Butter Chicken vs. Chicken Tikka Masala – What’s the Difference?

“Rich bowls of Butter Chicken in creamy tomato sauce with naan bread, rice, spices and fresh coriander – served at Zahida Copenhagen.”

At Zahida in central Copenhagen, we proudly serve Butter Chicken. We don’t offer Chicken Tikka Masala, but it’s one of the dishes guests most often ask us about. So if you’ve ever wondered what separates the two, here’s a simple, honest breakdown.

Where They Come From

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, was created in Delhi in the 1950s. The story goes that leftover tandoori chicken was simmered in a tomato sauce enriched with butter and cream — and a classic was born. It’s comforting, rich, and deeply satisfying.

Chicken Tikka Masala, on the other hand, is generally associated with the UK. Many believe it was created in Britain when someone asked for more sauce with their grilled chicken tikka. The result became one of the most popular “curry house” dishes in the world.

So while both dishes share similar ingredients, their roots and style differ.

Flavour and Texture

Butter Chicken is smooth, creamy and balanced. It has warmth from spices like garam masala and fenugreek, but it’s typically mild and rounded. The sauce is silky and rich without being overwhelming — the kind of dish that works for almost everyone at the table.

Chicken Tikka Masala is usually a little bolder. The tomato base tends to be tangier, the spice level higher, and the sauce thicker. It often carries stronger notes of cumin, coriander and paprika.

In short:

Butter Chicken leans soft and comforting.

Tikka Masala leans punchy and robust.

Why We Serve Butter Chicken at Zahida

Our kitchen focuses on modern Indian–Pakistani flavours interpreted with a Nordic sensibility. We choose dishes that feel generous, balanced and shareable — and Butter Chicken fits that philosophy perfectly.

We prepare ours with halal chicken and a carefully balanced tomato-butter-cream sauce. It’s rich, but clean. Comforting, but not heavy. Perfect with naan or rice, and ideal when shared around the table with friends.

We don’t serve Chicken Tikka Masala, and that’s intentional. If you’re craving a creamy tomato-based chicken dish in Copenhagen, our Butter Chicken delivers that experience — just done in our way.

If you’re curious to try it yourself, explore our menu or book a table at Zahida and taste the difference.