Chicken Changezi: Exploring the Spice and History Behind Delhi’s Bold Dish
My first encounter with Chicken Changezi happened in a small, tucked-away restaurant in Old Delhi, a place heavy with the aroma of spices, dimly lit with low-hanging bulbs, and filled with the hum of pots and pans. The menu had caught my eye, with “Chicken Changezi” leaping out like a story waiting to be told. Intrigued by its name, I ordered it, wondering: Who came up with this dish? What makes it different? And why was it named after a historical conqueror?
The search to answer these questions led me into the annals of Mughlai culinary heritage, the legends of the Mongol Empire, and the evolving flavours of Delhi's kitchens.
The Origins of Chicken Changezi: Fact, Legend, and Flavour
Chicken Changezi, believed to have originated in the heart of Delhi during the Sultanate era, is a dish with a story as bold as its taste.
Many speculate that the name "Changezi" is a nod to Genghis Khan—known in the Indian subcontinent as “Changez Khan”—though the historical Mongol leader never experienced Indian cuisine as we know it today.
Some historians suggest that the name was chosen to convey a sense of fierceness, intensity, and conquest, much like the man himself.
Food historian Pushpesh Pant describes Chicken Changezi as a “retelling of the Mongol era in India,” suggesting that its bold flavours evoke the legend of Genghis Khan. “
Naming a dish after a warlord is a poetic flourish that speaks more to the imagination of the cooks and patrons,” he notes. “It’s a dish designed to conjure intensity, a little like the man himself.”
The Making of Chicken Changezi: A Layered Culinary Experience
What sets Chicken Changezi apart from other Mughlai dishes is its unique, two-step preparation. Unlike the Mughlai classics that luxuriate in nuts and cream, this dish emphasizes the depth of spices, tomatoes, and ghee.
The process starts by marinating the chicken in a yogurt, ginger, and garlic blend infused with earthy spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. After marinating, the chicken is cooked in a rich tomato-based gravy, which is both tangy and smoky, thanks to the addition of fenugreek leaves. The result is a dish that combines bold, spicy, and tangy notes with a smoky undertone that lingers.
Chef Kunal Kapoor describes this layered approach as key to the dish’s appeal: “Chicken Changezi stands out because of its dual-stage cooking process,” he explains. “It’s a relic of a time when flavours were layered slowly, meticulously, letting each ingredient speak.”
A Taste of Mughal History: Mughlai Cuisine as a Fusion of Cultures
Mughlai cuisine itself, which Chicken Changezi is now associated with, represents a culinary meeting point between Persian, Central Asian, and Indian influences. The Mughal Empire, with Delhi as its heart, introduced the Indian subcontinent to techniques such as grilling meat over open flames, marinating with yogurt, and using aromatic spices, which were combined with local ingredients.
Food historian Colleen Taylor Sen writes that Mughlai cuisine “celebrates both luxury and simplicity,” achieving a balance between refined richness and rustic flavour. The juxtaposition of Chicken Changezi’s intense flavours with more delicate Mughlai staples like kormas or rich biryanis highlights the adaptability and diversity of Indian cuisine over the centuries.
My journey to Discovering Chicken Changezi’s Bold Flavours
Back in that Old Delhi restaurant, my curiosity was piqued not only by the dish’s name but by the entire ambiance. Low-hanging bulbs cast a warm glow over metal plates as a symphony of sizzling pots and fragrant spices filled the air. When the dish arrived, I took my first bite, and it was electric—a burst of smoky spice, rich tomato, and creamy undertones that brought the experience full circle.
As I savoured each bite, I realized that Chicken Changezi holds more than just flavour—it carries layers of history and cultural adaptation. I felt a deep appreciation for how Mughlai cooking can encapsulate centuries of history in a single dish, evoking flavours from the rugged terrains of Central Asia, the sophistication of Persian palates, and the vibrant spices of India.
Why Chicken Changezi Continues to Thrive
In Delhi, the love for Chicken Changezi hasn’t diminished—it’s only grown. Daryaganj, home to eateries like Changezi Chicken, remains a destination for culinary explorers, locals, and food enthusiasts. This dish’s ability to combine historical influence with unapologetically bold flavours has made it a staple. And although variations abound—from spicier roadside dhaba renditions to the creamier versions in high-end restaurants—its essence remains unchanged. Chicken Changezi, in all its iterations, embodies India’s culinary tradition of adaptation, preservation, and celebration.
My favourites from my library
If you’re curious to delve deeper into the world of Mug
hlai cuisine and its history, here are some essential reads:
1. "Feasts and Fasts: A History of Food in India" by Colleen Taylor Sen
A comprehensive look at the development of Indian culinary traditions, including the Mughal period and its impact on Indian food culture.
2. "Indian Food: A Historical Companion" by K.T. Achaya
This work is a masterful exploration of Indian cuisine's evolution, examining influences from ancient times through the Mughal era and beyond.
3. "Delhi: A Soliloquy" by M Mukundan
While not solely about food, this novel offers an intimate look at Delhi’s character, including the layers of history that shape its culinary scene.
4. "The Mughal Feast: Recipes from the Kitchen of Emperor Shah Jahan" by Salma Yusuf Husain
A fascinating collection of recipes that provides insight into the opulent, flavourful cooking of the Mughal court, illustrating the culinary traditions that influenced dishes like Chicken Changezi.
5. "The Emperor’s Table: The Art of Mughal Cuisine" by Salma Yusuf Husain
For a beautifully researched and illustrated deep dive into Mughal culinary history, this book is a wonderful resource for food lovers and history buffs alike.
In every bite of Chicken Changezi, there’s a taste of history and a reminder of empires that have come and gone yet left their mark on the culinary landscape of India. More than just a dish, Chicken Changezi is a tribute to India’s ability to honour and transform the world’s flavours into something uniquely its own.
So, Lets look a little deeper next time with me into its authentic preparation and how modernization twisted the original recipe.
Till then Keep Cooking, Keep Reading!!