Butter/Makhani

Rich, velvety and irresistibly buttery, Butter Makhani is one of the most loved Indian dishes in the world. It's the home of the famous Butter Chicken. Makhani comes from makhan, the Hindi word for butter, and this silky, mildly sweet sauce is the definition of Indian comfort food. At Curry Gate, you choose your protein and your spice level.

Choose your protein:

Butter Chicken (Chicken Makhani): tender chicken in creamy butter sauce. It's the classic and one of the most-ordered Indian dishes anywhere. Paneer Makhani (Paneer Butter Masala): soft cubes of Indian cottage cheese, a rich vegetarian favorite. Lamb Makhani: hearty, tender lamb in smooth, buttery gravy. Goat Makhani: traditional, full-flavored goat balanced by the mild, creamy sauce. Dal Makhani: slow-cooked lentils in rich, buttery sauce, a hearty vegetarian classic.

Butter-based makhani dishes come from the Punjabi kitchens of North India, where they became famous in Delhi in the mid-1900s. Cooks found that simmering tandoori meats in a rich sauce of tomatoes, butter and cream kept them juicy and flavorful. The idea caught on and became one of India's most iconic dishes.

Our makhani sauce is made from ripe tomatoes, butter and cream, cooked with onions, ginger, garlic and warm spices like garam masala and cardamom. It's often finished with a touch of dried fenugreek (kasuri methi) for a subtle aroma. The sauce is simmered until smooth and silky, and your choice of protein is cooked in it until tender and full of flavor.

The result is a curry that is creamy, buttery and mildly sweet, with gentle warmth from the spices. It's rich without being overpowering, which is why Butter Chicken is a favorite with kids, families and first-time guests trying Indian food.

You control the heat. Makhani is traditionally mild, but at Curry Gate you choose your spice level from 1 to 10. Keep it at 1–3 for the classic creamy experience, go medium at 4–6 for gentle warmth, or turn it up to 7–10 for a spicy twist.

Butter Makhani is best with warm Butter Naan or Garlic Naan for scooping up every bit of sauce. It's also good with Kashmiri Naan or over steamed basmati rice.

Whether you're craving Butter Chicken for lunch in Uptown, Paneer Makhani for dinner in South End, or Dal Makhani for takeout near NoDa, Curry Gate brings authentic Indian and Nepali flavors to Charlotte, NC. Order Butter/Makhani for dine-in, pickup or delivery.

FAQ

What is Butter Makhani? Makhani is a rich, creamy North Indian sauce made from tomatoes, butter, cream and warm spices. Butter Chicken is the most famous dish made with it.

Is Butter Chicken the same as Chicken Makhani? Yes. Butter Chicken and Chicken Makhani are two names for the same dish.

What proteins can I choose for Butter/Makhani at Curry Gate? You can choose chicken, paneer, lamb, goat or dal (lentils).

What is the difference between Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala? Butter Chicken is creamier, milder and sweeter, with a buttery sauce. Tikka Masala has a bolder, tangier and more spice-forward tomato gravy.

Is Butter Chicken spicy? Butter Chicken is traditionally mild, but at Curry Gate you choose your spice level from 1 (mild) to 10 (very hot).

Is there a vegetarian option? Yes. Paneer Makhani and Dal Makhani are both vegetarian.