Battle of the Butter Chicken: Gymkhana vs Kanishka

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Battle of the Butter Chicken: Gymkhana vs Kanishka

Butter chicken - the warm hug of a curry, creamy yet nuanced, beloved everywhere from Delhi to dinner tables around the world. In London, two names stand out for their distinct approaches: the fine-dining opulence of Gymkhana and the breezy, contemporary energy of Kanishka. Both deliver memorable versions, yet a deep dive reveals starkly different philosophies.

Gymkhana: the exquisite indulgence

Nestled in Mayfair, Gymkhana is a two-Michelin-starred temple to North Indian cuisine. Opened in 2013, it earned its first star just a year later and a second in 2024, becoming one of London’s most exacting culinary stages. Its aura harks back to old Anglo-Indian “clubs,” mixed with modern bravado - rich leather booths, polished brass, heritage tones. The ambiance whispers prestige.

The food

Their butter chicken - styled as “Chicken Butter Masala”, is rich yet intricate: tandoori-grilled chicken thighs swim in a velvety sauce of slow-cooked tomatoes, cashews, Kashmiri chilies, and indulgent butter.

You taste the smoky charring, but also the sweetness of melting tomatoes and warming spices. It’s a decadent remix of the classic Murgh Makhani, deepened with buttery warmth and precision.

Adding to the experience are sides like soft naan, meticulous dal makhani, and stately accompaniments. Service glides quietly—pro or celebratory occasion, Gymkhana handles both with finesse.

Most note that while the butter chicken isn’t its showiest dish, it’s executed with unwavering finesse every night. At about £30–35 for a rich butter chicken set including sides, it’s a splurge - but the kind you savour.

Kanishka: flavourful and forthcoming

By contrast, Kanishka, located near Notting Hill, offers a lighter, more animated curry scenario. It’s bright, cozy, and welcoming, with a menu that channels regional nuance with freshness.

The Food

Their creamier, robust “Purani Dilli Ka Butter Chicken’, a traditional Delhi-style, is seasoned with layered tomato, spice, and cream, yielding a curry that's silky but tang-forward and far from heavy. Cooked overnight and per some reviews, it hits creamy yet balanced notes, honoring the original without lingering on butter alone.

Accompaniments - pillowy naan, fragrant rice, and signature dal, all showcase aromatic precision. Diners love the smooth sauce that invites naan-sopping without weight. At around £18 with sides, it offers spirited flavors at accessible pricing.

The Verdict

Comparing the two:

Flavor: Gymkhana is smoky, savory, and indulgent; Kanishka is tangy, refined, and spirited.

Texture: Gymkhana’s sauce is thicker, silkier; Kanishka’s lighter with an elegant glide.

Experience: Gymkhana is poised and plush; Kanishka is vivid and lively.

Value: Gymkhana delivers luxe refinement worth the price; Kanishka delivers bold flavor and comfort at a friendlier tag.

So, if you crave buttery theatricality and luxurious culinary theater, book at Gymkhana. If you prefer cozy brilliance that impresses through flavor clarity, head to Kanishka.

Both champion Delhi’s chicken legacy - but one is velvet, the other light as linen.

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Guinness World Records Turns 70

On 27 August 1955, Guinness World Records was born—a quirky promotional book that evolved into a global institution of human ambition and marvel. Therefore this year they are celebrating its 70th anniversary.

The gallery spans grand feats: the largest human mattress dominoes; colossal yo-yos; persons pulling trucks with sheer force; record-breaking food items like a 3kg hotdog; and collections so obsessive—23,000+ Winnie-the-Pooh items—that they inspire waves of delight.

It is a journey from the serious to the simply surreal. There’s a man in a wheelchair pulling near 9 tonnes, a yo-yo the size of a person, and collections of mismatched items that whisper personal quests for record lore.

This visual history reveals something deeper: our shared sense of wonder. Records capture extremes—big and small, skill and silliness. The GWR empire now spans adjudicated feats and digital engagement, but its core remains the same: celebrating extraordinary achievements and idiosyncrasies.

Despite its origin in beer promotions, the franchise is now emblematic of human fascination with limits. From athletes to artists building towers of… marshmallows—the spirit of curious endeavor persists.

For record fans, it’s a festive milestone; for others, a playful reminder: people will go to great lengths—for glory, for love, or just for a laugh.

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