Truth be told, John - Moti Mahal London was a class above the wonky Daryaganj original: in terms of food, service and ambience. Even the butter chicken in London tasted much, much better than the one in Old Delhi.
The funny thing was: the original Moti Mahal is no longer related to Moti Mahal, the international chain, nowadays! The founder, Kundan Lal Gujral, sold his restaurant to Vinod Chaddha, lock, stock & barrel. Hence, Vinod Chadda was able to carry on the business at the original outlet uninterrupted.
But, Kundan Lal Gujral’s son, Monish Gujral, holds the rights to the “Moti Mahal” brand-name, with the exception of the original restaurant in Daryaganj! And the London Moti Mahal was a franchise under his brand-name.
Back in Daryaganj, Vinod Chadda’s restaurant actually has a sign upfront which declares that it’s the original Moti Mahal, with no branches. At the same time, Moti Mahal, the restaurant chain, has at least a dozen Moti Mahals all over Delhi alone!
