encapsulates.
Cost: $18 dollars makes this the most budget-friendly dish on the list and is at the top of our to try the list of restaurants in Washington DC.
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